I recently asked advice on getting a revolver for my wife of over 50 years who wants to begin target shooting and plinking with me. After visiting all the local sources and many hours of research and reviewing helpful comments here I bought her a model 63-5 that appears gently used with box and papers. It has not arrived yet but I want to learn all I can about the 63-5 series. I can get the date of manufacture from the box when the gun arrives later this week. Serial number is CUH93XX. I would be pleased to learn all I can about all the changes or modifications that the dash 5 represents just so I know. I have thought of buying the S&W Revolver Shop Manual, 5th Edition by Jerry Kuhnhausen and the Standard Catalog (Nov 14, 2016) by Supica and others to learn more about S&W revolvers. Since I do not have the revolver yet I cannot include photos or details but any enlightenment from members here would be appreciated. I also appreciate the many thoughtful replies given to my first post here seeking information about what to buy and what people thought would serve my wife's needs best.

Congrats on getting your wife a nice revolver that SHE wanted.

It appears that a number of CU... serial numbers began showing up in 2013, so her gun is relatively new. The 63-4 was introduced in 1998 on the J Magnum frame and then discontinued in 1999. It was subsequently re-introduced in 2007 with an 8-shot cylinder, internal lock, and was again built on the J Magnum frame. The SCSW provides no information on the -5 version.

My advice on obtaining the Standard Catalog is....DON'T!!!! I made that mistake and have gone from 2 S&W revolvers to 15 in the past 2 1/2 years. And I am still looking/watching for several additional models to add to my accumulation. But, heck, it sure is fun... Seriously, the SCSW is one of the best buys out there. Tons and tons of information.

Enjoy your time shooting with your wife.

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SWCA 3297 SWHF 583

I have one of these revolvers. I have since put a gold bead on the Patridge sight that was on it when I bought it. Seems like someone must have replaced the sight as most, if not all the guns of this type came with the hi viz type sight.
This gun may be the "new" generation type with the MIM parts and lock, but it is very elegant and seemingly well made enough to compete with my older, supposedly better revolvers.
You made a great decision on a very nice revolver!

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I like Jim's catalog so much, I bought 3. One print copy was a gift, and I bought a print copy plus the electronic copy so I'd have it wherever I happened to be. If I was limited to one or the other, I'd go electronic for the reason stated, but it's still nice to have a physical book to hold and thumb through. Just don't drool on the pages or screen, whichever version you buy.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

My girls had a blast with this kit gun
I bought ours for a steal back in 2013 when 22 supply vanished.




My then 3 year old (with help of course) loved blasting water balloons with this. .
22lr is the perfect gun to practice and perfect technique.
You can always move up the caliber when they are ready.
My wife shoots the cousin to the 63, a model 60.
This gun really deserves some square butt conversion grips

I think it's a great choice. Good size and weight. My wife instantly liked my 63-5 the first time she shot it. Mine was shipped in 2015.

As a recoil whuss I like shooting this ammo.

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Just hanging with my dogs

Now you will ask your wife if she'd like some prettier grip stocks.

A fine lady should have a pretty shooter.
And she deserves one!!

God bless,
Birdgun