Smith & Wesson Model 646 .40 S&W 4” Stainless Double-Action Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,001.00
LSB#: LSB250731GM042
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 646
Serial Number: VKL8394
Year of Manufacture: Early 2000s (Limited Production Run, Performance Center)
Caliber: .40 S&W
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder, Moon Clip Fed
Markings:
The right side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and the left side is marked “40 S&W.” The crane cut is marked “VKL8394” and “646.” The right side of the frame is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. / MARCAS REGISTRADAS / SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MASS.”
Barrel Length: 4 Inches
Sights / Optics:
The front sight is a green fiber-optic blade set in a ramped base. The rear sight is an adjustable square-notch sight mounted to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition:
The revolver is equipped with a black rubber Hogue Monogrip featuring pebble-textured sides and finger grooves. The grip is tight to the frame with no movement. It shows mild handling wear consistent with light use, retaining its molded “Hogue Monogrip” logo and patent information on the left side. The grip rates in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish:
Matte Stainless Steel, brushed and bead-blasted in areas for a two-tone appearance.
Finish Originality:
Original.
Bore Condition:
The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is light, stubborn fouling throughout but no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition:
This revolver retains approximately 95% of its original stainless finish. There are light handling marks and faint scuffs scattered across the barrel and frame, consistent with careful use and holstering. The cylinder shows only light turn wear. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings are clear and crisp. The revolver is housed in a original aluminum foam-lined Smith & Wesson Performance Center style case. Overall, the revolver rates in Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics:
The action functions correctly in both single and double action. The cylinder locks up with minimal play on all chambers, and timing is appropriate. The trigger pull is smooth and consistent. The revolver is designed to use moon clips for the rimless .40 S&W cartridge, and one clip is included. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories:
This revolver comes with one moon clip and an original aluminum Smith & Wesson Performance Center style carry case with foam interior and S&W medallion on the lid.
Our Assessment:
Smith & Wesson’s Model 646 is a fascinating and relatively scarce product of the company’s Performance Center, representing a bold experiment in chambering the rimless .40 S&W cartridge in a revolver platform. Produced in very limited quantities around 2000–2003, the 646 was built on the L-frame with a titanium cylinder to manage the cartridge’s pressure and reduce weight, making it one of the more distinctive modern S&W wheel guns.
The .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge itself was developed in 1990 as a joint venture between Smith & Wesson and Winchester, intended to offer a balance between the 9mm’s capacity and the 10mm Auto’s stopping power. While overwhelmingly associated with semi-automatics, its use here showcases the ingenuity and experimentation of the Performance Center team. The result is a revolver that combines modern ballistics with traditional reliability.
This example, serial VKL8394, remains in fine condition with an original aluminum Performance Center case, a bright and sharp bore, and a crisp, functional action. With its fiber optic sight and Hogue Monogrip, it blends competition ergonomics and precision engineering. The Model 646 occupies a niche spot in S&W history—part collectible, part shooter, and all innovation. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to take a look at the condition of the revolver in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
