Has there been two offerings of the mod. 63? If the statement is true what are the differences between the two? Is there an advantage of one over the other? I am contemplating a purchase and would prefer the best product available. Your expertise is much appreciated.

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Sam # 2198

Yes, two offerings,the current being a five inch version.
Without going into the whole lock thing,which frankly doesn't bother me,the one to get is the first edition.
I think a J frame is better with the shorter 4 inch barrel (also offered in a two incher),and the larger hammer spur of the earlier gun.The only advantage of the new version is the eight shot cylinder.I'd rather have the one piece barrel of the earlier guns,as well.

Camster thanks, you seem to be the only person tuned in but your information is very much appreciated. I am not sure of the manufacturing time frames for the different issues. Is there a Mod. 63-(dash) number that covers the changes and please describe them, if so?

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Sam # 2198

The first run ran from approx. 1977 to 1999.Comprised up to -4 variants.
The latest edition,which I'm assuming is a -5?,just came out in the last two years or so.

Sam;

63 originally introduced in 1977, 4" only. 63-1 from 1982-'89 with unpinned barrel (but later 63 no dashes also had no pin), 4" only. 63-2, a 2" Lew Horton special in 1989. 63-3 from 1989 until production stopped in 1998, made in both 2" and 4". I think the current 5" (8-shot, lock, two-piece barrel) is a 63-4 but am not 100% sure. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan D. Tong
SWCA 2023

You guys are on top of things and the information is exactly what I needed. Since I have been planning on adding a Mod. 63 I needed the facts you furnished to shop more intelligently. I believe the pinned and recessed early version is what I will look for unless there were weaknesses that the - (dash) numbers improved. Again, my thanks for the expert information. Oh yea, I noticed that the early Mod. 63s were offered with a 2" or 4" barrel option, can any one advise if there should be any difference in asking price for either length of the same condition? I have seen the 4" version offered for but not seen the 2", could it be the 2" had a lower production quantity?

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Sam # 2198

smitholdtimer, the 2" version usually draws at least $100 more than the 4". The older 63's also came in square or round butt also, both of the guns pictured are shown with the original factory grips. I don't believe there are any inherent problems with any of the dash models but the pinned guns, like the top one in the photos, seem to command a bit of a premium.

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John. SWCA #1586