Newbie here, looking to buy a Model 64

[302w]

Im new to the handgun world, and I am looking to buy a S&W this summer. I am a college student and work when I can, so I will likely be buying one of these gems:

Smith & Wesson Model 64 38Spl 4in Stainless, Square Butt w/ Bobbed Hammer. Very good condition S&W

For the price and S&W quality it can't be beat. I wanted a Model 10 or Model 13/65, but blued police trade ins usually have a worn finish and Model 13's are out of my price range for now. My dad has a Model 14-4 K Frame that I love, so I would like a K Frame of my own. I'm excited to get into the world of revolvers, and I am looking to cast and handload SWC's when I can. If I get a 64, I am likely to polish it and add a non-bobbed hammer. Thoughts?

 

[fyimo]

Those should clean up nice and that's a good price so as long as you can live with the D/A (double action) only trigger set up you will be happy. Someone else can speak to how easy it would be to convert it back to DA/SA.

 

[jglsprings]

Here is a link to another thread where we were talking about these 64s and all the different places that they are available...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/226681-calif-dept-corrections-model-64-trade-ins.html we talked about the different 64s that are available and the different costs / dealers / features / etc.

I got a 67 and a 15 from J&G that were double action only and LOVED them AS IS - DAO!! I wound up getting two complete SA/DA hammer assemblies that I was able to drop in to covert them. I put the 67 back to DAO because it was so smooth! There can be a bit of fitting to get a hammer to work properly, I was fortunate enough not to have my gunsmith work on mine.

Welcome to the forum, you will enjoy your new revolver!

my 67 before...

after...

 

[302w]

I am no revolver expert by any means, but I assumed it was only a hammer to make it DA/SA from DAO. I will figure it out.

BTW... your "after" 67 is the exact look I want. I love those grips, or in SW lingo, stocks. I am either going to buy those grips or something similar, or keep the OE small grip panels and use a Tyler T Grip.

 

[fyimo]

I just went and looked at Robertson's trading post and yes they have pictures of the individual revolvers on the web sites but to me their prices seemed high. I bought a snub nose no dash Model 64 form a forum member for $450 and it was like new when it arrived.

I added the Ahrends grips

 

[Ashlander]

DAO is more than just a bobbed hammer. They lack the latch that enables the hammer to be locked to the rear, and therefore can only be fired in the double action mode. With no way to lock the hammer back, DAO designs tend to have bobbed or spurless hammers -- some have the hammer completely covered by the revolver's frame (i.e., shrouded or hooded).

 

[ogilvyspecial]

302w, here's another one to help get you "geeked up" about a 64.

 

[ksdallas]

My 64-5 just arrived today. I didn't get the chance to run a lot of ammo through it, but I did get to test it out with about a dozen rounds. I LOVE it! I'm a 5'6"/125lb female and had no problem shooting it. I think it is smoother then the 9mm Sigma I had.

I would definitely recommend it.

 

[mesinge2]

My 64 is one of my best shooting revolvers. Definitely get one!

Video of M64-3: .38 SPL Smith & Wesson M64 2.mp4 - YouTube

 

[302w]

These are some great revolvers I am seeing and I appreciate all of the feedback. Is there a good thread somewhere explaining how to convert a DAO to DA/SA? I think it would be fun to shoot a DAO for awhile, but I want a DA/SA.

 

[vytoland]

302w................

you made a fine choice . the S&W model 64 is well balnced, accurate and dependable. the folks at J&G are easy to work with and friendly. if you have a choice, ask the J&G rep if you can have a 64-5 or 64-3 generation model. those models will still have forged parts.

if you allow yourself enough practice with DAO, i think you will keep your 64 as is. yes, it does take some getting use to at first, but dont give up. after a few thousand rounds, that model 64 will become part of you.

after you get your 64, please posr some pictures. we would all loved to see your "new" revolver.

 

[blujax01]

You will find it cheaper to buy a 64 in DA/SA configuration than to convert one. I found this one at Vance Outdoors in Columbus Ohio for $279. Grips courtesy of Forum Member Squidsix.
Ohio DOC trade. They still have some ...

 

[Tyrod]

Here's my after picture:

 

[Wee Hooker]

These do clean up nice. Some of us at our club got togeather and bought 16 of these . All cleaned up nice and (as typical of LE trade ins) appear to have been shot little. Many had bennies like hard chromed trigger and hammer parts and smoothened actions. FWIW, changing to DA/SA requires a uncomplicated hammer drop in.

 

[Slyk54]

No picture, but I have a 64-5 that I recently acquired- the hammer is bobbed, but it will still function in single action if one takes the time to start the hammer out of the frame and then catch it with the thumb or thumb and forefinger and pull it the rest of the way- the double/action function is smooth- I for one would like to find one of the "target" hammer/trigger's and install them on this gun but I am thinking the cost would make the gun end up costing more than it is worth- unless this process truly is a "drop in" deal

 

[Mambeaux]

These do clean up nice. Some of us at our club got togeather and bought 16 of these . All cleaned up nice and (as typical of LE trade ins) appear to have been shot little. Many had bennies like hard chromed trigger and hammer parts and smoothened actions. FWIW, changing to DA/SA requires a uncomplicated hammer drop in.

Please tell me what you are using to clean these up.

 

[302w]

I would love to search for one locally, but I really wont find one in NJ. Seems to me everything is going for an inflated price locally.

 

[deanodog]

I bought one of the J&G model 64 and liked the DAO and did not want to change it. They are smoooooth.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Please tell me what you are using to clean these up.

"Mothers Mag Polish" , cleaning patch's and a night in front of the TV took out 90% of it. If you don't want it shiny, then go over the gun with grey scotchbright.
It should be well documented here.

 

[jglsprings]

I bought one of the J&G model 64 and liked the DAO and did not want to change it. They are smoooooth.

I had the same experience. I even went to far as to install a SA/DA hammer in my 67 and I put the DAO hammer back in. These guns are carried a lot and shot little.