I'm considering buying a Model 64, which I have wanted for some time, mostly to shoot, not to collect or put in the safe. There are two I have found locally about the same time, in decent shape, but they are quite different.

One is a "no-dash", with a tapered barrel, wood grips and sight which (I think) identifies it as an early model.

The other one is 64-3 (or 5, can't remember right now), the heavier barrel, a more modern looking sight, and bit more ergo rubber grips. It is a bit more expensive and has more signs of use, but not enough to matter.

I know these are very common online, but not so much here, and this seems to be about what I have to choose from. I am mostly curious about the barrels, and because the owner told me he is not sure the tapered barrel was designed for +P loads, and also not sure if that model has a different safety from the later models, or what was changed and why. I like the looks of the older, no-dash model a bit better, but looks really won't matter much to me shooting it.

So, my question would be, what was the purpose of the different barrel (I read it had something to do with law enforcement), were there functional improvements or changes in anything else, or is there anywhere I can read up on this? Thanks in advance.

Both will be fine with +P loads. I personally like the HB models but would not kick a tapered barrel version out of bed. Whichever you like best, get it.

Although the standard answer around here is to buy both, the early model with the pencil barrel is more rare and desirable, especially with wood grips. I'm no expert, but my understanding is that the early guns were modeled after the Model 10 in blue steel. The later heavy barrels are much more common. I have one, and it's a joy to shoot.

Absolutely buy the no dash tapered model with wood grips. And it's
cheaper with less signs of use? Grab it before someone else does.

I prefer the original profile as opposed to the heavy barrel. YMMV.

WR

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God, Country, Family

Utter nonsense. The profile of the barrel has absolutely nothing to do with the revolver's ability to handle the slight increase in pressure experienced from firing +P ammo. Forget about that, and pick the one you like the best.

For me, there would be no question: the earlier revolver with the tapered barrel would be my choice, hands down.

This is correct, sort of. The Model 64 IS the same revolver as the Model 10, except for the material used: stainless versus carbon steel. Both the Model 10 and the Model 64 were available with the two barrel profiles. But the tapered barrel Model 64 was later dropped from the lineup.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Never much on SS Smiths.
However, after moving to the coast it seemed
one was needed.
I've always favored 2" K's.
This one fit.

I own a 64-5 with a heavy barrel but I would prefer an older model with tapered barrel. Stainless cleans up very easily and is the most weather resistant material. If the no dash is cheaper and looks used less then it's a no brainier. My 64-5 was my very first S&W revolver and started a sickness within me. Several years later and I now own nearly 50 of them. Get that 64 no dash before somebody else does (somebody like me), you will love it!

Thanks for the input!

Btw, NO, I am not buying two revolvers right now, no matter how nice. Can't shoot with two hands like in the movies, but thanks for the encouragement anyways!

I did not say cheap, just less expensive than the other gun with the rubber grips. I was lucky to find a nice S&W 3rd gen recently, and this will be enough to help me get over my "Covid Cabin Fever" this summer.

It looks like the consensus is for the older tapered barrel version. Btw, the person who said he was not sure about +P rounds was not trying to discourage me, just said he did not know.

Maybe I should put it like this, anyone know what changed during the 1970's on that gun, besides the appearance and the weight of the barrel, and why, and would it make much difference shooting it, and by that I mean for a recreational shooter, as opposed to LE, or someone trying to put more than one round through the same hole, LOL?


(edit: yeah, I KNOW there are way too many ands in that sentence... )

The thin-barreled 64s look neat and may not be nearly as plentiful as the heavy-barreled version, but for a revolver that will be used as a shooter, I find the heavy barrel 64 easier to shoot well. It has just the right amount of muzzle heaviness to make a difference for most of us in terms of a steadier hold.

Not counting the stocks (and the lock), there ain't much difference between an HB M64 and an HB M10 (omit the fact that this M10 is a .357 Magnum).

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Come and take it!!

During the 70's, the theory was that the HB improved balance and helped with recoil absorption. But for me, I'd rather have the tapered barrel. I doubt there will be any difference in accuracy between the two.

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Mike H

Decisions, decisions. I also have a 3" M64 now, and both of the 64' in this picture are now wearing different stocks. Altamont's on the -8 and faux ivory on the no dash.

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Only a cold warrior

One look at the tapered barrel model and you know which one to buy.

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Do you like the neighborhood cop look or the FBI look?

My 64 HB is one of my favorite 38s to shoot. I'd like to add a standard barrel 10/64 to the collection tho! :-)

I see someone has finally addressed the important part. I tried the Miami Vice look once... it didn't... almost... sort-of... not work for me... at all. I probably should have gone with the MIB look instead, the wardrobe is so much cheaper, and they get to try new cool toys all the time. Just need to look up the model numbers, I'm sure there is a forum for that...

I'd choose the pencil barrel. I find heavy barrel K .38s in excess of 3" to feel too front heavy for my tastes. Plus I like the more classic look.

Just my $.02.

If you don't care which one might be worth more down the road and just want one to shoot, the HB w/rubber stocks would be your best bet.

The dash numbers indicate engineering changes were made or features were added / deleted. Sometimes these changes were improvements, sometimes they were shortcuts to make manufacturing faster and cheaper.

They went to the -1 when they offered the option of the 4" heavy barrel in 1972. The next year, only the heavy barrel was available on the M64-1.

One of the changes that happened during production of the -3 was the deletion of the barrel pin. A lot of us like pinned barrels and would prefer one with the pin over one without, but on a shooter I doubt you would ever notice any difference.

So just buy the one that appeals to you. You won't go wrong either way.

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You're shy a few manners.

The heavy barrel puts a little additional weight out near the front sight which , to me , hangs steadier in shooting .
I have always shot heavy barrel models better than tapered barrel , not only in the model 64 but in just about every handgun I have shot.
My model 64 is the 4" heavy barrel and the balances just right for shooting .
The front sight on long tapered barrels wants to wobble around ... the heavy barrel just hangs steady .
I will admit I like the looks and my first S&W was an old 6" tapered barrel model 10 ... Looked great but I couldn't shoot it very well ...the front sight moved around . The heavy barrel models of 4" or 5" are the ones I can shoot best ...the front sight just hangs steadier .
Model 64 , 38 special , 4" HB is just about the perfect shooting revolver...mine gets a lot of range time .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

If the price is right I’d go for the no dash, standard barrel. Though I don’t own, nor have I shot a heavy barrel I have a no dash with the 4” standard barrel as well as M10 dash something and they are wonderful guns. The heavy barrel might be a better shooter with the extra weight of the heavier barrel but the standard barrel is no slouch.

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BCCI Life Member #2068

Model 64 (no dash)
My first agency issued service revolver. I naturally would purchased it

The tapered barrel model is a little lighter and hides out better if'n you will carry it. I vote for it. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Does anyone know what the original finish was like? Meaning, brushed, matte, shiny polished?

I myself have preferred the heavy barrel. Just works for me. My 64-3 from 1981. Got this in a trade for a Ruger 9mm if memory serves me correct.
Have you tried finding a model 10, if blue works for you? Bob

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As you can see it's a matter of "Personal preference"....... handle them both and pick the one you like best.

You can easily get wood grips for the Heavy barrel or rubber for the tapered barreled gun

All good points, thanks!

I am considering the model 10 also, but the ones I have seen in person and handled were well used, to the point of obvious impact on the sight, cylinder, crown of the gun, rust and or pitting here and there. I don't have the experience to know when a gun like that is still ok to shoot, but it is my second option.

The example with the heavy barrel I mentioned above is something I think I will pass on for similar reasons. Its well used but may have issues. When I spun the cylinder, it felt like something was not quite right, the crown of the barrel had some marks on it.

So I am down to the one option, for 475 plus tax and local fees. Have not had time to examine that one closely, but that will probably be it.

Thanks again.

There are threads on how to inspect/ issues to look for when buying a used revolver ....... do a search or maybe someone will link one for you.

Sorry not my strong suit

@BAM-BAM, I looked at a few of those posts and videos, and I also went in armed with directions from a local friend with better knowledge than mine. That was why I decided to pass. Nobody brought up anything against the earlier model, not like a flaw that was fixed in later versions, so I am ok with it, especially since it looks to be in better cosmetic condition of the two. it is about $100 more than one of the police model 10s online, and local. I'm ok with that too

edit: Btw, the gun looks exactly like the one that @Pharmer posted a pic of. Same barrel, sight, and grips, down to the barrel pin. Finish is somewhere between matte and brushed, iirc.

Then enjoy..... a S&W revolver is a joy to own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For completeness, the model 64 "no-dash" I asked about above, once in my possession.

I finally got my hands on it after all the formalities. Looks either unfired or professionally cleaned, with grips intact and side plate and screws unmolested. Above and beyond what I had in mind when I went looking for one, thanks in part to info and advice here (thanks for that).

My original plan was to put rubber grips or target grips on whatever I ended up with, but now I actually have it in my hands, it looks too nice to mess with, lol.

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