Smith & Wesson Model 640

The Smith & Wesson Model 640 revolver is a 5-shot snubnosed revolver that is chambered in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum caliber introduced in 1989.

S&W 640
Type	Service Revolver
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1989–present
Production history
Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Unit cost	$729.00[1]
Specifications
Mass	22.58 oz.; 15.8 oz for alloy version
Length	6.56"[1]
Barrel length	2.125"[1]
Caliber	.357 Magnum .38 Special .38 Special +P
Action	DAO
Effective firing range	22.86 meters
Maximum firing range	45.72 meters
Feed system	5-round cylinder
Sights	Fixed

History

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.

A 3" barreled version was offered until 1993, when it was dropped from production.

In 1995 the model 642 was introduced which was made in aluminium and designated "airweight".

In 1996, 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]

Design

The gun was constructed entirely of stainless steel.

Like other "J-frame" Smith & Wesson revolvers, it has a swing-out cylinder, but this model features a concealed hammer, and is part of the Centennial line.^[3]

Variants

Model 940

• Produced from 1993 to 1996
• Similar in appearance to 640, but chambered in 9mm Luger

Model 340

• Scandium framed
• Introduced in 2001
• Weighed 10.9 ounces^[4]
• Chambered in 357 Magnum

Users

• United States
  • New York City Police Department
    • Used by officer Walter Weaver during the September 11, 2001 attacks
      • Currently displayed in the NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Virginia^[5]