The Hunt for the perfect 640

M

Mastrogiacomo

New member
What would you do - continue to wait for the pre lock or break down and buy one (cheap) with the lock until a miracle happens? I've been looking since 2000 and just not finding it. Truth be told, my current Smiths (all with locks) have never given me any trouble.
 
If I were you I would definitely hold off and wait for the "pre-lock" 640. They are scarce as hens teeth... but they are out there.

This past summer I purchased a used 1st generation 640 (1-7/8" barrel, .38 +P+) for $325.00. The owner said he had put less than 50 rounds through the gun and I believe him. The action was tight & very smooth and it had very little carbon build up on the underside of the top strap. To top it off... it shoots to "my" point of aim at 15 yards. Needless to say... I am extremely pleased. Based on my experience with this pre-lock 640 (no dash) I would say you should hold off and keep hunting for one. You won't be sorry when you find one.

Not trying to add salt to the wound... but I live only twelve miles to the north of Boston. I found mine this summer on the S&W Forum and the seller lived just outside of Boston. I would suggest that you check the S&W Forums and the local dealers that advertise online.

Good Luck in your search,

-Rick
 
If I were going to use it as a carry piece, as it was designed, I would wait and get the pre lock. No use tempting fate with that mickey mouse lock. Regards 18DAI.
 
About the locks

Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the locks either. But, has anybody ever heard or know of an incident in which the lock caused or contributed to the gun malfunctioning?:confused: I've been looking at a couple airweight hammerless 38 spec +p's w/ locks which seems that would be good for carry. If I bought one I'd just keep the keys in the carrying case and forget about them. But if anyone has heard about problems with the locks please share..

David
 
that's the problem...

Everybody's heard about the Ayoobian myth, but when researched it's as rare as the Beretta 92F ballistic slides... It's always an undocumented 2nd hand account.

All but one of my S&W's are 'lock' guns. 2 .357 magnums, 2 .45ACP's and a 500 S&W. All the magnums have fired hand loaded SAAMI level 'pressure' rounds ( what the book says don't exceed ), usually producing quite a substantial recoil pulse, which some have referred to as:

"Damn impressive."
"OUCH!"
"Holy $h!t"
"Hey, this thing singed my arm hair!"
"It was like the hand of God came down and shoved the gun"
and many more.

I've never had one of the locks engage under recoil and if I can't make it happen with recoil, chances are the average shooter won't. Truth be told, I know the lock works on each S&W, but each one has only been engaged once, then disengaged. YMMV, but the locks don't intimidate me.
 
Other option

If you can't find a 640, maybe consider an ugly hunchback 49 or 649 or one of those with the accessable hammer that is shrouded. I think those are even rarer than the hammerless Smiths around here. I would like to have one myself to complement my other 3 J frames. But I have only lately seen the airweights or standard steel, in blue, and most have lots of wear and tear from carry use or abuse. I don't have one Smith with the lock. Can't say negatives about it other than it is just extra parts to worry about, I guess. Useless appendages. Wait, while I unlock my gun, ya bad guy! :)
 
I've never had one of the locks engage under recoil
Click to expand...

I don't care if there has NEVER been a lock "fail." I don't care if it is just a hole in the sideplate with nothing behind it. It's MY gun and I don't want a hole in the side where there isn't supposed to be a hole!

I own a BUNCH of S&W revolvers but I still haven't broken down and gotten one with the hole in the side. You would THINK they would eventually make a "must have" gun but it hasn't happened yet!

Just put the darn lock somewhere I can't see it (like Ruger did) and I'll be willing to buy one! The whole "mystique of the revolver" is tradition. What's traditional about a hole?

Gregg
 
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