Was the Model 63, the first S&W stainless .22?

Camster · #51 08-19-2022, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowman

I have a 4" 63-3; a wonderful gun. Generally they aren't considered as accurate as the K22s, but I sometimes wonder if that can't be attributed at least partially to the fact that small guns are just more difficult to shoot accurately.

Mine has a great trigger in both SA and DA. I bought target grips for mine and that helps a great deal, since the magnas they come with are tiny and add to the difficulty mentioned above.

They are good guns to teach others to shoot with, particularly ladies and children; i.e. people with smail hands. I use mine to review fundamentals of defensive shooting; it is like shooting my carry gun, which is also small. After a session with the 63, I practice again with the carry gun.

Hope some of this is helpful to you.
Andy

Just bought the same version. Just added SB targets to it.(63-3 is a RB gun) I agree with all that you said.
I like a K frame better, superior trigger and better size for my paws( owned lots in the past, also owned 34s and a 63) but this time, the smaller size was important.

RubEric · #52 08-23-2022, 12:59 AM

My model 63. Paid $1k

S.B. · #53 08-28-2022, 05:20 PM

I've shown this before I had trouble seeing the front sight so had Clements change it out for me

Steve

CH4 · #54 06-23-2023, 10:44 AM

I just picked up my first 63 last weekend at the Vegas show. I have several K frame 22s and a 650, but this is my 63. Been looking for a 2" for a long time and was happy to find one under $1K. Traded some Contender barrels for it. Sure is fun to shoot!

ruger 22 · #55 06-23-2023, 01:05 PM

I bought a 4" for my son for his 14th birthday in 1981. We put Herretts Shooting Stars on it almost immediately and he still has it today. Says this is the last to go in his collection. It is a great gun.

gr8smiles · #56 11-03-2023, 08:26 PM

Looking back over some threads, I’ll resurrect this one with a couple pics of my 2” Model 63s…

DRYHEAT · #57 11-11-2023, 10:21 PM

The factory checkered Targets are my personal favorites

raljr1 · #58 11-12-2023, 10:45 AM

Bought mine new in 1980, paid $260 for it new. With large hands, target acquisition was difficult using the original grips. Factory targets solved that problem. I have a couple of k22s, but for a stroll thru the woods and for assassinating tin cans, a Model 63 can't be beat.

Robert

press-1-for-english · #59 11-12-2023, 01:06 PM

Here's the one I bought "used" August of this year for eight and change. All I did to it was fire it. Left it stock. Came with the box, sealed tools, and paperwork. Dandy little plinker.

Hondo44 · #60 11-13-2023, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flint Ridge

What is the function of the second pin under the rear sight?

.22/32 Kit Gun and Target Firing pin changes

I could not find this info anywhere so have studied the .22/32 models. The one pin or two pins coincide with two styles of firing pins, round and rectangular respectively at the breech face. With the rectangular style there can be two proud pins, or front pin proud and rear pin flush from the factory.

ROUND FIRING PIN with one retaining pin:
The front single pin retains the firing pin bushing in the recoil shield and the firing pin is a round style including a fully round front striking tip. Used on the Pre war 22/32 Heavy Frame Target, ('30s vintage 22/32 Heavy Target ), 22/32 Kit Guns, and post war transitional Target and Kit Guns. This configuration returned later c. #70000, Oct. 1960 with the J frame introduction; Models 34-1 and 35-1.

RECTANGULAR FRONT TIP, FLATTENED TOP REAR FIRING PIN with two retaining pins:
The Model of 1953 New I frame is the first post war model change for the 22/32 models and introduced a new rectangular shaped firing pin tip with two proud retaining pins at first, front for bushing and rear for firing pin.

This rectangular front striking tip style firing pin can be seen with hammer cocked by looking in the hammer channel from the rear at the top of the firing pin. This rear 2nd pin crosses over the flattened rear top of, and retains the firing pin.

The rectangular firing pin with proud front pin and flush rear pin was used beginning c. #21000 (late '55 to early '56) thru c. # 29000, after which time the two proud pins returned. I have observed that the 'bright' blue finish began on the .22/32 in its serial # range in the early to mid 21,000s (1956) and seems to coincide with the flat polishing of the rear retaining pin.

RETURN OF THE ROUND FIRING PIN:
The Pre-1953 round tipped firing pin w/one proud front retaining pin, was reintroduced c. #70000 Oct. 1960 with the 22/32 J frame introduction of the Models 34-1 and 35-1.

7/22/17 -
In stock at Brownells here: Keyword Search | Brownells

2 pin with rear pin flush c. #21000 (late '55 to early '56) to c. #29000 (’57 – ’58).

2" #26821 shipped 7/57:

RETURN OF THE ROUND FIRING PIN with one pin:
The rectangular/rear flattened top firing pin was subsequently dropped in an engineering change that re-used the fully round firing pin of the pre war guns and the post war transitional guns with one pin (proud) on the sides of the frame. I have not been able to pinpoint when the change was made and of course like every other S&W change it was a transitional event. However, I have a sense that the return to one single pin (proud) with fully round firing pin coincides approximately with the change from the I frame Mod 34 to the J frame Mod 34 identified with a "-1" in Oct 1960, c. #70000. I have not observed any J frame 22/32 kit guns with two pins, proud or otherwise.

BEWARE OF REFINISHED GUNS one proud & one flush pin or both flush:
Refinished Mod 1953 22/32s originally having two proud pins will often be encountered with the forward pin proud and the smaller rear pin or both pins polished flush. However, the 2nd pin flush can be an original factory variation and will be observed on a non-refinished gun as stated above.

NOT DOCUMENTED ANYWHERE:
This round/rectangular firing pin and 1 pin/2 pin issue will not be found anywhere in the Jink's or SCSW books.

I hope this helps and as usual I am always open to further evidence in the unending pursuit of complete knowledge of S&W firearms.

Mike, SC Hunter · #61 11-14-2023, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

These are factory universal fit (both square and round butt) Target stocks, which were available in both smooth and checkered versions. They were sold as replacement stocks only as far as I have seen.

All Factory grips. Blue 4 In 34--Nickel 4 in 34--4 in 63

snowman · #62 11-14-2023, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

.22/32 Kit Gun and Target Firing pin changes

I hope this helps and as usual I am always open to further evidence in the unending pursuit of complete knowledge of S&W firearms.

Hondo44: It appears to me that your knowledge of this issue is as close to complete as anyone will get!

With respect,
Andy

BlackAgnes · #63 11-14-2023, 12:44 PM

Here's mine with Keith Brown Ropers, scaled to fit the J Frame.

Tim

Hondo44 · #64 11-14-2023, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raljr1

Bought mine new in 1980, paid $260 for it new. With large hands, target acquisition was difficult using the original grips. Factory targets solved that problem. I have a couple of k22s, but for a stroll thru the woods and for assassinating tin cans, a Model 63 can't be beat.

Robert

That’s a nice early pair with the fuller tops that are as high as the knuckle on the back strap like K and N frame target grips!

CAJUNLAWYER · #65 11-15-2023, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRYHEAT

Go for a 4" 63. Could be $600+ cheaper (than the 1947 K-22 I want!).

63 no dash, shipped April '81 (30th Birthday!) Presentation (target sized) Stocks. P&R Found at a local Scottsdale gun store for $419 O.T.D. in January '11. It can be done.

That gun is a twin of mine. The target grips make all the difference in the world as far as shootability. Mine are checkered

DRYHEAT · #66 11-15-2023, 02:31 PM

My wife likes the original stocks better than my favorite targets

CAJUNLAWYER · #67 12-13-2023, 11:06 AM

Yes. Need to type something to get to 10 characters, but the answer is yes.

jaguargolf · #68 12-13-2023, 11:17 AM

I'll have to figure out how to post a picture.

I have a 63 with a 5" barrel.

It also is an 8 shot pistol

dingomann · #69 12-13-2023, 07:49 PM

Some really nice M63s here. I bought mine about 40 years ago for around $225-$250, I don't recall exactly. It is pinned, SN is 167500. That is an easy one to remember! I have fired approx. 35,000 rounds through it. For about 10 years I did a lot of aerial target shooting and that really burns up the ammo. I cleaned it whenever the action started to get sticky, which might be 50 rounds or it might be 400 rounds. Some ammo is a lot dirtier than others. I have timed it once. The cylinder stop fractured so I used one that came from a junk Llama Comanche .38. Works fine. It still wears the original small grips which show a lot of wear but I like them. The DA pull has a distinct pause where you you can hold it just shy of let-off, get a good sight picture, then fire it just like a single action. Few of my other guns have a pause like it. It is still accurate but my eyes are just not good enough to utilize that accuracy anymore. I have enjoyed owning this gun and I hope the next owner does, too.

THE PILGRIM · #70 12-13-2023, 07:54 PM

I have a 2 and a 4.
Can’t find a pic of the 4.

reccpd101 · #71 12-13-2023, 11:05 PM

THERE'S not a better new shooter, woods walking, or trainer for a J frame then a 63 even better if you fit a 22 mag cylinder to go with it. How do I know 10,000 plus rounds don't lie. I also have a model 18 I used learning how to really shoot a K frame.

press-1-for-english · #72 12-15-2023, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by press-1-for-english

Here's the one I bought "used" August of this year for eight and change. All I did to it was fire it. Left it stock. Came with the box, sealed tools, and paperwork. Dandy little plinker.

Here's what it looks like presently.
Very comfortable stocks/grips.

hkcavalier · #73 12-15-2023, 01:30 PM

I only have an imposter 63.