| S&W 640 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Service Revolver |
| Place of origin | USA |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1990–present |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Unit cost | $727.00 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 22.58 oz. ; 15.8 oz for alloy version |
| Length | 6.625" |
| Barrel length | 2.125" |
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| Caliber | .357 Magnum .38 Special .38 Special +P 9mm Luger |
| Action | DAO |
| Effective range | 22.86 meters |
| Maximum range | 45.72 meters |
| Feed system | 5-round cylinder |
| Sights | Fixed |
The Smith & Wesson Model 640 revolver is a 5-shot snubnosed revolver that is chambered in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum calibers. Like nearly all other "J-frame" Smith & Wesson revolvers, it has a swing-out cylinder, but this model features a concealed hammer. It has been in production since 1990 and is part of the Centennial line.[1]
The first model was chambered in .38 Special and fitted with a standard barrel of 1-7/8 inch length. The second model had a slightly heavier and longer barrel of 2-1/8 inch length. The gun was constructed entireley of stainless steel until 1995, when models were made in aluminium and designated "airweight".
A 3" barreled version was offered until 1993, when it was dropped from production. That same year S&W introduced the Model 940, similar in appearance, but chambered in 9mm Luger. In 1996 the 940 was dropped and S&W began chambering the 640 in .357 Magnum. Because of the power of the .357 magnum cartridge, the frame is strengthened just in front of the cylinder release on those models.[2]
In 2001 a Scandium framed version was introduced in .357 Magnum designated as the Model 340. This revolver weighed 10.9 ounces.[3]