Smith & Wesson Model 640
Encyclopedia
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.
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 chamberong 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.
In 2001 a Scandium
framed version was introduced in .357 Magnum designated as the Model 340. This revolver weighed 10.9 ounces.
Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson is the largest manufacturer of handguns in the United States. The corporate headquarters is in Springfield, Massachusetts. Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson's pistols and revolvers have become standard issue to police and armed forces throughout the world...
Model 640 revolver
Revolver
A revolver is a repeating firearm that has a cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The first revolver ever made was built by Elisha Collier in 1818. The percussion cap revolver was invented by Samuel Colt in 1836. This weapon became known as the Colt Paterson...
is a 5-shot snubnosed revolver that is chambered in either .38 Special
.38 Special
The .38 Smith & Wesson Special is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge designed by Smith & Wesson. It is most commonly used in revolvers, although some semi-automatic pistols and carbines also use this round...
or .357 Magnum
.357 Magnum
The .357 S&W Magnum , or simply .357 Magnum, is a revolver cartridge created by Elmer Keith, Phillip B. Sharpe, Colonel D. B. Wesson of firearms manufacturer Smith & Wesson, and Winchester. It is based upon Smith & Wesson's earlier .38 Special cartridge. The .357 Magnum cartridge was introduced in...
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
Smith & Wesson Centennial
S&W Centennial is a family of 5-shot revolvers made by Smith & Wesson on the "J-Frame". Centennial's feature a fully enclosed hammer, which makes them Double Action Only firearms. Like nearly all other "J-frame" Smith & Wesson revolvers, they have a swing-out cylinder...
line.
The first model was chambered in .38 Special
.38 Special
The .38 Smith & Wesson Special is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge designed by Smith & Wesson. It is most commonly used in revolvers, although some semi-automatic pistols and carbines also use this round...
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 chamberong 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.
In 2001 a Scandium
Scandium
Scandium is a chemical element with symbol Sc and atomic number 21. A silvery-white metallic transition metal, it has historically been sometimes classified as a rare earth element, together with yttrium and the lanthanoids...
framed version was introduced in .357 Magnum designated as the Model 340. This revolver weighed 10.9 ounces.