W&A Wesson Arms

S&W 640 Pro Series: Does Compact Size Make It Ultimate?

The Smith & Wesson 640 Pro Series is a compact five-shot revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, combining a short 2.5-inch barrel with a stainless steel frame and fixed sights. It offers more potential energy than a .38 Special revolver while remaining easier to carry than many full-size Magnums. For Australian shooters, that combination creates an appealing balance, particularly when a gun must live in a secure case or vehicle and ammunition choice is limited.

Calling it the ultimate snub nose is subjective, however. The 640 competes on capacity, durability, handling and trigger quality, but recoil, muzzle blast and practical accuracy can favour slightly longer barrels. Its value also depends heavily on local licensing, ammunition prices and whether you want a standard Pro Series model or the closely related Performance Center version.

A compact carry with genuine Magnum capability

The 640 sits at the practical end of the Smith & Wesson K-frame range. Its five-shot cylinder, short barrel and relatively modest weight make it substantially easier to transport than a three-inch .357 Magnum such as the Model 60. It also avoids the bulkier profile of many modern compact revolvers, an advantage for anyone moving between a home safe, a locked vehicle case and a range.

For Australian shooters, “snub nose” usually describes the familiar two-inch and two-and-a-half-inch revolver profile. Australians generally reserve the word “handgun” for a semi-automatic pistol, so the 640 remains a revolver in everyday conversation. Its proportions also suit shooters who want a familiar manual action without moving into the restricted and highly regulated semi-automatic pistol market.

That convenience does not remove legal obligations. NSW shooters deal with pistol permits, firearm licences, registration and documented ammunition purchases. Victoria uses a state firearm-licensing system, while Queensland divides pistol ownership into categories. Rules differ enough that a buyer should confirm requirements with a licensed dealer rather than assuming another state’s process applies.

Where the 640 compares with other Smith & Wesson revolvers

The two-and-a-half-inch barrel is the centre of the 640’s appeal. It gives the cylinder a short, rigid foundation and preserves a useful sight radius while keeping overall length manageable. Compared with a three-inch barrel, it is less sensitive to movement and easier to fit into a compact case. Compared with a dedicated .38 Special revolver, it provides a much higher ceiling for performance when loaded with suitable .357 Magnum ammunition.

There is a trade-off in controllability. .357 Magnum generates substantial recoil and noise, and shortening the barrel can increase both. The revolver’s DAO-style action means every shot requires a full trigger pull, so a heavy factory .357 load can make repeated shooting less comfortable than the compact dimensions initially suggest. Shooters choosing between the 640 and a three-inch Model 60 should compare them with the ammunition they actually intend to use.

The Pro Series should also be distinguished from Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center 640. The Performance Center model includes upgraded trigger and sight-related features, while the standard Pro Series prioritises the basic stainless construction and value. Specifications, grips and sight configurations can vary between production runs and listings, so the exact model number matters when comparing examples.

Handling and the snub-nose compromise

The 640’s K-frame steel construction feels substantial for its size. Its short barrel and compact grip keep the cylinder close to the hand, while the satin stainless finish should tolerate regular handling better than a highly polished surface. Dark moulded grips provide a useful contrast against the frame and are commonly associated with the Pro Series, although buyers should check the photograph and specification of the particular listing.

Fixed sights make the revolver simple and dependable, but they cannot be adjusted in the field. A clear rear notch and contrasting front blade are useful for quick alignment, while a square butt and rounded grip profile should suit most hands. Those qualities are less forgiving than adjustable target sights, but they also create fewer components to maintain and fewer opportunities for a sight to shift.

Owners should consider more than the gun itself. The Wesson Arms catalogue includes grips, holsters, cleaning kits, lights and other accessories, but fit remains model-specific. A holster that does not fully enclose the hammer area, a light that obstructs the trigger guard or a grip that interferes with the cylinder can undermine an otherwise sound purchase. A lockable case and correctly rated eye and hearing protection are equally important parts of the setup.

Sights, finish and Australian shooting conditions

The compact sight picture is one reason many shooters regard the 640 as a practical carry revolver. Its integral top rib and fixed sight channel are straightforward, but the short distance between front and rear sight requires a consistent presentation. A supervised range session is more valuable than judging the sights across a shop counter, especially for a first-time revolver buyer.

Australian conditions place particular emphasis on corrosion control. Coastal humidity around Sydney and Melbourne, summer rain and salty air can affect accessories and fasteners. The stainless frame is generally robust, but a firearm stored in a hot vehicle still needs a dry, secure case and regular inspection. White marking or an aftermarket sight may help in bright daylight, though it should not be treated as a substitute for careful alignment.

Northern Australia adds another consideration. Hotter weather around Darwin, Broome and northern Queensland can accelerate wear on rubber grips, leather holsters and exposed metal components. Dust is also a persistent issue on dry-range and outback trips. A quality cleaning kit, a protective gun sock and a case that keeps the revolver away from sand and moisture are particularly worthwhile for owners who shoot beyond the metropolitan areas.

Ammunition, expense and firing choices

The 640’s key advantage is flexibility between .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition, subject to the markings and instructions for the specific firearm. A quality .38 Special load is quieter, lighter to recoil and usually less expensive, making it a sensible starting point for training or casual practice. Factory-loaded .357 Magnum ammunition delivers the performance for which the revolver was designed.

Availability and price can be less favourable than in the United States. Australian gun shops generally stock .38 Special more readily, while .357 Magnum can carry a significant premium, especially in regional areas. Shooters should compare current shelf prices before committing, because ammunition represents an ongoing cost rather than a one-off purchase. No owner should use unverified reloads or ammunition outside the manufacturer’s stated compatibility.

The Pro Series is normally sold in standard configuration, but retailers such as Wesson Arms may also offer discounted blemished firearms. A finish blemish can be purely cosmetic if the frame and cylinder are structurally sound, yet the discounted price should reflect the reduced cosmetic condition. Ask the seller to describe the mark, confirm that the cylinder timing is correct and check for corrosion before accepting delivery.

A disciplined buying checklist

A clear buying process helps prevent an attractive compact revolver from becoming a poorly matched purchase. Ask the retailer to identify the exact variant rather than relying on a broad “640” description, then compare the revolver with a slightly larger Smith & Wesson alternative. Many experienced Australian shooters use a practical set of criteria before spending several hundred dollars on a new handgun.

Recording the results of a range session can be surprisingly satisfying. For sight alignment notes, maintenance dates and ammunition observations, a fine pen and notebook can make the ritual more rewarding than scribbling on a disposable sheet.

A practical verdict for Australian shooters

The S&W 640 Pro Series comes closest to the “ultimate” description for buyers who prioritise compact stainless construction, five-shot capacity and the option to use both .38 Special and .357 Magnum. It is particularly convincing when compared with inexpensive compact revolvers that offer less trigger quality, weaker sights or uncertain factory quality control. The standard model also provides straightforward access to the parts, grips and accessories needed for long-term ownership.

It is not the best choice for everyone. A three-inch .357 revolver is generally easier to control, while a target-style adjustable-sight revolver may produce more precise groups. The 640 also makes little sense for a buyer who intends to fire only .38 Special ammunition and values low recoil above everything else. Likewise, its short barrel concentrates blast and heat close to the shooter, so comfort should be tested rather than assumed.

Wesson Arms promotes worldwide delivery, phone and email support, but Australian customers should remember that firearms are not ordinary parcel freight. State licensing, registration, interstate transfer procedures and secure transport must all be handled through the appropriate licensed parties. Your next concrete step is to contact a licensed firearms dealer in your state and arrange an in-person inspection and supervised range trial of the 640 Pro Series.