S&W Model 60 versus 640: a stainless J-frame revolver comparison
The Smith & Wesson Model 60 and the Model 640 share the same five-shot J-frame platform, the same stainless steel construction and the same .357 Magnum chambering, yet they were developed for slightly different purposes. The Model 60 is a classic double-action/single-action revolver with an exposed hammer, while the Model 640 was designed primarily for concealed carry with an internal hammer in a snag-free profile. This article compares the two side by side for collectors, sport shooters and licensed owners weighing which one to add to a safe.
Both revolvers are popular among Australian enthusiasts who hold Category H licences for target and competition shooting. They are also common finds on the second-hand market, where buyers in cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane often check serial numbers and import paperwork before completing a deal. The following sections break down the practical differences and shared traits so that anyone comparing the two can make a confident call.
For owners who also carry a small tablet for logging range sessions or working on firearms-related spreadsheets, a look at a compact two-in-one device can be a useful side reference when keeping track of ammo counts and maintenance notes between range days.
Heritage and frame design
The Model 60 was introduced in 1965 as the first regular-production stainless steel revolver from Smith & Wesson, replacing the blued Model 36 in a corrosion-resistant package. The Model 640 arrived in the early 1990s and was built around the same J-frame but with a concealed-carry mission in mind. Both share the same overall dimensions, the same five-shot cylinder and the same internal lockout system that became standard on S&W revolvers of that era.
In Australia, the J-frame line has long been a favourite among licensed target shooters because revolvers fall under the same Category H classification as semi-automatic pistols. Clubs such as the Brisbane Pistol Club and the Geelong Pistol Club often have members running small J-frames in .38 Special and .357 Magnum events. Many of these members keep an eye on auction sites for clean examples of either model, especially since both are still supported by the manufacturer with replacement springs, sights and grips.
Hammer style and trigger mechanics
The most obvious difference between the two is the hammer. The Model 60 carries a traditional exposed spur hammer that allows single-action cocking for precise shooting at the range. The trigger pull in single-action is light and crisp, while the double-action pull is long but consistent. The Model 640, in its original configuration, uses an internal hammer with a double-action-only trigger, which prevents snagging on clothing during a draw from a pocket or waistband.
For Australian sport shooters, the exposed hammer on the 60 is useful for slow-fire bullseye disciplines where thumb-cocking allows for tighter groups. The DAO trigger on the 640 is favoured by those who shoot speed events or who simply prefer a uniform trigger pull from shot to shot. There is also a Pro Series variant of the 640 with an exposed hammer, which is sometimes imported by collectors in the country, though availability is limited and waiting periods can stretch out.
Sights and accuracy potential
Both revolvers traditionally ship with a pinned serrated ramp front sight and a fixed rear notch, which provides a serviceable picture for casual and competition use. The 640, however, is most often found with a set of tritium night sights from the factory, making it easier to pick up in low light. The Model 60 is more commonly seen with the older all-steel configuration, though aftermarket tritium inserts are widely available through U.S. suppliers and a small number of local gunsmiths who specialise in S&W work.
At practical shooting distances, both revolvers deliver similar accuracy in capable hands, generally producing groups in the 50-75 mm range at 15 metres with quality .38 Special ammunition. Switching to .357 Magnum opens up more recoil and a brighter muzzle flash, which can disturb sight tracking between shots. Many Australian shooters reserve magnum loads for occasional use and run their J-frames primarily on .38 Special for training and competition days.
Carry profile and handling
With a 2.125-inch barrel, the Model 640 is the more pocket-friendly of the two and is frequently the choice of licensed shooters who use a J-frame as a quiet companion to a full-size competition pistol. The internal hammer keeps the profile smooth, and the standard boot-style grips sit close to the frame. The Model 60, with its exposed hammer, can still be carried in a strong-side holster, though some owners fit a hammer shroud or bob the spur for a safer cover garment draw.
Weight between the two is nearly identical, hovering around 635-680 g unloaded, depending on the specific barrel and grip combination. For an all-day carry in the Australian climate, where heat and humidity in places like Cairns or Townsville can make heavy gear uncomfortable, the lighter weight is a genuine benefit. Most shooters also find that the slim J-frame grip fits a wide range of hand sizes, which matters when running hundreds of rounds during a club practice session.
Shooting impressions and recoil
Both revolvers are noticeably snappy with full-power .357 Magnum loads, but the reduced grip surface amplifies felt recoil compared to a K-frame or L-frame. The Model 60 in single-action helps the shooter manage recoil through a cleaner trigger release, while the 640's double-action-only trigger means the shooter has to absorb the impulse every time. Heavier rubber grips from Hogue or Pachmayr are a popular addition among Australian owners to tame muzzle flip and reduce hand fatigue over long range sessions.
In terms of follow-up shots, the J-frame cylinder is quick to index and the trigger resets naturally for the next pull. Range reports from local clubs in Cecil Park and elsewhere often note that shooters new to small-frame revolvers can develop solid proficiency within a few months of regular practice. The learning curve is steeper than with a full-size target pistol, but the reward is a handgun that points naturally and is enjoyable to shoot at close range.
Ownership considerations in Australia
In Australia, both revolvers fall under Category H and require a current pistol licence, club membership and a genuine reason such as sport or target shooting to possess legally. The Model 60 and 640 are imported through a small number of authorised dealers, and waiting lists for specific configurations can stretch for months. Buyers should also factor in the cost of a compliant safe, registration fees and ongoing club dues, which vary from state to state.
Resale values for clean examples tend to hold well, particularly for early Model 60s with their distinctive pinned barrels and vintage boxes. The 640 enjoys steady demand from the concealed-carry and revolver-shooting community, which keeps second-hand prices firm. Accessories such as Crimson Trace grips, replacement front sights and speed loaders are easier to source than ever through online retailers that ship within the country, though customs delays can occur depending on the state of import.
| Specification | S&W Model 60 | S&W Model 640 |
|---|---|---|
| Year introduced | 1965 | Early 1990s |
| Frame material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Action | DA/SA, exposed hammer | DAO, internal hammer (Pro variants available) |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Standard barrel lengths | 2.125", 3" | 2.125", 3" |
| Weight (2.125" barrel) | ~22.5 oz / 640 g | ~23 oz / 650 g |
| Standard sights | Serrated ramp / fixed rear | Tritium night sights common |
| Best suited to | Range, collection, traditional use | Concealed carry, DAO shooting |
For licensed shooters in Australia weighing up a purchase, the cleanest path forward is to visit a registered dealer who can arrange a side-by-side inspection of both revolvers. A short hands-on session with a 2.125-inch Model 60 and a 640 at a club's range will reveal more about trigger preference and grip fit than any spec sheet. Once that decision is locked in, the relevant paperwork can be lodged with the state firearms registry and the chosen revolver transferred to the buyer's name in line with local regulations.