The Smith & Wesson Model 640 – .357 Magnum 5-Round is a J-Frame revolver built for serious concealed carry and backup duty. Chambered in .357 Magnum, this double-action-only snub-nose gives you potent stopping power in a compact stainless steel package. With its concealed hammer and fixed sights, there are no snag points to hang up on a jacket or holster. If you carry for personal protection, this revolver is a no-nonsense tool that puts reliability first.
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
|---|---|
| Model | Model 640 |
| Material | Stainless steel frame and cylinder |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P |
| Finish | Satin stainless steel |
| Weight | 23.0 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Concealed Hammer Design – Keeps the hammer flush with the frame so it won’t snag on clothing during a draw. This matters for rapid deployment under stress when every split-second counts.
- Double Action Only (DAO) Operation – A consistent, heavy trigger pull every time. That means no manual safety to fumble with and no risk of an accidental discharge from a light single-action pull.
- Satin Stainless Steel Construction – Resists rust and corrosion from sweat, rain, or humidity. This matters because a carry gun lives in close contact with your body and needs to stay reliable year-round.
- 5-Round Cylinder in .357 Magnum – Offers the option to shoot .357 Magnum for maximum energy or .38 Special +P for lighter recoil. This matters because you can tailor your load to the situation—defense load or practice round.
- Fixed Sights – No adjustable parts to snag or shift. This matters because a defensive revolver must hold zero without any user adjustment, especially in a high-stress encounter.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the concealed carrier who values absolute reliability over capacity. It’s ideal for backup duty, ankle carry, or a pocket holster. If you prefer a revolver for its mechanical simplicity and want .357 Magnum power in a small frame, the Model 640 is a proven choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Snag-free draw, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, versatile caliber options ( .357 Mag or .38 Spl +P ), and a track record of durability. According to Smith & Wesson specs, the 640 is built on their J-frame platform that has been in continuous production since 1950.
Cons: The 5-round capacity is lower than most modern semi-autos. You’ll need to reload under stress, so consider carrying a speed strip or speedloader. Also, the DAO trigger pull is heavy (typically 10–12 lbs), which takes practice to master.
Comparison: Model 640 vs. Ruger LCR vs. Taurus 605
| Feature | Smith & Wesson Model 640 | Ruger LCR .357 | Taurus 605 .357 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl +P | .357 Mag / .38 Spl +P | .357 Mag / .38 Spl +P |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Weight | 23.0 oz | 17.1 oz | 24.0 oz |
| Frame Material | Stainless steel | Polymer with steel cylinder | Stainless steel |
| Action | DAO (concealed hammer) | DAO (internal hammer) | DAO (concealed hammer) |
| MSRP (approx) | $811 | $719 | $450 |
The Ruger LCR is lighter due to its polymer frame, making it easier to pocket carry, but the steel 640 soaks up more recoil from .357 Magnum loads. The Taurus 605 is a budget-friendly alternative, but the Model 640 offers a tighter fit and finish, backed by Smith & Wesson’s warranty and service network. For a serious CCW revolver, the 640’s all-steel construction gives it a durability edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Smith & Wesson Model 640 shoot .38 Special +P ammunition?
Yes. The Model 640 is rated for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P. You can safely shoot standard .38 Special for practice and load .357 Magnum for defense.
Is the Model 640 suitable for pocket carry?
Yes. At 23 ounces and with a snag-free concealed hammer, it fits many pocket holsters. Its rounded edges and fixed sights make it one of the better pocket revolvers available.
What is the trigger pull weight on the Model 640?
The double-action trigger pull is factory-spec at approximately 10–12 pounds. This is typical for a DAO revolver and helps prevent accidental discharges. A trigger job can reduce it slightly, but most shooters train to the stock pull.
Does the Model 640 have a hammer that can be manually cocked?
No. The Model 640 has a fully concealed hammer, so it is double-action only. You cannot manually cock the hammer for single-action fire. This is intentional for a snag-free carry profile.
How many rounds does the cylinder hold?
Five rounds. The cylinder is chambered for .357 Magnum, but it also accepts .38 Special and .38 Special +P.
Why Choose the Model 640 for Concealed Carry?
The Model 640 has been a trusted backup gun for law enforcement officers for decades. According to Smith & Wesson, the J-frame platform has sold over 5 million units since its introduction, making it one of the most proven revolver designs in history. That kind of market adoption speaks to its reliability and practicality. For a civilian carrier, the 640 offers a simple, robust tool that doesn’t rely on magazines, safeties, or complex disassembly. One specific measurement: the cylinder gap is factory-spec at .006 inches, ensuring consistent ignition and minimal gas loss.
Honest drawback: The 5-round capacity is a real limitation in a multi-attacker scenario. You need to train reloads under pressure. But if you accept that trade-off for the revolver’s mechanical simplicity, the 640 is a solid choice.
✅ Nationwide delivery – Ships to all 50 states
✅ Ships 1-2 business days from order confirmation
✅ 30-day returns – No hassle, full refund
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Revolvers | Concealed Carry | Smith & Wesson
Last updated: April 2026
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