Surplus Model 67 vs. 64 question

[MG-70]

I'm considering buying one of these surplus .38spls currently on the market and can't decide between a model 67 or a 64. They're both 4", but the only 67s I found were older "skinny" barrel police trade-ins in DAO, meaning in addition to the lighter barrel, they'd need another $80-$100 in parts to convert to SA/DA, which is the configuration I prefer. The 64 can be found both DAO and SA/DA. Right now I'm leaning towards the 64 simply because I prefer the balance of that gun to the lighter barrel model 67.

I read on a post I found that there was a change in the model 67 barrel weight/contour. Are the barrels on the newer model 67 the same contour as that of the heavy barrel model 64? Approximately when did the model 67 begin using the heavier barrel?

Thanks in advance!

[rockhammer]

The 67 has the higher profile adjustable sights which are an advantage for target shooting or if you hand load.

[jrm53]

I have a 67-2 that I have had since the mid 80's it does have a lighter weight barrel than a 4" 65 that I have but the real kicker is it has a RR and adjustable rear sight, unless you have a Bomar rib for a standard 4" barrel I would go for the 67. Jeff

[roaddog28]

Hi,

Go with the 67. I agree with the rest.

roaddog28

[snakeman32]

I just got a 64 surplus. I went with that one because I love the model 10 and figured this would feel the same as a 10. Fixed sights are fine for what I am using it for. I am just using mine for a woods gun. Unfortunately I am not able to pick it up untill Monday or Tuesday next week.


snakeman

[Rawhyde]

From the tone of your post, it sounds like you want the 64. The 64's you say are available in SA/DA whereas you'd have to spend extra money on new lockwork to convert any of the 67's. I wouldn't buy a DAO gun unless it was dirt cheap. Let us know what you wind up deciding.

[1 old 0311]

Buds had 3 inch 64's SA/DA a year, or so, ago. I bought two LOVE them, sorry I didn't get 3. Paid $340 each.

[MG-70]

Thanks for the replies. Regardless of sights, I prefer the balance of the heavier barrel. I'm still curious to know when the 67 changed to a heavier barrel and if its weight is the same as on the 64/65.

Cheers

[MG-70]

Originally Posted by 1 old 0311

Buds had 3 inch 64's SA/DA a year, or so, ago.

That would be perfect! A little less practical, but nicer-looking would be a 2.5" one a-la Model 66. My camp gun is a 3" stainless GP-100 (short shroud) in .357.

Cheers

[GyMac]

I would choose the Model 67 for its adjustable sights. I've been very lucky with my fixed sight guns hitting POA, but sometimes they don't. The adustable ones are a better bet. Either gun would be great though.

[Professor Frink]

As a friend of mine once told me when I was struggling to decide between two diffirent pistols.

"Get both."

[danski]

Have you tried the DAO 67s actions yet? You might decide that they are slicker and easier to live with than the Model 64 DA/SA. Personally for a "combat" revolver I don't see to much use for the SA and a slick DAO can
do the job just as well.

It's been my experience that once someone is used to the DAO, he/she will never even care about any SA capability, even out to 20 yards.

[AKAOV1MAN]

I am kinda with the get the 67 crowd, but then I have a couple of 64s. My 64s all (3 of them) shoot POA with the 158gr SWC(orSWCHP) +P load, thus making the POA problem non existent for me anyway cause I like that load. I have a 67 and it also is a nice gun and there is something to be said for adjustable sights. I am sending it back to S&W for an action job and some minor work.
Either way you can't go wrong, both absolute classic revolvers, finest kind.

[MG-70]

Originally Posted by danski

Have you tried the DAO 67s actions yet? You might decide that they are slicker and easier to live with than the Model 64 DA/SA. Personally for a "combat" revolver I don't see to much use for the SA and a slick DAO can do the job just as well.

It's been my experience that once someone is used to the DAO, he/she will never even care about any SA capability, even out to 20 yards.

No, I haven't tried any of the DAO versions and I agree that would probably be a good thing for a combat revolver (that and fixed sights, imo). I did bob the hammer on my model 60, though, and shoot just fine with it at shorter distances. Also, I forgot to mention, but aside from the 6" barrel, my model 14 is very similar to a "skinny barrel" model 67 in terms of balance (actually, it has more weight, so it probably feels better than a 67).

Thanks again for the replies!