Smith & Wesson Model 646
The Smith & Wesson Model 646 is a six-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the .40 S&W pistol cartridge, manufactured in 2000 and 2003 by the United States company Smith & Wesson.[1]
Smith & Wesson Model 646 | |
---|---|
Type | Revolver |
Place of origin | United States |
Production history | |
Designed | 2000 |
Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
Specifications | |
Cartridge | |
Action | Double-action |
Feed system | Six round cylinder loaded with moon clips |
Design
The 646 was offered in a stainless steel finish with titanium cylinder. Production was limited to 900 guns. It was offered in a Performance Center version in 2000 (almost 600 revolvers) as a space-age looking stainless steel revolver with a slab-sided heavy barrel and matte gray titanium cylinder. In 2003 a limited run (300) was made with a more traditional underlug barrel design.[1]
Operation and availability
The 646 is unusual in that it is a revolver chambered for a rimless cartridge generally used only for semi-automatic pistols. In order to effectively use the rimless .40 S&W cartridge, the revolver utilized moon clips, a metal flange which holds the cartridges in place for loading and ejection.[2]
References
- Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2006). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. pp. 265, 361. ISBN 1-4402-2700-4.
- Sweeney, Patrick (2004). The Gun Digest Book of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 29. ISBN 0-87349-792-9.