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

Flint Ridge · Apr 9, 2011

Looking for something else to add to the stable and want to keep it to pinned barrels and SS. Though some of the old blued K-22's are tempting.

What should I know about these models? Good/bad, barrel lengths available, looks like they started around '77 and still made today? But w/IL and not pinned (pass).

What should I be looking for in this model?

Thanks Gentlemen.

BUFF · Apr 10, 2011

Yes, they were the first stainless steel S&W .22's. The original Model 63's had 4 inch barrels and square butts. 2 inchers came along later, with round butts. There were apparently 5 and 6 inchers made way back then, but these are pretty rare, possibly prototypes; I have never seen even photos of them. I don't know if the first 2 inchers had pinned barrels; I don't think so.

Flint Ridge · Apr 10, 2011

Interesting, would love to luck into a 5" or 6". But a 4" would work.

I've looked at plenty of the K22's, model 16 and 17 - just don't know them enough yet to take that plunge.

snowman · Apr 10, 2011

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

redlevel · Apr 10, 2011

I bought a K22 thinking it would become my "go-to" .22.

Wrong.

More times than not, when I need a good dose of rimfire, the Model 63 is what I take. Mine has a wonderful double-action, and I think it has really helped me with my 2" self-defence guns.

DRYHEAT · Apr 10, 2011

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.

H Richard · Apr 10, 2011

63's are great little guns, and putting a little larger grips on can assist the shooting of them. One of the best woods/walking around guns made.

redlevel · Apr 10, 2011

It is a matter of personal preference, but I think anything other than magnas make a j-frame too bulky. I prefer the classic look of the magnas and a tyler t-grip. Especially when the whole package is completed with a Lobo carved holster.

Flint Ridge · Apr 11, 2011

Driheat said:
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.

Wow! OK that pretty much settles it for me. Something new to look for. And yes to help The Bride get used to the world of shooting & revolvers, then up to the 66-1, hopefully.

Nevadadvx · Apr 11, 2011

My 63 no dash came with number matching Magna's, but I put a set of nice Targets on, and it's much more comfortable to shoot, and I think looks great......

Robinett_11B · Apr 11, 2011

Looks like we need a Model 63 thread!

Beautiful guns, guys

I've only got the non-P&R 2"-er, but I will have a nice 4"-er one day sooner than later!

Flint Ridge · Apr 11, 2011

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

Wonder how long it will take me to find one and to get the $$$ to do it.

snowman · Apr 11, 2011

Flint Ridge said:
What is the function of the second pin under the rear sight?

Flint: 22s have frame-mounted firing pins, or strikers; these require a horizontal retaining pin to hold them in the frame.

Andy

Flint Ridge · Apr 11, 2011

snowman said:
Flint: 22s have frame-mounted firing pins, or strikers; these require a horizontal retaining pin to hold them in the frame.

Andy

Yep, Thanks Andy - I should have known that as I did note the lack of a firing pin on some pictures I had seen. All the K-22's I've seen at shows had the silly zip-ties around everything.

The hunt is on!

Any idea as to how many are out there with the Pinned Barrels?

Frailer · Apr 11, 2011

Robinett_11B said:
I've only got the non-P&R 2"-er...

It may not be pinned, but they're all recessed.

Robinett_11B · Apr 11, 2011

Frailer said:
It may not be pinned, but they're all recessed.

You got me there....all the .22's are recessed

Sabre03 · Apr 13, 2011

I have carried my 63 in the field for 25 years everywhere from Alabama to Alaska and it has nver failed me. No problem shooting 1" groups at10 yards which has put a lot of small game in the camp pot.

It is one of 2 guns I own that I would never get rid of; the other is my Python!

deanodog · Apr 13, 2011

I have owned several M63 no dashes over the years and traded / sold them. I have this one left.

msr · Apr 13, 2011

I picked up a model 63 no dash and it will never leave my possession. Great little 22. I also put a set of target grips on it and I now shoot it much better.

KSDeputy · Jun 16, 2015

I have my 4" model 63, with rubber grips on it. This is one gun I will never sell. I have a model 622, as well, and love it too.

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

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