Guys!

I love S&W's and well, I ran into two Model 63-3's, both 2" special order models and both brand new in the box with all papers! Both have Red Ramp front sights and Adjustable Rear sights. One has SS smooth trigger and what to me looks like a mini target rear hammer, the other has the same style hammer/trigger but both are Color Case Hardened.

I'm curious why the box says it's a model 63 but the gun is marked 63-3? Is that common? I found the brother to one of these on GunBroken and it sold in Sept for $1,180!! BUT.... it was listed as a 63 No Dash!! The tag on the box is identical to my tag and box... but #7425... mine is 7400!

Also, I just noticed the one of mine has a V and a STAR on the rear of the cylinder! The other does not have these marks. Anyone know why??

What years were the 63-3's made? These are numbers BSC0393 and BPF7400.

Cool guns..... I will post pics in a little while. I really only needed ONE but he would not sperate the two..... I think I maybe Paid a little more than I should have but I also think these might be rare in this shape! Ouch... $825 each!

How "early" did I buy?

Here is the one with SS Hammer/Trigger




And here is the one with CC Hammer/Trigger

Spec. Ord. (should be on the printed label) is often mistaken for Special Order. The number under Spec. Ord. is the date the revolver was boxed at the factory, it's present on most, if not all, modern S&W labels.

The big difference in the 63-3 and earlier models is the improved yoke retention, it has a V in the yoke where a spring loaded ball in the yoke screw rides. Since the screw is larger it's nigh impossible to get them mixed up (pretty common) and ruin the fit of the yoke. You will see 63-3's with chromed or case colored hammers and triggers, with wood stocks or Uncle Mike's rubber stocks.

So the 63-3's and earlier guns are actually better than the -4's and beyond?

What date does this label show it was boxed? I dont get the numbering for that from this one.

Thanks for the reply!

Personally, I like the -3's better.

That particular label means the 140th day of 1993, IIRC.

Cool. Interesting secret codes!! Thanks for the info!

The 2" m63 Lew Horton special orders were made in '89 and '91 with a S/N BDYxxxx, 516 units made. Info should be reliable as I got it from Hortons regarding my 63.

Hey Pete
A 2" 63-3 was made in 1989 for Lew Horton which had a product code of 102405. There were 500 guns made for this order. The product code on the label you pictured is 104000 which is for the standard production run guns started in 1991.
jcelect SWCA#LM723

For clarification, here's a pic of a Lew Horton 63 I just sold and the label from the box.

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Model 63's of both 4 inch and 2 inch lengths have gotten expensive, especially the 2 inchers. The shorter guns just aren't common; you can swing a dead cat for weeks and not hit one.

I think, between the scarcity of the gun, the utility of a J frame .22 and the price of new, currently made S&W's, you did fine. It is the kind of gun that if you want one, and just don't luck into a good deal, you have to pay the price.

I'd be happy to trade one for a Model 19 3" new in the box! ha ha ha ha ha

Purchased new in 1995 for around $250.

Attached Images

model 63.jpg (192.1 KB, 119 views)

Yeah - and I bought one in Roseville, CA back in about '92, had Bill Davis re-chamber it in .22 Mag & ended up selling it to a co-worker after I moved to CT in mid-'93. I have no idea why I sold it b/c I was making good $$$.

I've been back in OR since Dec. 2012, started buying / collecting again in mid-2013 & went after a lot of guns I owned back when I could only afford one at a time. A couple of years ago on this forum I found out about my Lew Horton M63 & wanted to *** uncontrollably. I've had 6 - 10 guns that I've really regretted selling & that one ranks #1 on the "how could I?" chart. Interestingly, it's the only gun I ever pulled in self-defense & I was carrying it illegally in Sacramento because permits were unobtainable back then. When the ringleader of four heard the hammer cock he suddenly decided to get that proctology exam he'd been putting off.

I carry open in the summer & only once have I been asked why in a rude way. I very calmly told him the story & he left with something to think about & wished me a good day when we parted.

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I'm single, so I buy guns.

Sobbing.....

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I'm single, so I buy guns.

I've got a 63-5 with a 3" barrel that I like more every time I shoot it, and just picked up an Airweight 43c.
But, if you want to get rid of one of those, drop me a line and I'll try to help you out.
:-)

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