Rex Applegate and the S&W 640
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- Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
- The incident that helped mold the S&W Centennial.
Music - Texas Tumbleweed - UA-cam Audio Library
You can contact Greg at Lionquestfitness@gmail.com
Self Defense Continuum - Avoid, Escape, Confront, and if all else fails - RESIST
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Link to Colonel Applegate’s description of the incident: americanhandgunner.com/handguns/origins-of-the-new-sw-centennial-revolver/
Avoiding trouble - in this day and time especially, avoiding trouble is your first step in protecting yourself and loved ones. As the Bible says; as much as possible, live at peace with all men. Trust me, trouble has a way of still finding you if you aren’t careful. Defensive living is careful and disciplined living.
Great piece of history here. I really enjoyed it! Peace To All!
And, carrying a firearm makes for a polite society
@@scottc.real_2legit_4u55 Thanks Scott. I'm glad it was worth the wait.
@jeff lockaby From what I understand, Applegate designed that holster. I don't really get the mechanics of it, but he did get it out much faster than the officer with the 1911 in a flap holster.
@jeff nomad Very good story.
Rex Applegate was a good old friend. His personal writing in my copy of “Kill or Get Killed” still brings a tear to my eye when I read it.
I'd love for you to share some of your reminiscences about Colonel Applegate. There is not a lot out there on him.
I’m carrying my 640 on my hip as I write this. I much prefer it over the air weight version. I seem to do better with a little weight in my hand.
He was also co-designer of the Applegate-Fairbairn fighting dagger.
Derp.
Going into winter here Bass Pro has some really great flannel, lined flannel, and canvas shirts to wear "out" for concealment.
Love learning the history of these pieces of functional artwork. Thank you!
I sure agree with you about avoiding trouble. Situational awareness is the number one self-defense tool. With it, you can defeat multiple attackers and go home to your family without killing, injury, jail, lawyers, lawsuits and potential ruin. Not macho, but a pretty powerful tool! Should be taught more in self-defence classes than how to be a pretend "Special Operator".
Yep, I got a good laugh out of that, but there was a lot of common sense in what you said.
There are certain areas i avoid , most people over 15 know where they are in their rural areas, hometown or city. The places where you are likely to get assaulted or a confrontation is possible. That is key. Trouble can find you! Try to avoid the mean areas. Keep up the videos and every body keep going to your range for practice!
Don't say anything without a lawyer. There are guilty people in prison who say they were just defending themselves.
Discretion is the better part of valor
When the S&W 640 came out. It was a J frame 1’7/8 snubnosed revolver. The ones that have the Rated for +P+ on the inside of the frame are collectible.
Good info to know.
Your videos are some of the best practical advice on this entire platform. Thank you for taking the time to pass on your knowledge. Semper Fi
Now that was a great endorsement from a seasoned professional. Thank you.
Intro reminds me of Indiana Jones when he shoots the assassin with the sword so, never bring a knife to a gun fight. Seriously, thank you for the history lesson
Hey Gunther - an armed society is a polite society.
@@LionquestFitness free men and women own guns, slaves don't.
Just back from the range and cleaning my Smith and this came on; really well done. Appreciate the time and efforts you put into making these.
Thanks Al. I used to try to do one every week, but now I'd rather spend more time and work on quality. They are time consuming to do, but I enjoy it.
I always enjoy learning something new, I really enjoyed the history
I'm like you. I enjoy the history of different firearms, American history, the old West, the Civil War, and WW2. If we forget the mistakes of history, we're doomed to repeat them.
Such an underappreciated channel
Thank you James.
Loved the information and history you provided. I carry this same gun and believe 5 rounds is sufficient enough for me god forbid I ever need them. Really nice video.
Thank you Bill.
Thank you for this interesting historical reminder.
By the way, i recently found a 3 inch s&w 64 with a rounded polymer grip. It is larger than a j frame revolver, but it fits perfectly in my hand, it works extremely well and it is a nice revolver.
Great find! That is one on my bucket list along with a two inch Model 64.
Thanks for the video. In this day and age it's up to all of us too keep our history alive in light of current developments.
That's for sure.
Those S & W mod 40 pistols are great for EDC and one of the safest carry you can find, enjoyed your segment 👍
I never heard of that incident! Appreciate the history. Another gun I've never handled. Nice job with the bandido, amigo.
Hi Santee - I was hoping you'd get to see this one. If you get a chance, read Applegate's account of the incident I posted in the comments. Here is also a good article on the Lemon Squeezer which first appeared in the 1870's www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/the-lemon-squeezer-the-38-that-wasnt-special/
Very well done ,!
Thanks Ed.
I bought a copy of Combat Use of the Double Edged Fighting Knife in the early 90's. I thought it a very interesting little booklet and decided to get a copy of Kill or Get Killed too. So, I called the number at the back of the book for Wells Creek Knife and Gun Works and Col Applegate, himself, answered the phone. After purchasing Kill or Get Killed I began practicing the methods taught therein. I was preparing to get hired by the US Secret Service at the time and before long I would develop questions related to the techniques (unarmed, knife and pistol) that I was learning and would call Col Applegate for clarification on whatever I needed. The Colonel was very gracious and we would talk for an hour or two, first just related to his method of close combat and then to any topic that came up. That was before these days of unlimited calling and texting and it cost me a pretty penny at the time, but I really made out on the deal. We continued conversing by phone until he passed away in 1998. The autographed copies of his books are the pride of my collection. Relative to your video (which I very much enjoyed, btw), I once asked him to recommend a pistol for EDC and he, unhesitatingly, recommended the S&W 640--which I immediately bought and carry to this day.
Thanks for the post. I've always wondered what Applegate would have recommended for a CCW.
Great video! Personally i think this is a great way to train with these types of smaller guns, either revolvers or pistol micro compacts. You really are just not going to have the time to properly stance up and hold the weapon with two hands.
I just bought the S&W 640 Pro and am going to train with it using this method.
Realistically, according to research by Claude Werner, distance between most citizen self defense shootings is between four and twelve feet, so this is something definitely to consider.
Another interesting episode! Some great history and instruction.
Glad you enjoyed it Big Al!
Thank You for the extremely informative and entertaining video, Greg!
Hi Tom! Thanks for coming by today.
I’ve been shooting, and carrying, a few different revolvers. A few months ago, I decided to buy a Smith and Wesson Model 642. It’s a great gun to shoot, and super nice to pocket carry. I shoot it much better than my other small DA/SA J frames, even when those pistols are used in single action. Great Video, Greg! 👍👍👍👍
Thanks Frank. I'm a big fan of the 642, but LOL, I am really liking that 640. I laugh because I always passed them by because I didn't like the way the shrouded hammer looked. I guess I didn't know what I was missing.
I own a 642, had it for five years. Got a Crimson Trace Laser grip for it a few months ago. I carry it very often.
Very well done Rex Applegate's book should be read as there is good info in that read. And your right avoidance, descalation and deterrence should be the thought in self defense. Remember in a gunfight nobody wins, you either survive of you do not. Your world will change!
"Remember in a gunfight nobody wins, you either survive of you do not. Your world will change!
"
Something definitely to remember.
Was told once that someone with Superior skills should use those skills to keep him/,her from using said skills. I.E. don't go to stupid places with stupid people and do stupid stuff...
Good story Greg. Thanks I learned something.
Thanks Bob! Then I did my job. Actually, I like researching and sharing history.
Loved this one Greg don't ever quit.
A very engaging lesson throughout!
Very informative as usual. Thank you.
Hi Edward. I like your icon. God Bless the USA.
I carried a 640 for several decades and while hunting or fishing. I learned to shot it very well because I shot if often. It failed me once when a squib got between the cylinder and barrel. I picked a twig and pushed the projectile back into the case.
Good story and great gun.
Excellent video, Greg. One of your best yet!
Thanks Cole!
Looks good to me! An oldie but a goodie... And that intro was funny! 😅
I'm glad you got a kick out of it.
I am pretty new to this channel. I learn something from each one that I watch. --Old Guy
Thanks Ed. I try to make it entertaining and educational.
Interesting and fun video, Greg! I really do like the break top revolvers, too bad they don't seem to want to make them anymore. Take care!
Thank you Fredric. I've passed over a break top Iver Johnson a time or two, but I think I'd like one now as a part of history.
Great history and better lesson.
Thank you Mike!
Great presentation and great shooting
Awesome lesson. Good shooting. I always enjoy your videos. Thanks.
Very interesting video on Rex Applegate. I had heard the story of his gunplay down in Mexico. My Dad gave me a cut-down (snubnose) S&W Safety Hammerless that had the cylinders bored out so they could handle .38 Special wadcutters. I carried it for a while and liked it a lot. It concealed wonderfully and was quite accurate. There were always questions about the strength of the break-top action. I have never heard of one blowing up though.
Good story on the gun your Dad gave you.
Looking great Mr.Newton. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Logan!
Hi Greg!! Sorry to bring you sad news. I lost my Donna to an illness. With God's help I will get through this my friend. Please say a prayer for her. Love your family and friends, time is short. I'll be back one day. God bless!! Ruger Rich
I'm sorry my friend. My prayers are with you.
🙏❤️
Donna Winchell - let the good memories of her wash over you and celebrate the time spent together.
Cheers and All the Best...
Warning: a couple of you have included the word "Green go" in your comment. This must be a forbidden/censored word on UA-cam. If you use that word in your comment, it won't show up.
People get their panties tied up in a wad over the stupidest things. Americans, in general, are probably the least racist people anywhere.
I believe Applegate started to carry a Fitz Special after this incident.
Very good jason.
I'm not sure. He was presented with one at some point in time from the guy who created them. But Fitzgerald died in 1945 before this incident happened. The one Applegate was presented with was in .45 ACP.
Lionquest Fitness 👍🏻 www.personaldefenseworld.com/2016/12/rex-applegate-fitz-special/
👍 great post and info. Nice shooting. I have the book. What I don’t have is a backyard range. You’re a good shot and a lucky man. Your videos fall right in line with “keeping fit for the life you live”. 👍 GB.
You know, by the time we cash it in, we'll probably have all this fitness and self defense stuff all figured out. But, it is the journey; not the destination that really counts.
Excellent brother nice history and break down of his system nice shooting too. Nothing like a snubby Smith
Never knew I'd get to liking the 640 as much as I do.
@@LionquestFitness Haven't shot the 640 but obviously the model 60 is very similar in some ways one of these days we will get together and I'll bring a bunch of Smith's with me
Wait! What is that Hi-Power clone? It looks like it's DA/SA. Is it a FEG P9R?
Good catch. I did sell it a year and a half ago.
The word gringo was given to the Irishmen working the transcontinental railroad east to west when they met up with the Chinese working west to east. The hard-working Chinese were kept up at night by the hard-drinking Irish singing "Green Grow the Rushes". They'd curse out the Irishmen next morning calling them "Greengrows." Thus Gringo. I also own an all-stainless Centennial from 1993. My only self-defense handgun. Love it.
Ha - thanks for that history lesson! That was priceless.
I have 3 different Hi-Powers, even the original "El Capitan" made for the Argentine army, & has adjustable rifle tangent sights on it out to 100 meters. One is in .40 S&W. and one is made by FNH in Belgium with a totally different safety system on it, where you flip down the safety like a 1911, & it automatically cocks the hammer. Then you just push the hammer towards the slide & the ambi safety's engage automatically. Only one I have ever seen, got it in Kentucky. The Hi-Power is thee best fitting in your hand firearm ever made. I actually carry that one concealed when the Flannel shirts come out in Wisconsin, which is at least half the year. It is amazingly accurate to boot.
You are a fortunate individual to have come across those!
Look out Indiana Jones, make way for Greg Newton and Lionquest Studios! Great video, very creative, I really enjoyed that! 👍
Hi Leeman - you know, I often watch the barfight scene on UA-cam from the first movie. It fascinated me how they spliced and edited the footage together. You can also catch the mistakes and the spots where they used a stuntman as opposed to Harrison Ford.
The 640 looks great especially with the heavy bull barrel.
What holster were you using for that?
How does the 640 feel one handed? I’m guessing you prefer.38+p in that gun? Nice to shoot? Thanks 🙏
I have a Simply Rugged holster for the 640. The 640 feels great one handed. It can handle .357, but I prefer Plus P. It's a great shooter and easy to conceal.
Have you had a chance to compare this with the 640 Performance Center? A lot of people seem to think the sights on the pro are much better. Thanks.
@@onedirection3510 No I haven't.
Nice group on the target ! Can tell you practice what you teach..... This makes me wonder what kind of style Cpl. York used in WWI when he "teched" off the 5 or 6 enemy solders charging him. We know he started with the last one. Hmm, might make a good theme for a video.
I came close to buying a painting of York with his 1911, laying prone and picking off the Jerries one at a time. In the painting he was doing it one handed and a dying German was looking at him face to face. That would be an interesting topic to do. However, I don't have access to WWI uniforms or facsimiles thereof. It I did, they wouldn't fit. Americans were much smaller in that era from what I've seen in local museums. However...
keep going, old cool man !
great stuff...as always
Thank you Andrew!
The Guatemala/Mexican border is a very dangerous place today and likely was back when this incident took place. Yes he had a S&W five shot top break .38 S&W in a shoulder rig. Classic close range defensive scenario.
Rex Applegate, whoa, now your talking, however you can't have a conversation of Applegate, without mentioning; William Fairbairn...
GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE
The connection between Fairbairn and Sykes with Applegate could make a four hour documentary. I'm surprised no one has ever done one or even wrote a book about their collaboration and the special units they trained.
@@LionquestFitness Yes, you are correct, they where ahead of there times, pushing point shooting, way before Jacob Aldolphus Bryce, also known as Delf A. 'Jelly' Bryce, they'res another chapter, to add / share with your viewer's.....
If it wasn’t asked already, what holster maker are you using here? It looks like a reinforced top to aid in reholstering.
Azula - they're made in South Africa of Buffalo hide and run in the $40-50 range.
Nice
a great demo, greg.
Thank you ed.
Cool info and great shooting!
Hi Sam - thanks for coming by!
I always shoot my revolvers one handed thats how I learned and I stuck with it.
Nothing wrong with that. That was what revolvers and 1911's were originally designed to do.
Tried several times to leave a comment on the original video,,was a no go.I'm seriously looking at the J frame S&W revolvers vs the Ruger LCR models.
Hi Mark, if you used the word Green Go in a comment, UA-cam blocks it.
Also, as much as I've been disappointed in S&W quality this last few years, their J frame revolvers are still a good buy.
@@LionquestFitness I didn't know that.Probably because of all the Latinos employed by google.
Kill or be killed....read last night about his training the members of the Jedburgh teams in the use of the knife and hand to hand before they parachuted into France to arm and organize the resistance... now it seems like that was all in vain , but the men themselves are not forgotten !
Absolutely!
Greg , there are some films of Rex Applegate using the Applegate-Fairbairn knife out there , and man was he fast !
The old .38 S&W isn’t a round I’d want to bet my life on, but, in a pinch, as the thespian playing Col. Applegate demonstrated, its better than harsh language or a sharp stick, and got the job done.
I remember reading Ed Lovette’s column in Combat Handguns magazine, along with a gentleman named Walt Rausch, who happened to carry TWO of the hammerless S&Ws on occasion.
Stay safe, Greg!
LOL - thespian aye? More like ham! But, on a serious note; carrying two of the hammerless snubbies is not such a bad idea at times.
I have a 442.
Good gun.
Greg you lost weight and look really fit and young good work!!
Hi Veronica - back in December I got hit by an unknown virus with the symptoms of C-19. I was sick and like a zombie for three months and lost 20 pounds. So, self and I had a heart to heart. I went back to supplementing my diet to boost my immune system, cutting out caffeinated beverages and changing the way I exercise. No more how many and how much, but exercise everyday and train, not strain. It seems to be working so far. Thank you for noticing.
@@LionquestFitness I’m sorry.. Then it’s a total health routine like never before understood. Still look younger and fit though on camera... Thx for your reply
Hey Great acting skills!! I wanna see a full movie!! LOL!!!
LOL - Not in this lifetime...
@@LionquestFitness LOL!!!
Yeah, the 640 is a far superior gun, but nowhere near as cool as a breaktop revolver!
Thanks for the video and the history lesson!
That's for sure!
Thanks for the historical perspective....didn't they have the same problem during the Spanish-American War with the S&W 38 caliber that the warriors attacking them were not going down? Interesting about the Applegate style of fighting and shooting. Important not have that "sweep" with the gun as you illustrated. Instead adjust and point/aim toward the target. Thanks, Mr. Newton! (Really appreciate the insight into the J frames...trying to decide between the S&&W 638, the new Taurus 856 Defender both in 38 Spl+P, or a 3 inch .357 S&W 686 plus...that carry weight can really make a difference and do you really need .357 Magnum for self defense?)
In the Moro war in the Philippines, the army was using the .38 Long Colt. That was the round proving to be ineffective. This was during the change from black powder to smokeless powder. The development of the .38 special came from this. That third inch in a barrel does make a difference and is not that much harder to conceal. As for .357, it depends. In a rural, wilderness area it is practical. In a congested suburban/urban area you worry about over penetration and muzzle blast bouncing off barriers, so it is a trade-off.
@@LionquestFitness OK. I just knew there was an ineffective .38 cal at that time. Good points all on the 686! Thanks again sir, be safe and healthy.
Great story
Thanks Lance.
Greg a lot of the things you are teaching was taught by range instructors at the Philadelphia police academy! I see some things you do that are not specifically pointed out by you i see are things taught in the police academy in Philadelphia!
Thanks for recognizing that. I go back to my training from my police days. I also study what's been done before with people like Bill Jordan, Jelly Bryce and Rex Applegate. I'm not opposed to developing new techniques, but many things we see as new were already done before.
Another informative and entertaining video Greg. Perhaps Community Theater is in your future... One question I'd like to ask Applegate is , why was he carrying the lemon squeezer ? I'm sure he had to know it's not a very effective choice. I have one that was my grandfather's and it's fun to shoot but I'd only use it as a last resort choice for defense. I shot a large ground hog with it once and it ran off before it died, Must have been the lead poisoning from the solid lead slugs that finally took him down...
I've wondered the same thing about the lemon squeezer Jim; especially since Applegate had a Fitz Special in .45 given to him by Fitz. The only thing I can think of is the concealability. Here is an article from the USCCA that talks about the .38 S&W and Applegate: www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/the-lemon-squeezer-the-38-that-wasnt-special/
@@LionquestFitness maybe he was carrying the lemon squeezer for the same reason many folks had super 38 in Central America;illegal to have weapon in military caliber.I still would think something a little stronger.
Thanks Greg!
👍🤠