10:46 - 5 shots 5 hits in less than 4 seconds . No mags falling out , no safeties left on , no whoops I don't have a round in the chamber , no jam, no worries of limp wristing , and one squib round won't stop the next from firing . Good shooting , great little guns !
When I was working for the sheriff back in the early 80s I carried the model 36 in an ankle holster. Carried it for many years. As a matter fact I still have it.I like all your videos. Thank you.
Well, I bought a 640 Pro. Awesome hand gun. Traded a Sig 938 for it. Semi-autos for self defense are great when you listen to a marketer. But in reality, if you are worried about defending yourself, get a revolver.
I just got a revolver S & W 642 today. Thought hard on G 42 but some doubts on the .380 round. Due to disability my posture is not perfect so I worry abt light strikes,misfires, etc. It appears the .380 is very finicky when it comes to this.
Mr. 45, my wife has had a 3" bull barrel 640 since the 1 year that they made that model. It points like your finger & the action is glass smooth. I'll stay with my SP-101 doa I've had since that same year. Great guns. Thank-you, Dante.
My 640 no dash is my first handgun purchase over 20 years ago, and still shooting like new. I never felt under defense with it and the Seecamp .32 mouse gun as backup.
I agree with you a 100% I love my 638..Im a LEO and that's what I carry off duty I have an M&P 40c but always go back to that little 38...Thanks Hickok love your show and always look for new videos on your site be safe.
well when I was younger , revolvers were not experts guns, we just all had them . so I really dont agree with that. BUT I do agree , you master the trigger, which is easy ( just requires you to shoot it every so often like any other gun) then you could shoot anything well.
@@EricTheActor805 yes but mainly they only have the first shot double action and the follow up shots are single action. police depts also had double action only which had all the shots double action. but that only last a little while, though you are right many were produced, but we dont see them much. i think most were as popular with regular folks.
Thank you for a revolver video. I love all types of handguns but revolvers are special. A 5 shot J frame with 38 +P with a good hollow point is a great self defense round. I reload and 38 special is one of the easiest calibers to reload. There are all kinds of bullets out there you can use for just general plinking or target shooting. For self defense there are a lot of companies that make good quality hollow point bullets in a bunch of different weights. Anyway, thanks again for the revolver video. Gets me fired up to head for the range tomorrow.
Thank you for standing up for revolvers! I too was raised on them and have always felt I could better hit what I was aiming at with one! Nothing like wood and steel, this is why a gun like this will be with you long after you leave the glock at home...just shootable and loveable :D
Love this 640-1 357 mag I have (no hillery hole) , It's a great choice for the woods , first 2 rnds are snake shot then 3-rnds of 357. Being stainless sweat doesn't bother it ⚡
I feel the same way about the accuracy of revolvers, point & shoot, more forgiving. Maybe less moving parts, no slide cycling! But if someone bets I can't hit a target at 30 yards, I will use a revolver over a pistol. I was glad to hear you point that out, Hickok45.
You pronounced Worcester, MA correctly! Props to you! Almost no one from out of state (and many from MA itself) can even get close to pronouncing that :P Anyway. That seems like a cool little revolver! Keep up the good fight. I love your videos! Sincerely, An avid shooter from Massachusetts :)
+hickok45 I think the statement you make at 12:19 about being more on target with a revolver is accurate. The first handgun I ever fired was a Browning Hi-Power when I was maybe 12 years old. I got to shoot a 6 inch Colt Python in the same day, and I was much more accurate with it. Semi-auto pistols take some getting used to and are a bit awkward for first time shooters, or at least in my experience. The Colt Python on the other hand was very well balanced and more natural feeling than the Hi-Power. Looking back, I was very lucky to get to shoot such cool firearms and it being my first handgun experience.
Recently got a 637, 1st J frame for me. I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved it! Blew through way more ammo at the range than planned, it felt so good I just couldn't stop!
I think the best positives on a revolver would equate to a SHTF scenario. If you think about it, you can never loose a magazine. With a speed-loader or if you just need one bullet, it takes less time to load ( by only a fraction of a second, but who knows when you need that moment). And for larger calibers, you wont need to worry about a malfunction, such as a failure to go into battery, eject, gets too dirty, ect.
+ims0deranged Agreed. No recoil springs to go bad, no magazine springs to go bad, won't get finicky about feeding beat-up lead bullets, won't jam with under-powered 40 year old loads that may not have 100% of the power they once did for whatever reason... The list could go on. A good .357/.38 is a must for a long-term SHTF scenario.
Does the judge shoot .45ACP or .45LC? .45LC will be even harder to find than .38, if that matters. I've been looking at that too, but I decided on the S&W Governer, as it takes .45LC, 410, and .45ACP. Not the next gun on my list, but it's on my list. Hickok has a video on it.
Wow. I'm really grateful you commented on that. This whole time I thought it was 45 ACP! But the judge only takes .45 LC... well this changes my mind a little. I like the S&W Governer, but I want like a full size barrel and grip.
The S&W 686+ is another GREAT gun to consider, 7rds of .38/.357! I own many revolvers, my 3" 686+ Talo Custom is one of my absolute favorites, built like a tank, sexy, and the perfect length.
Hi Hickok. I own one of the centennials in .38 special which came with wooden grips, which I still have on. Mine was issued in 1993 by the NYPD. The air weights cannot shoot +P ammo. I like semi autos but I was taught in the military that you should always have at least one revolver. When I was in the service we didn't have any semis, only the good old .38's. That was the late 70's and early 80's. I think that stems from a lot of semis in the 80's and older would jam up somewhat easily. I was taught that you could leave a revolver in mud forever and then just pick it up at any time and it will fire. That couldn't always be said about semi autos and I think you may be old enough to know that to be true, lol. I have taught my kids the same thing.......always have at least one revolver. This was my backup just in case I had any major malfunctions with my 9mm at the time. I really love that little centennial. I used to carry it in my jacket pocket when I was walking into some hairy situations. I didn't have to worry about a hammer getting caught on anything so it was a great gun for that. Always enjoy your stuff and have for a long time already. God bless.
James Bond's other gun... "There’s only one gun for that, sir,’ said Major Boothroyd stolidly. ‘Smith & Wesson Centennial Airweight. Revolver. .38 calibre. Hammerless, so it won’t catch in clothing. Overall length of six and a half inches and it only weighs thirteen ounces. To keep down the weight, the cylinder holds only five cartridges. But by the time they’re gone,’ Major Boothroyd allowed himself a wintry smile, ‘somebody’s been killed." ~ James Bond's other gun, Ian Fleming's Dr. No
That was the original Centennial Airweight (pre-Model 42), which had a tiresome grip safety. I'd presume Boothroyd either had that grip safety removed (because he's part of Q Branch) or taped it down similar to how Bond had taped the grip safety down on his old Beretta 418.
The 38 is more than adequate for self defense. One round in center mass will take the starch out of most people...add a second one and game over most likely
I am an expert with the revolver and carried on duty for 20 years but the day I was approved for semi auto I felt as if I was armed for the first time in my life.
This video is as spot on as it gets. Ive owned all the glocks involved and the 642 and the 642 is like carrying a wallet and with the Hogue grips its a very accurate little sidearm.
This one is a beauty. I just wish they would make it with a blue finish instead of just stainless; my favorite color scheme for revolvers is having a blue frame and wood grips.
I grew up on semi-autos. I felt scornful towards the double action trigger on the little revolvers. Then I ran some tactical shooting drills with a Ruger LCR, basic fire and move on 5 IDPA style targets. I was amazed! I could easily keep shot center of mass with that little thing. I bought one immediately, and it carries easily. I now love those little revolvers. I want to get the new "classic" S&W model 37. I probably won't choose it over the LCR for carry, but it sure is a pretty little gun.
Nice video Hickock. I live in Grafton, MA and go to the Gun Parlor all the time. Very knowledgable group of guys that shoot guns, know guns and actually are carrying guns. They have a broad selection of guns as well. Glad to see a local shop on here from woooosta!
I'm impressed that you pronounced Worchester like a true New Englander. "Wusta" to all of you outsiders who don't know. The lobstas are wicked good in Baa Habba this time of yeea.
Hey Hickok45 thanks for these awesome videos. I just purchased my first firearm ever and thanks to your videos I was able to figure out which type of gun would be best for me. Of course if I could I would buy probably half the videos you've shown on your channel but for now I've chosen to start of with the Ruger SR9c. Keep up the great work.
Had a J-Frame day at the range today. Your video was timely and right on the money. Nothing like a little 'Centennial' or an old "Chief's Special". Disappointed, no GONG. I lobbed five at our 75 yd gong. No joy. Everyone should experience a good S&W DA trigger.
I carry a 642 as a BUG still today. It’s either my BUG at work or the gun I carry when I’m “unarmed”. Throw a couple speed strips on your pocket as you’re not really armed but you aren’t unarmed either haha. My 642 was the first handgun I ever bought when I was 21 as an EDC. It was used and came with a Crimson Trace Laser. That was 11 years ago. Still serves me well.
I have a 642 and just bought a 640, so I can get the 357 mag in a steel pocket gun. Great gun, fun shooter. I did add the Hogue Tamer grip because of the 357 power. I will keep both because they each fill a different role in conceal carry.
I have a 642 and love this revolver it's my EDC. I put some Hogue round butt rubber monogrips and now I can fire this gun all day long at the range with no problems. I can also grip the gun a whole lot better in an emergency too. Much better self defense gun with these grips on! I highly recommend them to anyone with this revolver or any other super lightweight revolver with an inadequate factory grip.
Have you noticed in the trigger, pulling the trigger back you can feel a notch or a small catch that you can use as a holding point just before it lets go. It gives you a hair trigger like effect.
I have one of the origanal M640s in 38 special that says tested for +p+ inside the cylinder window. absolutely love this gun. wish S&W would just bring it back instead of the magnum version.
I love my SW mod 36 - just prefer the all steel J frame over the lighter models. When I carry mine I also have extra ammo on two ammo strips - they lay very flat in the pocket as opposed to the speed loaders.
I have two of these. One is a stainless steel model that I bought in the mid-90's. The original wooden grips were miserable by themselves, but when I added a Tyler T-grip, the gun became very pleasant. I later bought an Airweight. The Airweight is nice for when I'm wearing sweats in the house and want a gun that doesn't pull them down. The full steel model is just to heavy for anything less than jeans or cargo pants.
"Hickok45 here. Let's see if I can hit that mosquito buzzing around the gong" *bang* *splat* "That bloodsucker is dead haha cool" I imagine this dialogue happening every time you go for the gong. Awesome shooting and reviews!
Of all the J's. ... the 640 38 is my favorite. First CCW gun I had here in Texas was (and I still have it) a 640 I had a red insert front sight installed and Eagle Secret Service stocks. Yea I pack a Sig P365 now days in the snubby roll (IWB holster) but... I won't fret if all I have is my 640 (but then I'd have my shotgun to!)
Yea!! "I believe in steel".. I got rid of most of my new-age snubbys (scandium smith nightguard, ruger lcr, bodyguard) and made a b-line right for the all steel models. (I did hold onto one s&w 442 tho). There is just no comparison. The weight and heft are welcome and at the very least, I can now hit the barn door.
They make 6 shot snubbys built on the k-frame similar to that model 640 u got there..It's not much bigger than your typical j frame. I know 6 isn't much different than 5 but when u get into speed loaders that 6 can turn to 12 almost as quick as swapping out a magazine. And your right a 38 spl especially in + p is very comparable to a 9mm. I love both the 38 spl and 9mm, I feel they both have the perfect balance of power, & recoil. Great video btw..your channel is great.
That 640 barrel looks a bit dinky compared to my 1996 version. I guess in '96 the .38 version was dropped and the .357 version came in, with +P.. Beautiful little gun. Never had to fire mine in defense but I'm sure it can do the job.
The original Centennials, Models 40 and 42, actually had grip safeties which could be deactivated by locking them down with a pin that could be accessed with the grips removed. The Centennials, being a true “double action only,” unlike the Bodyguards which could be fired single action, did not require a “hammer block” as found in other S&W revolvers. This meant one less part to move inside the action and consequently a slightly smoother DA trigger pull.
Just picked up a used Smith 640-3 in .357 at the LGS. I slready have a Ruger LCR in .357 that I just love. Seeing the Smith.. i just had to have it. Perma-grin.
I still carry a Charter Arms 44 Special PUG 5 shot 240 grain silver tip as my back up, when needed. Weighs 19 ounces unloaded and I feel hitting a target with a baseball bat is still better than hitting one with a ice peak.The 38 Special would be my second choice. Of course, this is my belief...
I have the same grip on my J frame model 60-4. The stock grip was an Uncle Mikes style "birds head" and felt quite good. But, for carry it is about an inch longer than this Hogue boot grip and a little harder to conceal under a T shirt. The Hogue feels very good and conceals much better. You can't tell any difference when shooting the revolver either.
I have the 649 s&w its stainless. Its my carry gun & I love it. Its in 357 and only 5 rounds , But when it goes off it gets alot of respect. alittle bit heavy, But not bad in a pocket holster. Only one thing I dont like about it is the key lock.
I like the old Smith snubs, but for carry I'd rather have my Ruger LCR in .38spl. Now that they took the lock out of the grip it's 13.1 ounces unloaded according to my scale, has a fantastic factory trigger that is better than any S&W standard trigger I've felt (note the word standard) and has very little recoil due to the construction and Hogue Tamer grips.
so when you carry a revolver in your pocket would you also have a speed strip with you to reload ? I would assume in most needed situations five rounds would be enough . Nice lil' revolver by the way. Would be nice to see the .357 version .
So when do we get to see a J-Frame in .357 magnum? As impractical as it might be in such a small, light package it would still be fun to see Hickok play around with one. Oh, and the Gun Parlor sends the coolest guns.
Completely agree. Got the opportunity with a Model 60 in 357 and it was 'fun'. However, it's the same situation I have with my SP101: I love the gun to death and I do carry it from time to time just because I feel bad for it sitting around collecting dust (just kidding, I keep the collection clean). It handles the recoil of stout .357's better than the J-Frames but it's still not pleasant. As far as carry, with the 3-inch barrel it's just too big to really want to carry all the time. Weight doesn't bother me as much because my regular carry is a Model 36. Yes, I like revolvers. And yes, I love autos as well. Although I'm more of a .40 guy than a 10mm.
It's getting harder and harder to find Model 19's. I saw one 4" model at a flea market last year, that was in good shape. Guy was asking $650 and if I'd had the cash I would've done it but I didn't have the money so I didn't get it. A part of me also thought you could still buy used revolvers for a couple hundred bucks. It wasn't until I saw a 6" in a gun shop recently that I realized that those were the only two I'd seen in probably a year and a half. And I live in gun country, visiting all the gun-stores and flea markets and yard sales I can get around to and they supply's dried up. I'm personally looking for a 2.5" Model 19 but if I find one of those in the wild I'll be very surprised. Once my next gun allowance gets big enough I'll probably just try to find a nice one online and overpay for my dream gun.
+Sedan57Chevy I picked up a 60-15 3" a few years back and like you guys I'm very fond of it. Yeah, it's tougher to shoot than my 1911, but still it's the gun I keep on my nightstand. A revolver has a very simple manual of arms. You pull the trigger and it goes bang!😉 Frankly, I just feel like I could handle it better in a pinch.
Great !!! Can You please tell SMITH & WESSON TO PUT THREE FINGER HOGUE GRIPS ON THE 642, 637, & THE BODYGUARD, & ALL OF THE REVOLVERS..GOSH DAMNIT !!!💥👍💥
I really enjoy your channel hickock but I'd have to say, for those of us that don't shoot as much as you, these j frames can be a handful. I wholeheartedly agree on the sweetness of the j frame, though.
Love my .38! I carry the Ruger LCR and have grown attached to it. Very similar to this S&W 640 design. Under 14 oz. unloaded the LCR disappears under the belt. I also have a Taurus .38 but it is not a good carry due to weight and hammer but a blast to shoot. All the talk about .38 being a weak round is pointless. Compared to a .357 it is a lesser round...same is true of the .357 compared to the .44 and so on. The .38 +P is more than enough for self defense. With the hammerless design no matter where you have it (purse, under a pillow or blanket, in a jacket pocket, etc) it is going to operate reliably. They are also easy as pie to clean :-)
Definitely get a version WITHOUT the infernal lock, if you are interested in any of the J-frames. It's well documented how problematic these lock mechanisms can be in the small revolvers, so having that option to not be saddled with these incipid devices will spare you from potentially fatal (to you and your loved ones) grief and sorrow in the future. The only reason for these stupid locks being installed in the guns is that the company that last bought S&W makes the damn things.
Glad S&W is making the heinous lock an option. Whoever designed that lock should be fired, over complicated garbage. All that was necessary was a cam in the cylinder release button itself to hold it in the forward position, which blocks the hammer & locks up the action. Keep the great vids rolling:)
S&W 940 >>> 640 in .357 Mag. With Corbon +P we chrono'd identical muzzle energy. Yet, there was minimal kick in the 940, negligible flash, and we didn't ruin our hearing :). Also, the full moon clips allow easy ammo carry and fast reloads. That old 940 we own is also the most accurate revolver we've fired but damned if we know why. Hickok is talking from experience there about Centennial accuracy.
No hammer means it's less likely to snag on clothing and, although I wouldn't advise it, I imagine it could be fired multiple times from inside of a coat pocket if it became necessary. Pretty hard on the coat!
10:46 - 5 shots 5 hits in less than 4 seconds . No mags falling out , no safeties left on , no whoops I don't have a round in the chamber , no jam, no worries of limp wristing , and one squib round won't stop the next from firing . Good shooting , great little guns !
Nothing says old school badass with a big dose of class like a vintage S&W J frame revolver as a daily carry piece.
Thank you! I have a S&W 640... You can see it in my page... I EDC it all summer...
When I was working for the sheriff back in the early 80s I carried the model 36 in an ankle holster. Carried it for many years. As a matter fact I still have it.I like all your videos. Thank you.
Well, I bought a 640 Pro. Awesome hand gun. Traded a Sig 938 for it. Semi-autos for self defense are great when you listen to a marketer. But in reality, if you are worried about defending yourself, get a revolver.
I just got a revolver S & W 642 today. Thought hard on G 42 but some doubts on the .380 round. Due to disability my posture is not perfect so I worry abt light strikes,misfires, etc. It appears the .380 is very finicky when it comes to this.
Revolvers don't litter.
Have a P938 and several S&W wheels. I carry 2 jframes loaded 38+p. Call me crazy … 👍✌️
Mr. 45, my wife has had a 3" bull barrel 640 since the 1 year that they made that model. It points like your finger & the action is glass smooth. I'll stay with my SP-101 doa I've had since that same year. Great guns. Thank-you, Dante.
My 640 no dash is my first handgun purchase over 20 years ago, and still shooting like new. I never felt under defense with it and the Seecamp .32 mouse gun as backup.
I agree with you a 100% I love my 638..Im a LEO and that's what I carry off duty I have an M&P 40c but always go back to that little 38...Thanks Hickok love your show and always look for new videos on your site be safe.
The Revolver is an experts gun. Mastering the double action trigger will make you a master of all triggers.
Why not just use the revolvers and then that would help improve shooting skills.
Practice left handed.
well when I was younger , revolvers were not experts guns, we just all had them . so I really dont agree with that. BUT I do agree , you master the trigger, which is easy ( just requires you to shoot it every so often like any other gun) then you could shoot anything well.
Arent there many Double Action Semi Autos?
@@EricTheActor805 yes but mainly they only have the first shot double action and the follow up shots are single action. police depts also had double action only which had all the shots double action. but that only last a little while, though you are right many were produced, but we dont see them much. i think most were as popular with regular folks.
With the utmost respect, Hickok45...8 rounds vs 5 rounds shouldn't matter too much for an ace shooter like yourself.
Love all my S&W revolvers, carried my model 36 in a ankle rig as a backup for over 25 years, great shooter. thanks for sharing
You can tell which guns he is truly passionate about. Makes for the best of his reviews
I prefer the all steel 640 ! Great video
Thank you for a revolver video. I love all types of handguns but revolvers are special. A 5 shot J frame with 38 +P with a good hollow point is a great self defense round. I reload and 38 special is one of the easiest calibers to reload. There are all kinds of bullets out there you can use for just general plinking or target shooting. For self defense there are a lot of companies that make good quality hollow point bullets in a bunch of different weights. Anyway, thanks again for the revolver video. Gets me fired up to head for the range tomorrow.
Thank you.
Got to love S&W triggers. Best in the business in my opinion.
Thank you for standing up for revolvers! I too was raised on them and have always felt I could better hit what I was aiming at with one! Nothing like wood and steel, this is why a gun like this will be with you long after you leave the glock at home...just shootable and loveable :D
Love this 640-1 357 mag I have (no hillery hole) , It's a great choice for the woods , first 2 rnds are snake shot then 3-rnds of 357. Being stainless sweat doesn't bother it ⚡
Absolutely love my 640 Pro .357 (and all other S&Ws) Light enough for comfort, but heavy enough to tame magnum rounds.
I feel the same way about the accuracy of revolvers, point & shoot, more forgiving. Maybe less moving parts, no slide cycling! But if someone bets I can't hit a target at 30 yards, I will use a revolver over a pistol. I was glad to hear you point that out, Hickok45.
You pronounced Worcester, MA correctly! Props to you! Almost no one from out of state (and many from MA itself) can even get close to pronouncing that :P
Anyway. That seems like a cool little revolver! Keep up the good fight. I love your videos!
Sincerely,
An avid shooter from Massachusetts :)
+hickok45 I think the statement you make at 12:19 about being more on target with a revolver is accurate. The first handgun I ever fired was a Browning Hi-Power when I was maybe 12 years old. I got to shoot a 6 inch Colt Python in the same day, and I was much more accurate with it. Semi-auto pistols take some getting used to and are a bit awkward for first time shooters, or at least in my experience. The Colt Python on the other hand was very well balanced and more natural feeling than the Hi-Power. Looking back, I was very lucky to get to shoot such cool firearms and it being my first handgun experience.
Recently got a 637, 1st J frame for me. I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved it! Blew through way more ammo at the range than planned, it felt so good I just couldn't stop!
I felt that way about the classic s&w .38 snub nose revolver. It was the most comfortable handgun I’ve ever held. Beautiful.
I think the best positives on a revolver would equate to a SHTF scenario. If you think about it, you can never loose a magazine. With a speed-loader or if you just need one bullet, it takes less time to load ( by only a fraction of a second, but who knows when you need that moment). And for larger calibers, you wont need to worry about a malfunction, such as a failure to go into battery, eject, gets too dirty, ect.
+ims0deranged Agreed. No recoil springs to go bad, no magazine springs to go bad, won't get finicky about feeding beat-up lead bullets, won't jam with under-powered 40 year old loads that may not have 100% of the power they once did for whatever reason...
The list could go on. A good .357/.38 is a must for a long-term SHTF scenario.
Does the judge shoot .45ACP or .45LC? .45LC will be even harder to find than .38, if that matters. I've been looking at that too, but I decided on the S&W Governer, as it takes .45LC, 410, and .45ACP. Not the next gun on my list, but it's on my list. Hickok has a video on it.
Wow. I'm really grateful you commented on that. This whole time I thought it was 45 ACP! But the judge only takes .45 LC... well this changes my mind a little. I like the S&W Governer, but I want like a full size barrel and grip.
The S&W 686+ is another GREAT gun to consider, 7rds of .38/.357! I own many revolvers, my 3" 686+ Talo Custom is one of my absolute favorites, built like a tank, sexy, and the perfect length.
Hickok actually has the exact same gun I mentioned, it's been featured in several of his videos.
Hi Hickok. I own one of the centennials in .38 special which came with wooden grips, which I still have on. Mine was issued in 1993 by the NYPD. The air weights cannot shoot +P ammo. I like semi autos but I was taught in the military that you should always have at least one revolver. When I was in the service we didn't have any semis, only the good old .38's. That was the late 70's and early 80's. I think that stems from a lot of semis in the 80's and older would jam up somewhat easily. I was taught that you could leave a revolver in mud forever and then just pick it up at any time and it will fire. That couldn't always be said about semi autos and I think you may be old enough to know that to be true, lol. I have taught my kids the same thing.......always have at least one revolver. This was my backup just in case I had any major malfunctions with my 9mm at the time. I really love that little centennial. I used to carry it in my jacket pocket when I was walking into some hairy situations. I didn't have to worry about a hammer getting caught on anything so it was a great gun for that. Always enjoy your stuff and have for a long time already. God bless.
James Bond's other gun...
"There’s only one gun for that, sir,’ said Major Boothroyd stolidly. ‘Smith & Wesson Centennial Airweight. Revolver. .38 calibre. Hammerless, so it won’t catch in clothing. Overall length of six and a half inches and it only weighs thirteen ounces. To keep down the weight, the cylinder holds only five cartridges. But by the time they’re gone,’ Major Boothroyd allowed himself a wintry smile, ‘somebody’s been killed." ~ James Bond's other gun, Ian Fleming's Dr. No
That was the original Centennial Airweight (pre-Model 42), which had a tiresome grip safety. I'd presume Boothroyd either had that grip safety removed (because he's part of Q Branch) or taped it down similar to how Bond had taped the grip safety down on his old Beretta 418.
I think that Hogue grips and stocks are just about the best thing ever in aftermarket gun parts. I have them in both my rifle and my Remington 870.
The 38 is more than adequate for self defense. One round in center mass will take the starch out of most people...add a second one and game over most likely
Hey grand pa! im a french military paratrooper,you're have a really great skill with all your guns...you are the boss!!!
As a MA resident, thank you for correctly pronouncing Worcester (woostah!)
I'm a mass resident, and it's pronounced "Wister"
I am an expert with the revolver and carried on duty for 20 years but the day I was approved for semi auto I felt as if I was armed for the first time in my life.
This video is as spot on as it gets. Ive owned all the glocks involved and the 642 and the 642 is like carrying a wallet and with the Hogue grips its a very accurate little sidearm.
That cowboy at 14:00 is going to be singing in the high soprano / falsetto range.
This one is a beauty. I just wish they would make it with a blue finish instead of just stainless; my favorite color scheme for revolvers is having a blue frame and wood grips.
Just the old school beauty of deep blue steel and wood in pistol or revolver are works of art. A anomaly of golden firearms days gone by.
i have had the same gun for 25 years. with a kramer pocket holster you don't even know it's in your pocket.
I grew up on semi-autos. I felt scornful towards the double action trigger on the little revolvers. Then I ran some tactical shooting drills with a Ruger LCR, basic fire and move on 5 IDPA style targets. I was amazed! I could easily keep shot center of mass with that little thing. I bought one immediately, and it carries easily. I now love those little revolvers. I want to get the new "classic" S&W model 37. I probably won't choose it over the LCR for carry, but it sure is a pretty little gun.
I am so glad you put this up. I just bought a 640-3 yesterday!!
Getting my 640-3 next week.
Nice video Hickock. I live in Grafton, MA and go to the Gun Parlor all the time. Very knowledgable group of guys that shoot guns, know guns and actually are carrying guns. They have a broad selection of guns as well. Glad to see a local shop on here from woooosta!
Love this old man ... he's the real deal
I'm impressed that you pronounced Worchester like a true New Englander. "Wusta" to all of you outsiders who don't know. The lobstas are wicked good in Baa Habba this time of yeea.
Hey Hickok45 thanks for these awesome videos. I just purchased my first firearm ever and thanks to your videos I was able to figure out which type of gun would be best for me. Of course if I could I would buy probably half the videos you've shown on your channel but for now I've chosen to start of with the Ruger SR9c. Keep up the great work.
Meant to say GUNS not videos.
Had a J-Frame day at the range today. Your video was timely and right on the money. Nothing like a little 'Centennial' or an old "Chief's Special". Disappointed, no GONG. I lobbed five at our 75 yd gong. No joy. Everyone should experience a good S&W DA trigger.
i wish my job was 1/4 as fun as yours hickok.. love your videos and the help you provide!!! Thanks!
I carry a 642 as a BUG still today. It’s either my BUG at work or the gun I carry when I’m “unarmed”. Throw a couple speed strips on your pocket as you’re not really armed but you aren’t unarmed either haha. My 642 was the first handgun I ever bought when I was 21 as an EDC. It was used and came with a Crimson Trace Laser. That was 11 years ago. Still serves me well.
I have one of those in 357-38. I really like that gun. S&W makes really nice guns! Another Great Video Hickok! Nice!!!
I have a 642 and just bought a 640, so I can get the 357 mag in a steel pocket gun. Great gun, fun shooter. I did add the Hogue Tamer grip because of the 357 power. I will keep both because they each fill a different role in conceal carry.
Which would you recommend?
+Jonathan For summer carry, the 642 is much lighter. Winter, the 640, heavier but 357 Mag for penetration of heavy clothing.
I have a 642 and love this revolver it's my EDC. I put some Hogue round butt rubber monogrips and now I can fire this gun all day long at the range with no problems. I can also grip the gun a whole lot better in an emergency too. Much better self defense gun with these grips on! I highly recommend them to anyone with this revolver or any other super lightweight revolver with an inadequate factory grip.
Kinda scary. My first J Frame was a 640-1 and first hand gun was a model 19 Smith.
Love the show.
Yes, life is good.
Have you noticed in the trigger, pulling the trigger back you can feel a notch or a small catch that you can use as a holding point just before it lets go. It gives you a hair trigger like effect.
Staging a hammer doesn’t create a hair trigger. It’s a basic revolver skill
I am addicted of watching your videos. 24/7
Great review and video. I didn't know about the 640 when I bought my 642.
I have one of the origanal M640s in 38 special that says tested for +p+ inside the cylinder window. absolutely love this gun. wish S&W would just bring it back instead of the magnum version.
I have the same gun as you and I love it.
I really love your videos! I always learn a lot from them. You make a great teacher!
Just carry 2 or 3 revolvers for more rounds. I can't explain why I love and carry revolvers, but I just do.
👍 💥
You are not alone.
@Kevin Meek Clint Smith says 1 is none , 2 is 1 , and 3 is better
Me gramps carries three! 38's have saved his life three times. They haven't jammed in 55 years!🙋🙋
@Buddy Chat yes it is. Gotta love the old-school NYPD.
I just bought my first j-frame, model 60 a couple moths ago. Fun little thing, part of my edc now.
S&W also made a model 640-1 in 357 magnum. love your videos.
Was hoping you might do the .357 magnum 640-1. .38 snubbed are cool but nice to have .357 as option.
Thanks for the videos.
Always poking fun at Kentucky! 😂
I love my SW mod 36 - just prefer the all steel J frame over the lighter models. When I carry mine I also have extra ammo on two ammo strips - they lay very flat in the pocket as opposed to the speed loaders.
I have two of these. One is a stainless steel model that I bought in the mid-90's. The original wooden grips were miserable by themselves, but when I added a Tyler T-grip, the gun became very pleasant. I later bought an Airweight. The Airweight is nice for when I'm wearing sweats in the house and want a gun that doesn't pull them down. The full steel model is just to heavy for anything less than jeans or cargo pants.
"Hickok45 here. Let's see if I can hit that mosquito buzzing around the gong" *bang* *splat* "That bloodsucker is dead haha cool"
I imagine this dialogue happening every time you go for the gong. Awesome shooting and reviews!
i just bought a vintage model it shoots nicer than my modern glock or sig !!! life is good
No gong must redo the video
+stretchman30 hehehehe
Just wanted to say hi! i really appreciate your Videos. Cant shoot legally here in Germany but i enjoy watchin you do the shooting! keep it up :)
Of all the J's. ... the 640 38 is my favorite. First CCW gun I had here in Texas was (and I still have it) a 640 I had a red insert front sight installed and Eagle Secret Service stocks. Yea I pack a Sig P365 now days in the snubby roll (IWB holster) but... I won't fret if all I have is my 640 (but then I'd have my shotgun to!)
Thank you for reviewing this revolver sir! Great video. Your hard work is always appreciated.
I have the 640-1
+Justin Uriah ditto my favorite revolver
Al
I've got the 640-1 it's a keeper 357 capable although it is more fun shooting the 38 specials
Al
Yea!! "I believe in steel"..
I got rid of most of my new-age snubbys (scandium smith nightguard, ruger lcr, bodyguard) and made a b-line right for the all steel models. (I did hold onto one s&w 442 tho). There is just no comparison. The weight and heft are welcome and at the very least, I can now hit the barn door.
They make 6 shot snubbys built on the k-frame similar to that model 640 u got there..It's not much bigger than your typical j frame. I know 6 isn't much different than 5 but when u get into speed loaders that 6 can turn to 12 almost as quick as swapping out a magazine. And your right a 38 spl especially in + p is very comparable to a 9mm. I love both the 38 spl and 9mm, I feel they both have the perfect balance of power, & recoil. Great video btw..your channel is great.
That 640 barrel looks a bit dinky compared to my 1996 version. I guess in '96 the .38 version was dropped and the .357 version came in, with +P.. Beautiful little gun. Never had to fire mine in defense but I'm sure it can do the job.
Perfect for a reliable backup. No maintenance or hammer to snag on a pocket.
The original Centennials, Models 40 and 42, actually had grip safeties which could be deactivated by locking them down with a pin that could be accessed with the grips removed. The Centennials, being a true “double action only,” unlike the Bodyguards which could be fired single action, did not require a “hammer block” as found in other S&W revolvers. This meant one less part to move inside the action and consequently a slightly smoother DA trigger pull.
Just picked up a used Smith 640-3 in .357 at the LGS.
I slready have a Ruger LCR in .357 that I just love.
Seeing the Smith.. i just had to have it.
Perma-grin.
If I worked for S&W, I would want to build revolvers.
They're hiring here in Springfield ma
I still carry a Charter Arms 44 Special PUG 5 shot 240 grain silver tip as my back up, when needed. Weighs 19 ounces unloaded and I feel hitting a target with a baseball bat is still better than hitting one with a ice peak.The 38 Special would be my second choice. Of course, this is my belief...
I have the same grip on my J frame model 60-4. The stock grip was an Uncle Mikes style "birds head" and felt quite good. But, for carry it is about an inch longer than this Hogue boot grip and a little harder to conceal under a T shirt. The Hogue feels very good and conceals much better. You can't tell any difference when shooting the revolver either.
Had one back in the last century. Fun to shoot because it's heavy. Not fun to carry. My Sig P-365 is lighter with 10+1 of 9mm.
I have the 649 s&w its stainless. Its my carry gun & I love it. Its in 357 and only 5 rounds , But when it goes off it gets alot of respect. alittle bit heavy, But not bad in a pocket holster. Only one thing I dont like about it is the key lock.
I like the old Smith snubs, but for carry I'd rather have my Ruger LCR in .38spl. Now that they took the lock out of the grip it's 13.1 ounces unloaded according to my scale, has a fantastic factory trigger that is better than any S&W standard trigger I've felt (note the word standard) and has very little recoil due to the construction and Hogue Tamer grips.
so when you carry a revolver in your pocket would you also have a speed strip with you to reload ? I would assume in most needed situations five rounds would be enough .
Nice lil' revolver by the way. Would be nice to see the .357 version .
I can't get over the video quality. You must have one hell of a nice new camera, everything is in focus and the color is bright and brilliant.
Thanks for the content. hickok & john, I'm still Learning more and more with every upload.
No FTFs or FTEs in a revolver. Reliability is hard to argue.
+Zane Gardner maybe in a black powder or shooting really crappy .22's, but a modern smokeless Smith revolver can go thousands of rounds and not jam.
Jacob Hughes Exactly what I'm saying.
+Zane Gardner joke's on you!
Zane Gardner Revolvers lack the issues of FTF's and FTE's. Simplicity- reliability. But the choice is yours.
You have a point..that is why I like Glocks.
They do indeed offer some models with or without the key lock. The ones without are actually less money !
I just grabbed a 640-3 in 357 used. Very cool.
So when do we get to see a J-Frame in .357 magnum? As impractical as it might be in such a small, light package it would still be fun to see Hickok play around with one. Oh, and the Gun Parlor sends the coolest guns.
Completely agree. Got the opportunity with a Model 60 in 357 and it was 'fun'. However, it's the same situation I have with my SP101: I love the gun to death and I do carry it from time to time just because I feel bad for it sitting around collecting dust (just kidding, I keep the collection clean). It handles the recoil of stout .357's better than the J-Frames but it's still not pleasant. As far as carry, with the 3-inch barrel it's just too big to really want to carry all the time. Weight doesn't bother me as much because my regular carry is a Model 36. Yes, I like revolvers. And yes, I love autos as well. Although I'm more of a .40 guy than a 10mm.
+Salty Diarrhea what 10mm did you get?
It's getting harder and harder to find Model 19's. I saw one 4" model at a flea market last year, that was in good shape. Guy was asking $650 and if I'd had the cash I would've done it but I didn't have the money so I didn't get it. A part of me also thought you could still buy used revolvers for a couple hundred bucks. It wasn't until I saw a 6" in a gun shop recently that I realized that those were the only two I'd seen in probably a year and a half. And I live in gun country, visiting all the gun-stores and flea markets and yard sales I can get around to and they supply's dried up. I'm personally looking for a 2.5" Model 19 but if I find one of those in the wild I'll be very surprised. Once my next gun allowance gets big enough I'll probably just try to find a nice one online and overpay for my dream gun.
+Sedan57Chevy I picked up a 60-15 3" a few years back and like you guys I'm very fond of it. Yeah, it's tougher to shoot than my 1911, but still it's the gun I keep on my nightstand. A revolver has a very simple manual of arms. You pull the trigger and it goes bang!😉 Frankly, I just feel like I could handle it better in a pinch.
Great !!! Can You please tell SMITH & WESSON TO PUT THREE FINGER HOGUE GRIPS ON THE 642, 637, & THE BODYGUARD, & ALL OF THE REVOLVERS..GOSH DAMNIT !!!💥👍💥
I really enjoy your channel hickock but I'd have to say, for those of us that don't shoot as much as you, these j frames can be a handful.
I wholeheartedly agree on the sweetness of the j frame, though.
Love my .38! I carry the Ruger LCR and have grown attached to it. Very similar to this S&W 640 design. Under 14 oz. unloaded the LCR disappears under the belt. I also have a Taurus .38 but it is not a good carry due to weight and hammer but a blast to shoot. All the talk about .38 being a weak round is pointless. Compared to a .357 it is a lesser round...same is true of the .357 compared to the .44 and so on. The .38 +P is more than enough for self defense. With the hammerless design no matter where you have it (purse, under a pillow or blanket, in a jacket pocket, etc) it is going to operate reliably. They are also easy as pie to clean :-)
Hickock you rock! As always great vid!!
Definitely get a version WITHOUT the infernal lock, if you are interested in any of the J-frames. It's well documented how problematic these lock mechanisms can be in the small revolvers, so having that option to not be saddled with these incipid devices will spare you from potentially fatal (to you and your loved ones) grief and sorrow in the future. The only reason for these stupid locks being installed in the guns is that the company that last bought S&W makes the damn things.
Thanks! Revolver vids have been a little scarce lately. I needed one, good job.
I put Craig Spegel Cocobolo Grips on my J-Frames! I've been to the gun parlor. I live on Cape Cod, MA.
neat little revolver, love the size.
Glad S&W is making the heinous lock an option. Whoever designed that lock should be fired, over complicated garbage.
All that was necessary was a cam in the cylinder release button itself to hold it in the forward position, which blocks the hammer & locks up the action.
Keep the great vids rolling:)
S&W 940 >>> 640 in .357 Mag.
With Corbon +P we chrono'd identical muzzle energy. Yet, there was minimal kick in the 940, negligible flash, and we didn't ruin our hearing :). Also, the full moon clips allow easy ammo carry and fast reloads.
That old 940 we own is also the most accurate revolver we've fired but damned if we know why. Hickok is talking from experience there about Centennial accuracy.
That's funny. We in Indiana make fun of Kentucky too.
You can't beat a wheel gun!!!
@ Hickok45 proud of your pronunciation of Worcester Ma.Hahaha !! Not too many southeners get that one right !
been watching you for years. your awesome and I love your channel I wish I had your life man lol
No hammer means it's less likely to snag on clothing and, although I wouldn't advise it, I imagine it could be fired multiple times from inside of a coat pocket if it became necessary. Pretty hard on the coat!