Smith & Wesson 163690 Model 640 .357 Magnum/.38 Special +P 2.12" Revolver, CA Compliant

Smith & Wesson 163690 Model 640-3 .357 Magnum/.38 Special +P 2.12" Revolver, CA Compliant

The Smith & Wesson Model 640-3 is a five-shot J-Frame revolver built around an enclosed-hammer design, stainless steel construction, and .357 Magnum chambering. The enclosed hammer is the defining mechanical feature: it gives the revolver a smooth rear profile while preserving the traditional double-action operation of the J-Frame platform.

This 640-3 configuration uses a 2.12-inch stainless steel barrel, stainless steel cylinder, and satin stainless steel frame. It is also chambered for .38 Special +P, giving the revolver compatibility with both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P ammunition in the same five-shot cylinder.

The result is a mechanically simple J-Frame configuration that differs from exposed-hammer models such as the 360PD by prioritizing a snag-resistant exterior profile rather than single-action hammer access.

Enclosed-Hammer J-Frame Design

The Model 640-3 uses an enclosed hammer contained within the frame rather than an exposed spur. That design eliminates the external hammer surface that can catch on clothing or equipment during handling.

Because the hammer cannot be manually cocked, the revolver is intended to be fired through its double-action trigger system. This separates the 640-3 from traditional exposed-hammer J-Frame models that allow both double-action and manually cocked single-action operation.

.357 Magnum and .38 Special +P

The revolver is chambered in .357 Magnum and also accepts .38 Special +P ammunition. Both cartridges use the same basic case diameter, allowing the shorter .38 Special cartridge to be fired in a .357 Magnum cylinder.

That gives the 640-3 two practical ammunition options without changing cylinders or components: full-power .357 Magnum loads or .38 Special +P ammunition in the same revolver.

Stainless Steel Construction

The barrel, cylinder, and frame are all stainless steel, with a satin stainless exterior finish. This gives the 640-3 a materially different construction approach from lightweight AirLite models that use scandium or titanium components.

The stainless construction adds mass relative to those ultralight J-Frames, which can be relevant when managing recoil in a small .357 Magnum revolver.

2.12-Inch Barrel

The Model 640-3 uses a 2.12-inch stainless steel barrel. The short barrel keeps the overall package compact while retaining the full-strength stainless frame and cylinder construction of the model.

The barrel length also distinguishes this configuration from longer-barreled J-Frame variants intended for a different balance of sight radius and overall size.

Internal Lock

This model includes Smith & Wesson's internal lock system. The lock is integrated into the revolver's frame and is part of this specific 640-3 configuration.

California-Compliant Configuration

This version is identified as California compliant. The designation applies to this exact factory configuration rather than to the Model 640 family as a whole.

Key Features

• Smith & Wesson Model 640-3 J-Frame revolver
• .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P chambering
• Five-round cylinder
• Enclosed hammer
• Double-action operation
• 2.12-inch stainless steel barrel
• Stainless steel cylinder
• Satin stainless steel J-Frame
• Snag-resistant exterior profile
• Internal lock
• California-compliant configuration

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
• Model: 640-3
• MPN: 163690
• UPC: 022188636901
• Item Number: 26276
• Frame: J-Frame
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
• Action: Double Action
• Capacity: 5 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 2.12"
• Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
• Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel
• Frame Material: Stainless Steel
• Finish: Satin Stainless
• Hammer: Enclosed
• Internal Lock: Yes
• Compliance: California-Compliant Configuration

WARNING This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. You must be 18 or older to shop or purchase on our website, and 21 or older to purchase ammunition or firearms. Check local laws before ordering. By ordering, you certify that you meet all federal, state, and local legal requirements. There are no returns or exchanges on armor, firearms, ammunition, or PPE. Ammunition ships UPS Ground to the lower 48 states.
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