Introduction
In a world where personal safety is paramount, the quest for a reliable, easily concealable firearm is a constant. The Smith & Wesson Model 640, a compact revolver steeped in history and purpose, has earned its place as a trusted companion for those who prioritize self-defense. This review delves into the heart of the S And W Model 640, exploring its features, performance, and its suitability for the role it’s designed to fulfill: protecting you when you need it most. We’ll analyze what makes this firearm a standout choice, examining its strengths and acknowledging its limitations to provide a comprehensive understanding for prospective owners and firearm enthusiasts alike.
The Model 640 isn’t just another gun; it’s a direct descendant of a long line of revolvers designed for concealed carry and personal protection. Rooted in Smith & Wesson’s commitment to quality and innovation, it represents a culmination of decades of engineering and refinement. Its compact design and robust build have made it a favorite among law enforcement and civilian concealed carry permit holders. Understanding the history and intent behind the S And W Model 640 is critical to appreciating its design and utility. It’s a firearm born of necessity and built for a specific purpose: to be there when it matters most.
Examining the Hardware: Specs and Features of the Model 640
The foundation of any exceptional firearm lies in its construction and the thoughtful integration of its components. The S And W Model 640 showcases Smith & Wesson’s dedication to quality, utilizing materials that ensure durability and reliability.
The heart of the Model 640 is its frame, meticulously crafted from stainless steel. This material selection is no accident. Stainless steel offers remarkable resistance to corrosion, safeguarding the firearm from the elements and daily wear and tear. This robust construction extends the life of the gun and ensures it functions flawlessly in various conditions, making it a practical choice for everyday carry.
Matching the frame in resilience is the cylinder. Also made of stainless steel, the cylinder of the S And W Model 640 is designed to withstand the pressures generated by powerful ammunition, be it .38 Special or the more potent .357 Magnum. The cylinder’s construction is vital; it directly impacts the firearm’s ability to handle various loads and maintain a level of accuracy and safety. The careful selection of stainless steel in both the frame and cylinder underscores Smith & Wesson’s commitment to building a firearm designed for longevity and dependability.
The design of the Model 640 is optimized for concealed carry, and a critical aspect of this design is the barrel length. Typically, the barrel is intentionally kept short. This reduction in length enhances concealability, allowing the firearm to be easily concealed under clothing. While shorter barrels may, in some cases, affect ballistics, they are a necessary compromise to optimize the weapon’s suitability for personal defense applications. The barrel, carefully crafted to balance accuracy and concealability, plays a vital role in the Model 640’s overall purpose.
The dimensions and weight of a concealed carry firearm are paramount to its effectiveness and ease of use. The S And W Model 640 achieves a balance between being small enough to carry discreetly and robust enough to handle potent ammunition. The overall dimensions, carefully sculpted, contribute to the ease with which it can be concealed. The height, width, and overall length are specifically engineered to minimize printing, meaning that the outline of the gun is less visible through clothing.
The weight, another essential factor, impacts the comfort of carrying the firearm daily. The weight, while substantial enough to absorb recoil to some extent, remains manageable, preventing the weapon from becoming cumbersome. This balance allows the S And W Model 640 to be carried discreetly for extended periods. The carefully considered dimensions and weight represent a critical aspect of the Model 640’s overall design, making it an ideal choice for everyday concealed carry.
The action is a key characteristic of any firearm. The S And W Model 640 features a double-action-only (DAO) mechanism. This mechanism dictates that the shooter must pull the trigger through its entire arc to both cock the hammer and fire the round. The absence of a single-action mode, where the hammer can be pre-cocked, might seem like a limitation, but it contributes to the safety and reliability of the firearm. The DAO design, by eliminating the possibility of unintentionally cocking the hammer, helps prevent accidental discharge. It also simplifies the design, leading to greater reliability, making it an ideal choice for a self-defense weapon. This design choice contributes to the firearm’s ease of use and its suitability for concealed carry situations.
The Model 640 typically features fixed sights. Fixed sights are durable and inherently simple, which minimizes the chances of them being knocked out of alignment during handling or during a struggle. Their design is typically straightforward, aiding in quick target acquisition. While they might not offer the adjustability of other sight types, their reliability and ease of use perfectly complement the intended purpose of the S And W Model 640, which is to be a straightforward, easy-to-use self-defense tool.
The grips are another crucial component of the S And W Model 640, playing a direct role in the shooter’s comfort and control. The grips are generally constructed of rubber, offering a secure and comfortable hold, even when wet. The grip design facilitates both recoil management and overall handling. The texture and shape of the grips contribute to secure control, allowing the shooter to maintain a firm grip during recoil, and to ensure consistent and effective shot placement.
Though typically not a focus of revolvers, safety features are present by way of design. The S And W Model 640 doesn’t have any manual safeties. Instead, the DAO trigger action and the design of the revolver itself function as the primary safety mechanisms. This simplified design helps to avoid unnecessary complexity, making it easier to operate under stress.
Putting it to the Test: Performance and Handling
Beyond the specifications, the true measure of a firearm lies in its performance and how it feels in the hands. The S And W Model 640 is designed to be a reliable and effective self-defense tool, and its handling characteristics contribute significantly to this goal.
The ergonomics of the Model 640 are designed to be straightforward and practical. The firearm, even with its small size, is designed to fit comfortably in the hand, providing a good feel and secure grip. While it might not have the same level of handling as a larger firearm, its compact size and thoughtful design allows for sufficient purchase to handle the power of the ammunition.
Recoil management is crucial, especially with a compact firearm that can chamber powerful ammunition. The stainless steel construction of the S And W Model 640 adds weight, which helps in mitigating recoil. The grips further aid in absorbing some of the recoil energy, providing a secure hold. The design allows for relatively easy follow-up shots, enabling the shooter to regain control quickly and get on target again.
Accuracy, of course, is a critical factor in any firearm’s effectiveness. The S And W Model 640, while not designed for target shooting at long ranges, delivers acceptable accuracy at self-defense distances. The fixed sights are designed to facilitate rapid target acquisition, allowing for quick and accurate shot placement at typical engagement ranges. Proper training and practice are essential to maximizing the S And W Model 640’s potential.
Reliability is an absolute must in a self-defense firearm. The S And W Model 640 has earned a reputation for being exceptionally reliable. Its simple design and robust construction contribute to its ability to function flawlessly. The ability to handle a wide range of ammunition is a testament to its reliability. The revolver design and the absence of intricate mechanisms minimize the chance of malfunctions, making it a dependable choice.
The trigger pull, especially the weight and smoothness of the DAO trigger, plays a significant role in accuracy and overall handling. The trigger pull of the S And W Model 640 typically exhibits a smooth, though deliberate action. The longer trigger pull, which is characteristic of DAO revolvers, requires deliberate pressure but contributes to safety. The trigger pull, while requiring practice, can contribute to accurate shot placement when the shooter is accustomed to it.
Concealed Carry Capabilities: The Model 640 on the Body
The S And W Model 640 is specifically engineered for concealed carry, so its suitability for this purpose is paramount. Its design, dimensions, and weight are all optimized for comfortable and discreet everyday carry.
One of the main attributes to consider is concealability. The Model 640’s compact dimensions and relatively low weight make it an excellent choice for concealed carry. It is easily concealed in a variety of ways. The small size contributes significantly to concealability, making it less likely to “print” through clothing. The weight is manageable, allowing it to be carried comfortably for extended periods.
The advantages of the S And W Model 640 for concealed carry are numerous. The size and weight make it easy to conceal. The reliability provides peace of mind, allowing the carrier to feel confident in its ability to function when needed. The powerful ammunition options add a further level of reassurance.
Of course, there are some disadvantages of carrying the S And W Model 640. The limited ammunition capacity is one of the biggest drawbacks. The small cylinder holds a relatively few rounds compared to other firearms, which places an emphasis on shot placement. The recoil, particularly with .357 Magnum rounds, can be significant.
Weighing the Scales: Pros and Cons of the 640
To get a complete picture, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages.
Some of the key advantages are the strong and durable construction. The S And W Model 640 is built to last, with its stainless steel frame and cylinder. The compact size offers exceptional concealment. The versatility of being able to chamber .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds provides a wide range of ammunition choices. Maintenance is also made easier with its robust design.
The disadvantages, however, include the limited ammunition capacity. The high recoil, especially with .357 Magnum ammunition, can be off-putting for some shooters. Reloading the revolver is comparatively slow. The trigger pull of the DAO design takes some getting used to.
Comparisons and Contrasts
When considering the S And W Model 640, it’s beneficial to compare it with similar offerings in the market. The Ruger LCR is a close competitor, known for its lightweight design and ease of carry. The Colt Cobra is another, offering a classic design with modern improvements. When comparing, consider things such as size, weight, the trigger mechanism, and, of course, price.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
In conclusion, the S And W Model 640 is a well-crafted revolver that is a solid choice for anyone prioritizing personal protection. It excels at concealed carry. The compact size, robust construction, and dependable operation make it a trustworthy choice.
For those seeking a firearm primarily for concealed carry, the S And W Model 640 is a strong recommendation. It balances size, weight, and power. If you are looking for a reliable and easily concealed firearm, the S And W Model 640 is well worth considering.
