Hello S&W forumites, I have just purchased my first revolver (and am making my first post) a pinned barrel Model 63. It seems to be in great shape, and is more accurate than I am. I was told that the M110xxx serial number dates it to 77, but I can't be sure as there was no box or paperwork with it. I chose this model after some research and it makes a good plinking companion to my old lady's M&P .22. Is there anything in particular I should be aware of when shooting or cleaning this model? Thank you for your time.

-Roy

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Welcome! The SN puts it as a 1978 shipped gun, most likely.

Keeping the bore and chambers clean and a small amount of oil on the visible moving surfaces should do. Depending on your specific chambers (dimensions), firing residue may make it difficult to seat rounds after a while, so having a brush to clean them while out shooting is a good idea. Most autos in my experience don't have this issue.

Hope you (and the "old lady" ) enjoy it!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Welcome to the forum. That is a really nice early model 63, congratulations.

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Birds like shiny new toys too.

Looks very nice.
I feel it's a better choice than the newer versions.

Thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to carry a brush to run through the cylinders if necessarily.

I'll echo the brush thing.
Also have a 4" M63 and enjoy it alot. BUT - it does NOT like dirty ammo, and even with good clean stuff, after 1/2 dozen cylinders-full, seating rounds becomes difficult.
Evidently they adhered to so some very close tolerances on those guns.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

Welcome from North Dakota and congrats on the nice 63. Just shoot it, clean it, fondle it, and admire it for a while, and guaranteed you'll become a "revolver guy" and will want more wheel guns

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John

I already do, just taking it slow and doing my research first (I got a nice deal on a 686 SSR with one box of ammo through it I'm contemplating).

I have the exact same gun. I bought mine new in 1979. I also have the same SW aftermarket grips. The originals were smaller. My favorite pistol.i will never sell it.

The vintage over sized grips are a big part of why I chose that specific sidearm. They fit my hand perfectly.

Good looking Model 63. They are great little revolvers. Congratulations on your purchase! Murphydog covered it pretty well. Just keep it clean and don't slam it around and the little gun will probably last forever.

I have one more question, there is a little bit of "wiggle" in the cylinder when the hammer is back but no lead is shaving off and I'm only seeing the usual carbon build up. Do I need to worry about this?

A little play in the cylinder is normal and shouldn't be a problem as long as the gun is shooting accurately and everything else seems OK.

Excellent choice Roy. I like the older versions of the S&W 63 better. Like was already discussed, they are subject to dirty ammo and you do need to run a brush thru the barrel and cylinders pretty regular. Get you a box of plastic wall anchors #4 to #8 and use them like ammo and you can dry fire it all you want. Rotate the anchors on occasion. Works great. Nice gun.

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James

I like mine and that style of stocks a well. I have both smooth and checked, but prefer this look.

Mine is from 1991.

Congratulations on a fine revolver and it will only go up in value around here! They are scarce around here in the shops as most people do not want to sell them after getting one.

The smooth target grips look very nice on it. Probably came with just some J-Frame magnas on it but, I like the look with the target grips.

When I got mine (1977 model), it had Pachmayr Presentation Grips on it and though they felt great, they looked terrible! I put some S&W checkered target grips on it and "prettied" it right up!

Here is a pic when I first got it!

The M18 and the M63 are the two finast .22's (revolvers) ever made! While I prefer the M18 for target shooting on the Range, I prefer the M63 to accompany me in the woods while Pheasant Hunting - for the Squirrel Brothers you know. Good luck with it.

It's been great so far! Made a bricks worth of holes in paper and really starting to get a good feel for how to shoot it accurately. I can't imagine a better first Smith. the only thing I'd want to change is the front sight as I can be hard to see at the range, but its integral to the barrel so I'll just have to get used to the red ramp (and definitely not get targets with red ink next time)

Welcome to the forum and GOOD FOR YOU on the 63.

I have it's blued variety - the 34-1.

I would second the motion to keep a bore brush handy. After you shoot 50 to 100 rounds out of it the ejection can get stiff due to, well, several things. The solution is to run a bore brush through it and understand that it is 'normal' when it gets dirty.

Again, welcome to the forum!

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But then, what do I know?

I just recently purchased a 63 also (not my first S&W wheel gun or auto). It is a sweet shooting gun and yes you do need to run a brush through it after several rounds. Mine has the Magna grips, but I am in search of larger grips like yours. I do want ones with the S&W medallion.

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Welcome aboard. The 63 is a terrific revolver; keep it clean and you will treasure it for a long time.

You will appreciate that red ramp when you are out in the shade of the woods and other indirect light situations. If you don't have a white outline blade, you might want to get one. I always think the combination works much better together than just with the red ramp alone.

Model 63s are great 22s. I have owned several and still have one.
When I sold or traded the others away I usually buy another.