Date of Mfg Model 64

[TexasGal]

Hello Everyone

I am new to the forum and I have a few questions perhaps someone can help me with. My Mother's Day present was a beautiful Model 64 (no dash indicated). Sooo much better than flowers! It is in near excellent condition. I am very pleased with it. Naturally, I am curious about it's history.

Here is a description:

Inside the crane is the following; "Mod. 64" looks like it was mechanically stamped into the metal.

Above the Model number is the serial number "BNW35XX" which looks hand stamped (dimples form the number).

Below the Model number on the part of the part of the crane that swings out is the number "065" again appearing to be hand stamped. I assume this is because it is the stainless .38 version of the model 65?

The serial number appears again on the bottom of the grip.

It is a square butt with the typical wood grips with the roughly rectangular checked pattern on either side.

It is not pinned, but it is recessed. No lock.

It has the heavy 4" barrel (not tapered) flat top, matte top finish.

On the rear face of the cylinder a small "v" appears which is the hardness test mark?

The rest is typical of this model:
Hammer mounted firing pin. (has the hammer spur present), (DA/SA) and the 3 screw design.
Fixed sights, stainless steel, and the usual "Smith and Wesson" identification on the left side of the barrel and logo on the left side of frame. Right side of barrel has ".38 S&W Special CTG. " Right side of frame beneath cylinder has "Made in the U.S.A, Marcas Registradas, Smith and Wesson, Springfield, Mass.

Shouldn't this gun have a dash number?
If it has the heavy barrel, shouldn't it be a -1 ?
How can I tell if this model has the forged trigger?
Any guesses on the date of manufacture?

I know I can ask for a history letter from S&W, but right now I can't justify the $50 fee.

I am just learning to love the smiths over the semi's so pardon me if these are stupid questions. I really like this gun.

Thanks in advance for anyone's input

 

[Aguila9]

I noticed a lot of inconsistent descriptors in your post, and since I'm sort of a novice I'll let the more seasoned members pipe in here. You'll have plenty of post in no time.

Welcome to the forum and the addictive love of the Smith & Wesson Revolver. You came to the right place.

One thing you will hear is "post some pics"

 

[ken158]

You have a 1993 era of a model 64 and it should be a dash 5. The dash 1 you questioned was the introduction model (1972) for the heavy barrel. The other number you speak of means nothing outside the factory. You do have a forged trigger. All info here deduced from the SCSW. Nice accurate model with a strong law enforcement past. I also agree that spending $50 for a letter on this gun would not add to the value.

 

[stantheman86]

The serial # looks "dimpled" because S&W went to the "dot matrix" laser etched style of stamping in the late 80's, early 90's. I had a 1989 10-10 with the "dot" stamped serial number.

+1, a letter will not add value to a 1993 produced Model 64, but it may add value to you I collect PD and security trade in S&W and Ruger revolvers, and I "lettered" some of my Ruger Service Sixes as being guard guns from Cook County Hospital in Illinois. So, to me, even though the guns were made in 1985, I now know where they were used......instead of them being just some more holster worn guns in my collection.

So, your gun may letter to your local PD, or some other PD, maybe it was a Brinks guard gun, possibly one of the huge lot of corrections 64's that are out there for sale right now.......I wish S&W didn't charge $50 or I would have some of my guns lettered.

I just picked up a 64-8 that was an Ohio Corrections gun, and I also wonder where my 64-7 came from. Not $50 curious, but I would like to know just for curiousity.

 

[vytoland]

if your model 64's cylinder is recessed it may be a replacement from an earlier model. i dont believe the model 64 had recessed cylinders.

 

[larry8]

I have a 64-6 and it does not have a recessed cylinder, but it has a MIM trigger.

 

[stantheman86]

No 64's have recessed chambers........

 

[blue70chevelle]

I collect PD and security trade in S&W and Ruger revolvers, and I "lettered" some of my Ruger Service Sixes as being guard guns from Cook County Hospital in Illinois. So, to me, even though the guns were made in 1985, I now know where they were used......instead of them being just some more holster worn guns in my collection.

I don't want to detract from the original intent of the thread, but would you be able to tell me how you letter a Ruger and the approximate cost? I have two I would like to letter myself if possible.
Thanks

 

[fran m]

Is it for sure a .38? No .38s that I am aware of have recessed chambers. .357's Yes. If it is a 64, it is a Stainless version of a model 10. Could it be a model 65?

Good luck with it. K frames are great guns. No matter what one you have, it will be a good gun.

 

[TexasGal]

Thanks, Everyone, for your replies.

You are exactly right, it does not have a recessed cylinder.

The gun store owner who sold the gun to me is an admirer of the Smiths. When he was showing me details on the gun, he pointed to the way the bore continues back some distance past the frame to meet the cylinder face and said that was a "recessed" cylinder.

Having not known this terminology before, I assumed he was correct. After reading your posts, I looked it up and realized it meant something entirely different. For the sake of not embarrassing him should he frequent the forum, he will remain anonymous . He did correctly point out that it was not pinned, though. Usually, it's me who has a term wrong

I do ask, though, why the dash number is not stamped in the crane after the model number? My father has an M65-5 and it is stamped this way on his. Was it common for S&W to leave off this part of the identification on some models?

 

[stantheman86]

"lettering" a Ruger is easy, but you don't get a whole lot of info...........it's free, you just call Ruger's main number (it's on ruger.com, I don't know it offhand) and ask for the Records Dept.

I got a girl that sounded about 12 years old, you just give her your serial # and you get the month and year it shipped, and the exact model number (for example my Service Six is an SDA-84P and shipped in Oct. 1985).

Then, you have to do the legwork since that's all Ruger gives you. I went to the Ruger forum and found out this means my Service Six shipped with Heavy Barrel, in .38 Special, with the rubber Ruger logo grips........it was also stamped "CCH" which a used acronym.com to narrow down to Cook County Hospital, and also emailed the seller of the gun trying to confirm this.

I found out my "common" .38 Special Service Six is actually rare in that configuration, since few of them were ordered in .38 Special with those features.

 

[vytoland]

I do ask, though, why the dash number is not stamped in the crane after the model number? My father has an M65-5 and it is stamped this way on his. Was it common for S&W to leave off this part of the identification on some models?

i have seen this before on model 64-5's. either the "stamp" was too far to the right to leave the "-5" imprint or just operator error. not to worry....no big deal.

enjoy your "new" S&W .38 special revolver...you picked a GOOD one for sure.

 

[TexasGal]

While looking up the info on this revolver, I came across lots of people who were very happy with the ones being sold by J&G out of a batch of former Brinks guns. I decided the price was good enough to order two of them for home defense, range, and truck guns. When I called them, they offered to hand pick for a small fee. They are supposed to be the 64-5 like I have only in the RB version and with bobbed hammer spurs. I don't mind that. DAO is the way I shoot most of the time. I do hope they have the forged triggers though. From what I have learned, that is a hit or miss for the RBs in the 64-5? When I get them, I will ask for another helpful input on mfg dates from the serial numbers