What does "CYA" mean on this M64-3

NHccop

NHccop

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I'm sure a lot of you saw this gun on BG- well, I bought one of the two that were up for sale. Probably paid too much but I'm a sucker for a 3". Anyway, does anyone know what the "CYA" engraving means? I realize that it may not be factory engraving. But if it is, was this gun a special run for some LE agency?
It has a smooth trigger and a smooth backstap. See pics.
The grips that are on it look brand new so I'm sure they are not stock. Ser#ADH18XX. Model 64-3.
I've checked the SCS&M and can't find any mention of this configeration.
 

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Look on the bottom of the butt, that should be the 1st letters of the serial number. The serial number is usually on the frame under the crane, absent on yours. Strange, the rest of the serial number should have followed the letters on the side of the frame, too.
 
If I had to venture a guess;

..."California created a statewide system of youth  corrections facilities in 1941. The newly formed  California Youth Authority (CYA) was considered a  major progressive step forward in juvenile justice.  Part of its focus in its early years was  programming designed to keep youth close to  their home communities. In its first three decades,  the CYA population never exceeded 7,000.  Leadership and policy changes in the late 1970s  and early 1980s, however, started a long period of  increase in the CYA population.  "...
 
NH,
Can't comment on the CYA but would like to offer a congrats on your purchase. Should clean up nice. I have a 3" dash 3 also. Has the 7D7 serial number. I just love those 64's.
 
Thanks for all the comments.
My only quess was the Calif Youth Authority, too.
I may ask for a letter from Mr Jinks on this one just to satisfy my curiousity.
 
Sent in for a letter on a 64-1 chambered in .357 in early November. Received it a few weeks ago (with the good news). Just about 3 months. Well worth the cost and wait if you have something unique.
 
Question for you 64 owners--do they all have a smooth trigger and backstrap?
 
NHccop said:
Question for you 64 owners--do they all have a smooth trigger and backstrap?
Click to expand...

Early standard would have been a grooved service (narrow) trigger and smooth backstrap. Later guns had the smooth ("Combat") trigger.

There have been quite a few CDC and CYA stamped model 64s on the market recently. I am fairly certain these are CA Department of Corrections and Youth Authority surplus. I am shocked these actually were sold to the private market...and equally shocked no one has made the obvious "CYA" joke on the stamping :) .
 
CYA 64

I have 2 I bought from CDNN in 08 , believe that these came from California Youth Authority. Mine have smooth trigger and backstrap. Both are great shooters.
 
SN# on frame ?

Broker50 said:
Look on the bottom of the butt, that should be the 1st letters of the serial number. The serial number is usually on the frame under the crane, absent on yours. Strange, the rest of the serial number should have followed the letters on the side of the frame, too.
Click to expand...
I have seen SN'S on some 64's from NYPD but never on any other 64's. Have you seen SN on other 64's? Thank You. Be Safe,
 
Several revolvers over the years had the SN either etched or stamped on the frame, in J, K and N frames. NYPD mandated this but commercial guns also had this. Usually this was done so stocks covering the bottom of the grip frame would not need removal to see the SN.
 
I hit the search button with "CYA" and came up with this post from the past.
I have a 64-3 3" with the CYA marking. Serial ADH1365. I've had it awhile, but I'm starting to appreciate it more. Wiped it down a put on a light wax on it today and got curious about the finish. It's more of a satin finish than a "shinny" finish. I have a 60, 64, 65, and a 67 all with the shinny finish. Was this satin type finish stock back in 1984 or was it special order for those California correction guns?
64-3 on top of 65-3.
 

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Both of my 64-6s have smooth, round, back straps. They also had skinny, smooth triggers and bobbed hammers.
I replaced the triggers with .375" triggers and spurred hammers.
_______________________
I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.
 
NHccop,
I have a twin to the revolver you have pictured with a serial number within very close range to some of the SN's posted in this thread. My SN is ADH 14XX. Mine has the exact same stamped initials located in the exact same location as yours. I believe the initials stand for "California Youth Authority" as has been mentioned. That agency had (has?) folks who had different responsibilities but those who were authorized to carry on duty were issued these revolvers.My copy was obviously carried a good bit but was not obviously fired a great deal. I found mine in an LGS in Albuquerque, NM in 2014. These revolvers, as are those of close kin to the vernerable M&P handejectors and later Model 10's are as reliable as an anvil! As an afficionado of three inch barreled revolvers, I was glad to find this one!

Congratulations on your find!
 
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