Model 64 - New or Used?

[MES-LA]

I want to get a Model 64, but am undecided about whether to get a new one or look for a good used one. I really like the wood target grips on a K-frame. Have thought of searching for a used 64 in good shape and then searching for grips. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[Sevens]

This is a common discussion and sometimes it gets a little sticky when the discussion takes place on this particular forum because we have rules related to "bashing" of the current Smith & Wesson revolvers... which are different from the older revolvers.

So while making very clear note of that...
My position is VERY VERY VERY much that I would pay the same or MORE for a good, used, clean pre-lock Smith & Wesson revolver over anything new that S&W offers. Others may not agree, which is fine also.

At the end of the day, you'll most likely spend less for an older used one than you would for a new one... and in my opinion, you'll end up with a better revolver.

I don't have any need whatsoever to change anyone's mind, but I will not be convinced otherwise myself.

 

[MES-LA]

Thanks. That's the kind of reassurance i'm looking for. I am really partial to older revolvers still in good shape. Really makes you appreciate them more, in my opinion.

 

[Thunderbolt84]

I would look for a nice used one. They are plentiful. I picked one up for about $320 earlier this year. I polished it up a bit and put some nice wood stocks on it. I had extras, but decent ones can be found for under $50 or even new ones from Altamont for good prices. My gun turned out wonderful and it was very accurate. I sold it for a nice profit, but regret doing it now.

 

[Bubba2014]

Buy a good used one!

 

[ABPOS]

I would lean towards used, but I'm also not opposed to the new ones. I just like tapered barrels better. If the deal was right I'd go for a new one, but I think a used one would cost less and probably be better quality, given it's in working condition.

 

[dr. K]

I have one of each, one bought new in 2016, one bought used that was made in the mid 90's. I love them both and there really is no noticeable difference between the functioning of either firearm, apart from some slight sticking of the ejector rod in the used one, which I knew about when I bought it, partially because of interest in learning how to correct that minor problem. Having shot many rounds through newly made S&W revolvers with the lock, I personally don't believe the hype and don't see the lock to be an issue mechanically speaking. Aesthetically, that's a whole other thing that bothers many people, but again it doesn't really bug me much. Both my 64's have the locks, by the way. I suspect both of them could be handed down to my grandkids just as functional as they are today, and I would trust either of them to keep me safe. You can get some GREAT deals on used ones, and any gunsmith can work on them if you ever needed it. Or, spend a bit more but know you're the sole owner, and have Smith's lifetime service policy behind the purchase. You picked a great revolver either way.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Did you say Model 64 with wood targets?

I think this is a dash 2 from 1975 or so. These are fun shooters and can be had at some great prices.

 

[MES-LA]

Very, very nice looking 64! Thanks for the pic.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Well, this one has been around the block but it is in great shape even if it does have an IL - so it's not really old:

Heavy barrel and Magnas. Not quite like the one above..........

 

[OldSarge21]

Found this used one with rubber grips at a lgs. Put the altamont silver black stocks on it. I'm going to polish it one of these days. Go used. Spend the difference in price on ammo and holster.

 

[Old cop]

Another vote for an older, used, S&W revolver.

 

[pharmer]

Used, definitely. Joe

 

[RMFnLA]

A friend recently gave me this Boston Police trade-in and suddenly I'm in love.

It came with the wooden grips pictured, no great beauty there, but I'm partial to rubber combat style, so once I added the Pakkies and a combat trigger I was good to go.

Price was right, too...

 

[Eddietruett]

There have been a fair amount of model 64 LE Trade Ins around lately. I picked up one with Camden NJ Police Dept Stamped on itfor around $325 IIRC and I've seen some at the Local Shows this past summer in the $350 Range. In My opinion that is a great bargain. I like the fixed sight guns and play with mine a lot.

 

[daddio202]

My very first S&W revolver is a model 64-5 I found in a lgs for $279. I have been hooked on them ever since!! My vote is for used also as I tend to favor the older models. Good luck

 

[TTSH]

Buy a good used one!

Without question, this is the far better way to go.

 

[F75gunslinger]

Keep an eye on shops and auctions. From time to time a law enforcement trade in batch comes available and they can generally be had pretty cheap. I got one from such an auction, at the time the same seller had square butts or round butts and tapered or heavy barrels. I grabbed a square butt heavy barrel, think it was $250. It was a little rough around the edges cosmetically, but mechanically it's in top shape. I gave it some love, no more ugly duckling.

 

[Bosquebass]

I say used also. Too many good police trades floating around out there at bargain prices to buy new. Model 10s and 64s don't get much love because some folks think fixed sight guns don't shoot well or are somehow sub-par. Nothing could be further from the truth IMHO.

 

[Tom Kent]

I much prefer the older, no lock, no MIM kind too. However, I had my LGS order me a used police 2"bbl model a few years ago. When it came it was MIM, internal firing pin model, no lock. For the price, I kept it and it is an extremely good shooter. It is my daily carry piece.