Thinking about a new model 63..Update

[Wee Hooker]

Years ago, I had " a few " model 34 &63 revolvers but sold them all off when I downsized my collection .
Fast forward 20 years and I have had the itch for a new model 63 (-5?) for some months now. Not sure why, I just do. Guess there is something about the 8 shot capacity 3" barrel and FO sight that I like in this small platform. Maybe because a nice model 63 would compliment my 617's....

Anyway, I don't see allot on the newer model 63 on these pages but would love to hear comments (from those who one one) on shootability/ accuracy.

[les.b]

Well, I can only comment on the older model. I bought mine many years ago, and keep it in my "kit bag". It always travels with me to camp, or wherever I go (that I don't fly). I don't know about the new ones, but I love my older one (July 1983).



Best Regards, Les

[M29since14]

I’ve looked at a couple of them and been tempted, but I haven’t bought one - yet! If you don’t mind it’s modern style, it’s a cute little revolver. I may weaken some day.

[triaxle]

I went into a gun shop this week and saw a nickle 34 in mint cond . I was going to jump then I saw he had 850 on it , left with out it .

[shocker]

I have a 63-5. What I like best is the very nice trigger pull. There aren't really any functional negatives I can mention. It's way overbuilt for the cartridge so it should last forever. Accuracy? I'm not too demanding about that because 1) it's a small short barrel gun and those are inherently hard to shoot well, and 2) I feed it cheap (Golden Bullets and Thunderbolts). I've never shot it off sandbags with match ammo so I can't say what it's capable of, all I need from it is hitting 8" steel plates at 50' with bulk 22 and it certainly will do that.
It's the gun I will put in the range bag most often.

[markeb]

I had my 8 shot 63-5 at the range yesterday, and as always, a joy to shoot. I have been told that I got into collecting Smith revolvers a little too late. Better late than never. So, I don't have an older 63 yet but sure do enjoy the 3" 63-5 with the easy to see fiber optic front sight and my 5" 63-4. I don’t' think you will be disappointed. Good luck.

[BAM-BAM]

Like Les I've got an older 4" one.......that travels to camp with me.

If you want a .22 kit gun it doesn't get any better IMO.... that said; my Penn's Woods Kit Gun for the past 17 years is a 3 inch 60-10.....w/ adjustable sights ......picture a 5 shot micro-686....... shot shells to .357s in a pinch..... but mostly with +P.38s..... good to go on any Varmint two or four legs I may run into in the Allegheny mountains.

But a .22 is a lot more fun..........

[DS-10-SPEED]

Here is my 63, I put square butt conversion grips on it to fill my hand better.

The trigger is very smooth and fun to shoot. I think I put in a 13 or 14 lb return spring.

I'm not a fan of fiber front sights but it's OK since it's not one I use for competition.

[raljr1]

I got mine in 1980 at a cost of $260. I think it's a great little 22. Since Les showed his off with a nice holster, I thought I'd do the same. Of course my holster was made out of an old boot shank, because after spending $260 I didn't have enough left over to buy a holster.....not up to snubbyfan quality, but it's like that old carpenter told me once, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Sometimes an ugly thing works just as well."

S&W M-63 22 (2).jpg

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[BigDogBoogie]

Some nice looking 63's in this thread, Yet another model I didn't know I needed until now.

[Wee Hooker]

Thanks for the info gents. Got a chance to handle a 63-5 tonight. It felt GOOD. The sights were great for these old eyes too. I think I will order one this week. However after looking at these pics, i'm not sure one is going to be enough!

[Wee Hooker]

I used to have a girlfriend that said patience is a virtue but it never was one of mine. Guess she was right. Didn't take long in visiting model 63 threads, videos etc before I ordered one. It came in yesterday. Fit and finish on the gun was nothing short of excellent. It just feels great in the hand and the sights are amazing. Trigger was a little stiff in DA but a few minutes on the bench (and a 13# rebound spring) had it down to a smooth 11lb,5oz. The factory stocks were comfortable but I through these smooth rosewood boot grips on for now as they seem more hand filling (and somewhat handsome.)
p.s. Got to say that this could be the perfect teaching revolver for youngsters and women.

[zogger]

Nice! Now let's see shot range shots!

[les.b]

Very nice, Dave!! Glad you joined the club!! Those grips look great on there.

Best Regards, Les

[Stevens]

A few month ago I bought one, the 3" model I haven't shot it much. I bought it for plinking and a bit of informal backyard target practice. I find it shoots well the SS frame is a bonus in Louisiana's humid conditions. Fro walks along the swamp I put it into a pocket holster and slip in into my front pocket, not concealed, the grip sticks out but it is comfortable and easy access.
When I first got it I noticed in SA I had to draw the hammer back harder than usual or it wouldn't stay back, turns out the spur was bumping on the top of the back of the rubber grips. I took them off and trimmed about 1/8" off the grip top with a razor blade it has worked fine since.
I am very happy with it.
Steve W

[D Brown]

My 4" Model 63-3 is one of the older versions that only has a six shot cylinder. I purchased this gun new many years ago. It handles most of my varmint dispatching duties around the house. The holster is a Safariland #1 Kit. It's lined and is a natural fit for the 63. This same holster is also a favorite for my Model 60-4, a 3" .38 Special with a full lug barrel, Plus P rated and incredibly accurate!

Model 63-3

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[JudgeColt]

I have a very early Model 63 that I bought when they came out (1977 I think it was). Later, I bought an extra barrel and created a 2-inch barrel on which I (very cleverly if I do say so myself) dovetailed the original front sight and ramp into a dovetail cut from the rear of the remaining rib on the shortened barrel. Not wanting to alter my early specimen, I soon bought another Model 63 and put the 2-inch barrel on the newer gun. It looked factory. But I did not like the square butt ....

When Lew Horton offered a run of factory 2-inch, round-butt Model 63-3 guns, I bought one and sold the altered Model 63 with both barrels. I still have the original early Model 63 and the Hotron Model 63, which I have never fired.

With apologies for thread drift, the introduction of the Model 317 took away the need for a 2-inch Model 63 for me. It took a while for Smith to correct the excessively-heavy main spring by bringing out a Ladysmith version that has a lighter main spring and a "normal" hammer, but that finally removed a big flaw on the Model 317.

I never understood the apparent inconsistency between the original 2-inch Model 317 and the later Ladysmith version. Supposedly, the heavy main spring is necessary to ensure reliable ignition, yet the Ladysmith version has a "normal" mainspring. I assume the bit of extra mass in the "regular" hammer of the Ladysmith must be the difference, which would give the heavier hammer added inertia for stronger primer strikes. The abbreviated hammer on the original Model 317 always seemed odd to me, and received universal scorn from most everyone. It is almost painful to cock the original Model 317 due to the heavy main spring and the sharp checkering on the stub hammer.

I have the early Model 317 (with the beautiful early wood stocks), two Ladysmith Models 317 (which also have the wood stocks) and a 3-inch Model 317-1 Kitgun (with rubber stocks). The slightly-under-10-ounce Model 317 Ladysmith is my ideal Kitgun. When one sees what 2-inch Models 317 bring at auction, one wonders why Smith ever dropped the 2-inch version. The Ladysmith versions, which are rarely offered for sale, bring even more - usually a lot more.

I remain in love with all J-frame Kitguns. The 8-shot ones just give me more to love!

[saemetric]

Sold my unfired M18 to a fine gentleman here on the Forum. So this M63 is my 4” favorite 22 now. And I can shoot it. With a “Kit Gun” stamped Bianchi 5BHL holster.

[350mag]

I still have my 1 st year production 63, gave my pre 34 to my son. It was accurate too. It had the flat ejector slide. I found a 651 that’s super.


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