Folks:

I recently purchased a S&W model 64-5 round butt with a 3” barrel and have some questions. Sorry I don't have any photos.

The trigger and hammer are forged steel but it has the new style cylinder release. The Serial Number is CBY05XX. I have seen 64-5s with MIM triggers and hammers and most have the older style cylinder release. Was there a lot of variation in these?

Approximately when was it built?

In addition it has the following electropencil engraved numbers on the right side of the grip frame: 1/5/2 305. I can't recall seeing anything like this on any of my other Smiths. This gun may have been from a group of Ohio Correctional guns as there were a number of those for sale where I bought this one, but I am not sure about that. Any info, thoughts or just WA guesses on this would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Ike

The book says the -5 started in 1988. The S/N dates the gun between August - October 1997.


Hope this helps some.

Thanks Hillbilly:

That info fits with what is on the gun and the 1997 birthdate. I forgot to mention the grooved backstrap and forestrap.

Ike

In my experience, model changeovers at S&W were not instantaneous.
Just wandered forward with newer parts as supplies of the older ones were used up.
Then they would "find" a few more older parts and put them back into the production line.
My 64-5 is a similar configuration to yours:

__________________
-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Taroman:

That looks very familiar. I guess no one wan's to make a guess abot the numbers.

Ike