I don't see much, if any, discussion about this revolver on this forum. I'm debating between the 64 (which is less expensive but doesn't have the versatility to shoot .357 Magnum) or the 686. Both in four-inch barrels.

Would the 64 be a good buy for home defense? Or would it more prudent to spring for the 686?

Thanks in advance and if it isn't obvious, I'm new to revolvers.

The Model 64 is a fine gun. It is lighter than the 686. While magnums are more powerful than specials, they are not necessarily more desirable in a fighting pistol. Modern high performance special loads are big medicine if they find their mark. You are correct the 64 isn't a "glamor" gun, but it is a workhorse.

Welcome to the forum, the answer to the question of "Would the 64 be a good buy for home defense?" is a resounding YES!

I bought a DAO Mod 64, a police trade in, and it's my truck/ATV/ carry and nightstand gun.

As a matter of fact, I bought two more Mod 64's after this one. A tapered barreled one and a snub-nosed revolver.

There's posts on the Mod 64 revolver on the forum. Use the "search" feature to find them.

GF

I just started a thread about my new 64-5, went back to the index and I see this thread!

Ooooooooahhhhhhh ooooooooooahhhhhh I'm psychic.....anybody need a card or palm reading.....here fullthrottle - your first one is FREE: "I see a S&W model 64 somewhere in your future!"

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But then, what do I know?

For my HD choice the .357 has over penetration issues so with neighbors close I opt to use .38 special.

I have a 64 and a 586 (a blue version of the 686) both a fine revolvers and I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite between them.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

You'll find lots of information on 64s searching the 1961 to 1980 revolver forum using the term "model 64" in quotes.

Currently 64s are the best bargain in the police surplus market. 64s are good basic .38s. Whether it's better to buy a surplus bargain or a nicer condition used revolver that you can pick for its features like caliber and sights depends on your budget and tastes.

This may be heading towards a caliber debate, but I've spoken to a handful of people that own revolvers, including a couple gunsmiths, and I'm hearing different things.

Some say the .38 is just fine for defense, but others say I'd need a .357 if I'm serious about it. One even hinted a .38 special was basically useless as a defensive round and too weak to cause any damage to a person if first shot through glass.

So in other words, I'm trying to get as much info as possible. Thanks for the replies

For HD you should not be shooting through heavy glass. The .38 special has a very long and successful service record with most every police department on the planet. Using some of the new superwazooie +p defense loads or the old time tested FBI load from a 4" barrel of a model 64 you will do just fine. Also with the lower recoil and lower muzzle flash of the .38 followup shots in the dark of your house at night should be easier.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Correct, for home defense you must not use anything smaller than a .357, .41, or .44 mag - with the .454 Casull, or .50 S&W being preferable. Allowable long guns include the 12 gauge (MUST have riot tube), AR (must have at least 6 30 round magazines), or AK (similar number of magazines but must also have th bayonet extended at all times).

Sandbag bunkers housing your Barrett M82A1 .50 cal, or Back Up Gun as it is known, are optional but recommended.

Quoted from "Gun Store Salesman's Guide".

Edit: For many years I stuck to the Luddite notion that any average .38, 9mm etc was all I'd ever need for HD. I was such a neanderthal! But then, I went to a gun store, and the helpful salesman there showed me the way!

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But then, what do I know?

The hundreds of thousands of people who have been put down with .38's would probably disagree - if they weren't dead.

If you load up a Model 64 with any of a half dozen different defensive loads available from the major players, you need not worry whether you have enough caliber.
There are those out there who are "caliber queens" - IE: .38 is useless, .357 is almost useless, .44 is barely adequate and .45 is okay unless you have a .500.
And this presents another opportunity to show off my daily carry, "Luscious".

One only has to shoot a .357 in a bedroom once to realize the .38 Special is a better HD round -- Been there -- done that -- My hearing will never be the same -- any second shot is "iffy" when you are blinded by the flash and your ears are ringging

I have a 686 and a couple of the 64's carbon-steel sibling, the model 10. For home defense either is a fine gun, and I keep mine loaded with the FBI loads (158gr+P LSWCHPs), which have been well-proven in use by law enforcement agencies.
The 686 is a bit larger and heavier than the 64, and it has the full length barrel underlug which adds weight out front and helps reduce muzzle flip when firing magnums (which always draws attention at the range due to the loud report). With .38 specials the 686 has minimal recoil and is very easy to shoot rapidly. The adjustable sights are nice because you can set them for whatever load and range you are using, but this is hardly a factor at across-the-room or down-the-hallway distances. If you are thinking about adding tritium night sights, then you can do so with the 686 as long as it has the pinned front sight. The 686+ gives you a seventh round if that is a consideration for you.
The 10/64 is a bit lighter and more compact than the 686, owing to a smaller cylinder (the 686 cylinder and forcing cone are beefed up for extensive use of magnums). The 10/64 and 686 both have exactly the same grip frame and trigger reach, but in my opinion the 10/64 has a nicer balance and is a little quicker handling. I find it quite easy to manage with the FBI loads. I regularly carry one of my model 10s.
Both guns are exceptionally accurate and fun to shoot.
Handle both if possible to see which one feels better to you. If you are married and your wife may have to use the gun also, let her handle them as well and get her input.
You might also consider the Model 66, which is sort of the best of both worlds. It is the size of the 10/64, stainless steel, has the adjustable sights of the 686, and can fire .357 magnums, though you will get various opinions about how often you should shoot it with magnums and what bullet weights to use.

Sorry about writing a novel, but these are great handguns and easy to go on and on about. Hopefully my opinions will be of some value to you.

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Ban lunatics and criminals

a S&W model 64, K frame, .38 special is an excellant revolver for HD and target practice.

loaded with DEWC (double end wadcutters) @ 800 to 830 fps will give adequate stopping power for defense purposes.

The Model 64 should be a great choice for home defense. Very strong and serviceable revolver, reliable and always ready to go.

I have one which may be unique. Here's a picture with its documentation.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

A Model 64 with +P ammo will do just fine for home defense, carry, or anything else. Great all around.

Paladin: After your posting of that picture, I can only say one thing. WOW! Very nice! thanks for the great picture. GB

My work gun is a Model 64, in four-inch trim. I liked it so much I bought two more just like it. I also have a 686, and wouldn't mind having a few more. If money is a major consideration, look around on the used gun market for police/security trade-in 64's. Most have some wear, but were shot little and are absolute bargains. If having one more shot and a few extra ounces sounds like it's worth the extra bucks, go for the 686. Neither would be a mistake.

As for ammo, I carry Speer Gold Dots in my work gun, and encourage my troops to do the same. In winter I'll often switch to a heavier bullet, 158-grain Nyclads and Hydra-shoks are good stuff, there are lots of good choices available. I choose not to use magnums.......I see no need. 38's are much more controllable in rapid fire, won't blind and deafen you indoors, and are easier to shoot with greater proficiency AND less practice, for most folks.

Some of the first Model 64s were .357 Magnum, according to the SCS&W, 3rd Ed. The .357 version became the Model 65 and the 64 remained .38 Spl, Plus P. I had this one for a while.

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Bob

My wife and I both shoot our 64-1 very well, so it sees duty as a home defense gun. Deadly, accurate medicine with the classic 158 grain LSWCHP Plus P FBI load.

Over three years ago, I found the current production NIB 64-8 below amongst the other security guard trade-ins at a local gustore. It was $309 - same as the dog-earred units - and had not been 'issued'. They let me out the door at that price. It still had everything in the box - spent case and 'Club 1852' application included. I bought it as my 'house' gun - right. It spent the first year in my range bag sporting Ahrends wood grips. Fun plinker! It finally got it's original grips back - and stoked with +P 158gr LHPSWC's, Remington R38S12, remained at the ready in it's HD role - taking it's turn at the range only occasionally.



To be blunt - it is a great plinker. I need one of those bobbed-hammer DAO variants. Get two - they really are nice. Mine is like the latest production - a fine revolver.

Stainz

OK, I'm joining in on this pic posting of 64's...

I was just fooling around with camera settings last night with my new night stand 64...

Kidding aside; I was in that same boat. Once I started lurking on the S-W forum, I became convinced that used S&W's were perfectly alright. There are many on these boards that will not buy the newer Smiths - even though they are probably the finest newly built by any standard.

I had a friend who was selling an old 686 6". It felt too barrel heavy but the price was right - AND - once I got on these forums, I realized that I could EASILY get back what I paid for it. Once I started shooting it I concluded that, at least for now, the .357 is not my cup of tea. But man, is that thing accurate! Tight patterns at 75'! (which is extremely good for me). No prob, load it up with .38 +P and away I'm a happy camper. Another 'sort of' issue - it's too heavy for the wife in a HD situation.

The 'barrel heavy' thing bothered me anyway so I borrowed/rented a couple 4" ers and snubs. Me - I can't hit much with a snub so I settled on the 4" style. (Sidebar: then I bought a couple 'other inexpensive brands' 3" & 4". Don't get me wrong, they're nice guns & functional, but you'll be able to tell the difference in quality. You're thinking 'HD' so you want the very best right?). As noted on the other thread, and in the pic, I just got the Model 64, still have the 686 and a couple of other brands. I'll eventually sell one or two and get something else (lol - had you going there! Well, maybe the other brands).

End of story; in S&W - in a short time I ended up with a 686 AND a 64 for just a little more than that new 686 4" will cost you and a couple hundred more than a new 64 runs. You can't go wrong with good used S&W's - you'll get every penny back out of them. Also, you won't know which one you like best until you spend some time shooting it, carrying it, etc. What I ended up liking best is not what I thought I would like best before I owned them. (Edit: I ended up liking the lighter, better balanced guns more).

Here they are:

Edit: sorry for the not-very-good pic. Also the 686 now sports the Pachmayr Decelerator grips which helped me enjoy the .357 by eliminating/covering the exposed metal backstrap. The most shocking difference between these two is how different they feel (due to balance I think) given that the difference in weight is only about 8 oz.

Oh, and .38 is fine for home defense IMHO - though there will be those that tell you different.

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But then, what do I know?

I like mdl.64`s.
Dick

also have a 2 in.P&R.

A few years ago, I bought a 3" barrel 64. That was a really nice gun. balanced perfectly and even with those fixed sights, I was a pretty good shot. For me, it was just right. Stupidly, I let it go because I suffered from an acute case of "newgunitis." I now have a 3" barrel 686+. Great gun, but it feels quite heftier than the 64 I had previously.

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Ephesians 6:10-20

Question for moderator: is there a tag = "model 64"?

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But then, what do I know?

I adhere to the following adage: Accuracy is king, penetration is queen, all else is talk about angels dancing on the head of a pin..or something like that. Thus, a well placed .38 should do fine.

Wow, thanks for all of the helpful replies.

The vibe I'm getting is that a 64 would be an excellent first revolver purchase, and the 686 may not be necessary for my needs at this time. That would save me a couple hundred dollars.

I'm sure that there are people out there that believe a .38, even with +p, is ill-equipped as a defensive revolver, but the amount of things I've read about the blinding, deafening, over-penetrating .357 round has led to re-think if I really need a .357 at all.

Thanks again, and any more input or advice will be greatly appreciated!

Don't discount the 7 and 8 shot .357 Magnum S&W's - they make great .38 Special revolvers! I have a slew of .357 Magnum chambered S&W's I bought new. If S&W tested them with real Magnums, that was the only time they've shot them. I do shoot a ton of my own .357M reloads - but they peak at +P .38 Special levels - the beauty of rolling your own.

Still... if I had 'just' a 4" 64, I'd have a house gun - and one heck of a plinker!

Stainz

The only reason I'd discount the 686 and other S&W models chambered in .357 is price. I know the 686 is a great revolver due to what I've read and heard and my experience renting one for a day at a gun range.

But price is a major factor in my search, and if the 64 is an effective, reliable defensive revolver and can tolerate +p ammunition, then that's the route I'm going.

I also like S&W #64's.

Sadly no pics. But I've lucked into a few of the 64's, a 2in NYPD DAO, 3in NYPD DAO and a 4in SCPD.

Can't go wrong with a 64!

Steve 'Cityrepo61'

I like 64s also but I really like the NY-1s. They are GREAT shooters. I hope to get more variations of these...

I'm a huge fan of my 64-7, a security trade in that's seen some miles, but carries up perfectly and shoots like a laser with 130 grainers. I know it will handle any +P's and if needed, +P+. I took off the bike tires and put a set of the new Altamont magnas on it.

Some day I would love to get a 64-8 to go with it.

The 64 is a great choice, but if you're that close, I'd go the extra few dollars for a 686. It's likely the most versatile revolver made. The 4" model has what I consider to be near perfect balance. They point well, shoot great and are reliable as an anvil.

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Northwest Ohio

I like the 686P myself and I have one with the 2-1/2" barrel but I'd rather carry the K-Frame snubbies, like the 64 or 19 . The 686 is a large revolver. The smaller Ks can be carried in a pocket holster. The 4" barrel Ks and Ls want belt holsters of some kind, IMO.

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Bob

The Model 64 is an excellent gun. You can't go wrong with it. It'll last forever if you take care of it. I've shot many K-frames, and never once has one of them failed. Own one and be happy.

Can't beat a 64-cheap, available, indestructable, accurate, well-balanced, etc. Obviously, I like them.
Bob

I started a thread about my "new" 64 a number of days ago. For me, it's the perfect handgun, sufficiently robust to handle some pretty potent ammunition yet also compact enough to be carried easily and comfortably. Mine has a wonderful trigger and is extremely accurate.

Best of all, the gun was not expensive. There are several online sites advertising used 64s in the $350 - $400 range. I paid less than $400 for mine.

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IMHO, the Models 10/13/64/65 are magnificent utility revolvers ! Powerful, accurate, versatile, rugged and reliable - there's a reason they've built, what, 4 million of 'em since 1899? I've currently got five, have moved several others, and they all shot well and never broke a single part. My advice? Buy the 64.

Larry

Well I don't have a 64 yet. Yet being the operative word... It's now HIGH on the list after seeing some of these pics.

However. I got a 4" Model 10 earlier this summer and it has firmly grabbed the best shooter marker in my collection. I love it. I've got numerous K frames in my collection and I love them all but that 10 just has a look and feel that is awesome. Good loads can be had too.

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One gun is never enough...

having used both and others-the lighter handgun is nice to carry but a bit more trouble to shoot-the heavy gun holds down recoil better-the 38 Special-in hollow point form has buried more people then the super bowl could hold-and even in the Lead forms it has done a good job-the 'trick" is can you shoot well under stress? The best 38 load in my fifty some years of actual shooting is the 158 grn Lead SWC-Hollow point under the Plus P label by anybody...

(I have just found this old thread in the Fall of 2013)


First, middle, and last. Assuming you are not a collector who wants anything that was built, the M64 will serve you well in virtually all applications.

Well, maybe not defending yourself against grizzlies....

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

Do you own thinking. The folks who are offering you the above advice appear to be repeating what they've read in the latest magazine. The focus of such publications is normally on the most extreme sort of incident that can possibly be imagined. That makes sense. It sells magazines. Merely thoughtful fact based informing of the reading public is not glamorous. It is not a good selling strategy.

There is nothing magic in any handgun round. None of them are powerfully enough to actually shock a man in the same way a high-powered rifle can at time make a game animal like a deer, etc. come "unglued." Good hits with any decent handgun caliber will give good results in a HD incident. Marginal hits will produce poor results.

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<><

My first handgun was a 64-3 VSP trade-in i bought off a friend for $120. DA pull is a little soft, but for the price it's just right. It's the gun I keep in the jeep or when I'm in the woods. It's my ICE gun. Loaded with Buffalo Bore FBIs or HCWCs, its unstoppable. I liked it so much I bought a 10-5 for my EDC. The 64 will not let you down.

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an actual conservative