Model 64 4 inch Tapered Barrel with Round Butt

scha · #1 03-17-2010, 06:00 PM

Here is my "project" Model 64-5. This was one of the used Model 64s from J&G sales. It originally had a 4 inch heavy barrel and was Double Action Only. I wanted a stainless round butt with the 4 in tapered barrel that was both single and double Action and this is the result. The gun also had heavy scratches and marks on the ejector rod end. I sent the parts to Smith & Wesson and they did all the barrel work and installed a new ejector rod and pin.

I knew going into this project that I would invest more than it would be worth. For those interested - here are the numbers.

Model 64 from J & G (4in heavy barrel DAO) $240
Shipping from J&G $22
FFL Fee $30
Used Barrel (Thanks again Allen) $25
Used target hammer $27
Used wooden grips $20
Fed Ex overnight shipping to Smith & Wesson $54
Labor to have factory install barrel $72
New Ejector Rod & Pin and return shipping $35

Total Cost $525

Note - the total includes shipping and FFL fees of around $125.

Since there were no factory Model 64s with the round butt and 4 inch tapered barrels, this is now a custom Model 64. Since it had no collector value, however, I do feel good having the factory do the work. While no longer "original" it was created by the factory. The photo shows the gun as just returned today from Smith and Wesson. I have not yet cleaned the gun nor have I put the slight bevel on the frame above the barrel.

Thoughts?

Steve

Big Mike · #2 03-17-2010, 06:28 PM

Interesting configuration. People can pay a lot more than $525 for guns that they want so I think you made out good.

C Islander · #3 03-17-2010, 07:02 PM

Personally, I think that's one sweet looking revolver. If it makes you happy, it was worth the price!

TNDave · #4 03-17-2010, 07:10 PM

That is a very sweet gun! Worth every penny!

RWJ · #5 03-17-2010, 08:23 PM

At last my custom 64-2 RB 4" has a long lost cousin! Mine was made from a Model 64-2 2" several years ago so the frame contour would match the tapered 4" barrel. My thought was that it would make a perfect carry gun.

Mine wears Hogue wooden RB grips; I hope yours shoots as nicely as mine.

RWJ

Texas Star · #6 03-17-2010, 10:50 PM

I wish that the factory had offered those...Very handy and practical .38.

T-Star

wlewisiii · #7 03-17-2010, 11:14 PM

Dang, that's pretty close to what I'd like to do. If you find another 4" tapered barrel let me know

Pity there wasn't a 3" tapered but that's how it goes.

Add some Ahrend's retro combats in tung oiled walnut ...

William

scha · #8 03-29-2021, 08:22 AM

Here is my 64 that I sent back to the factory to have a tapered barrel installed (I provided the used barrel). The round butt and tapered barrel makes a very nice combination.