The Smith & Wesson Model 640 Engraved is a compact 5-shot double-action-only revolver chambered in .357 Magnum / .38 Special. The stainless steel frame and cylinder have a matte silver finish, the grips are engraved wood, and the sights are fixed, a black blade front with a fixed rear notch. At 21.8 oz. with a 2.125-inch barrel, it's sized for concealed carry. 
 

Key Specifications 

• SKU: 178700118 
• UPC: 022188142228 
• Brand: Smith & Wesson 
• Model Name: 640 Engraved 
• MPN: 150784 
• Class: Compact 
• Action: Double Action Only (DAO) 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special 
• Capacity: 5 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2.125 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.6 inches 
• Weight: 21.8 oz (1.36 lbs) 
• Sights: Fixed Rear / Blade Front 
• Grip Material: Engraved Wood 
• Finish: Stainless Steel, Matte Silver 
   

Detailed Features 

• Double-Action-Only Mechanism: No external hammer spur to snag on clothing during a draw. The DAO trigger pull is the same for every shot. 
   
• Stainless Steel Frame: Handles the higher chamber pressures of .357 Magnum loads and resists corrosion from sweat during daily carry. 
   
• Engraved Wood Grips: The machine engraving on the wood grips provides improved purchase and adds visual distinction compared to standard rubber or polymer grips. 
   
• Fixed Sights: The integral blade front and fixed rear are fast to acquire at close range and have no adjustment points to loosen or snag. 
   
  At 6.6 inches overall and 21.8 oz., the Model 640 is one of the heavier snubbies in its class due to the stainless construction. It runs .38 Special for lower-recoil practice and full .357 Magnum for carry loads.

The engraved Model 640 draws admiration for the combination of the stainless finish and the decorated wood grips. Both aesthetics and craftsmanship get consistent positive marks. The machine engraving is considered clean and precise, and the stainless finish is seen as practical for daily carry.

The compact dimensions and DAO mechanism are well-regarded for concealed carry. The hammer-less profile eliminates snag points during a draw, which is the primary reason most buyers choose this over an exposed-hammer revolver.

The .357 Magnum chambering in a small frame revolver does generate recoil discussion. Most users find full-power .357 loads snappy in a 21.8-oz. frame, which is typical for the platform. Many describe running .38 Special +P for routine practice and reserving full-power .357 for carry loads, a common pattern for short-barreled Magnum revolvers. New shooters may need more range time to get comfortable with the DA trigger pull weight.

The DAO trigger is seen as both an asset (simplicity, no external hammer to manipulate under stress) and an adjustment for shooters coming from lighter single-action pulls.

The 640 is often recommended for shooters who want a reliable, legally simple defensive tool in a traditional revolver package with more visual character than a standard matte-black option.