Model 64 Snub Questions

[JFOHIO]

I am considering a Model 64, 2" (pre MIM and IL), and have been researching the variations. After reading the M64 section in the Standard Catalog of S&W I have the following questions that hopefully some of you may be able to answer.

1. Is a 2" "standard" barrel, and a 2" tapered" barrel the same?
2. Was the 2" heavy barrel a standard production item or were they all special runs. If standard production, when were they introduced?
3. Was the .312 smooth combat trigger offered at the begining or were they phased in at a later date?

Thanks for the help.

JFOHIO

 

[David Sinko]

I have been wondering the same things. I recently bought a 2" Model 64-2 and I don't know if these were made with different barrel tapers or not. Mine has the smooth .312" trigger. I dislike smooth triggers and prefer .265" grooved.

Dave Sinko

 

[murphydog]

I am considering a Model 64, 2" (pre MIM and IL), and have been researching the variations. After reading the M64 section in the Standard Catalog of S&W I have the following questions that hopefully some of you may be able to answer.

1. Is a 2" "standard" barrel, and a 2" tapered" barrel the same?

2. Was the 2" heavy barrel a standard production item or were they all special runs. If standard production, when were they introduced?

3. Was the .312 smooth combat trigger offered at the beginning or were they phased in at a later date?

Thanks for the help.

JFOHIO

1. Yes.

2. The 2" standard barrel was a standard production item. I don't think there is a 2" heavy barrel version. I cannot recall seeing a plain 64 or -1 with a 2" barrel, and if this is the case the -2 was introduced in 1977.

3. All the early 64s I have seen have the serrated trigger.

Someone out there may have a plain 64 or -1 in 2" with the smooth trigger.

 

[photoman]

I don't have the answers to your questions but this thread needs a picture!

 

[luis]

Q: Is a 2" "standard" barrel, and a 2" tapered" barrel the same?

A: No, the standard barrel has less of an angle of tapered from the breach to tip. To most eyes they look the same. I think the difference was only seen with the 64 and dropped by 64-1. I do not have both anymore so I cannot include a picture.

Q. Was the 2" heavy barrel a standard production item or were they all special runs.

A: They have always been special runs. Most runs were for police departments. Metro Dade Police received one of the first runs with the seriated trigger.

Q. Was the .312 smooth combat trigger offered at the beginning or were they phased in at a later date?

A. The smooth combat trigger was introduced near the end of 64 just before 64-1. Many early 64s had triggers replaced by police armors. If you find a 64 with a smooth trigger I would get a letter. If it is factory you have a rare item.

 

[watchmanjimg]

I cannot recall seeing a plain 64 or -1 with a 2" barrel, and if this is the case the -2 was introduced in 1977.

I have seen a 64 no-dash with 2" barrel, apparently produced around 1975.

 

[JFOHIO]

Photoman44 - Thanks for posting the terrific picture! Your 64 is the variation I like the best. Could you let us know the complete model No. (64, 64-1, 64-2, etc.) and the approx. year mfg. if known. Looking at your picture I would have guessed it has a heavy barrel, but based on the response from Luis, maybe it's a standard barrel (doesnot look like a tapered barrel). Could you please confirn.
Thanks,
Jack

 

[-db-]

This is a mid-'80s Detroit Police 64-2 I have. I, too, am now curious as to the various barrel configurations. Mine appears to have a slight taper whereas, yes, Photoman's looks straight (heavy).

 

[photoman]

Mine is a 64-2. Serial BRAxxx.

Edit to add: This is one of my best shooting guns. Butter smooth action and a real joy to shoot.

 

[ladder13]

I like M64 snubbies

 

[tradrick]

Those sure are some handsome revolvers, all of'em.

 

[JFOHIO]

Does anyone have a picture of a 2" Heavy Barrel to post which would help us see the difference to a standard or tapered barrel?
Thanks for all the replies.

JFOHIO

 

[photoman]

Does anyone have a picture of a 2" Heavy Barrel to post which would help us see the difference to a standard or tapered barrel?
Thanks for all the replies.

JFOHIO

Do we know for a fact that such a thing exists?

 

[luis]

Do we know for a fact that such a thing exists?

As best as I can recall the heavy barrel model was discontinued I think because of potential legal issues. Some holster maker made a shoulder holster that sort of clamped on the barrel. Since there was no leather added to either side of the gun the print was reduced. This was in the pre Kydex days. The holster was popular with undercover officers.

If you can find the Motorola Police Training tapes from 1970s one of them shows the gun and holster. There were some very interesting methods of gun retention in the 60s & 70s.

 

[Zebulon]

There are absolutely a Standard Barrel (Tapered) and a Heavy Barrel. I've owned both. Same goes for Model 10's... Here are the photos as well.....Zebulon

 

[murphydog]

Thanks for the photos, another learning experience.

 

[Zebulon]

You are very Welcome Sir.....

 

[Everybodysdoingit]

model 64 no dash

i tried to post a pic ,

 

[watchmanjimg]

There are absolutely a Standard Barrel (Tapered) and a Heavy Barrel. I've owned both. Same goes for Model 10's... Here are the photos as well.....Zebulon

Interesting. Why is the section with threads/forcing cone so much shorter on the standard-weight barrel if both were built for the 64?

 

[Zebulon]

I have no clue....Take some time to examine the photos of all 64/10 Snubs you can find....You'll see the difference. Why has no one had a problem with Model 10 Tapered and Heavy Barrels?...Curious.....