Posted a couple of times before in regard to the Model 64 chambered in .357. The end of last summer my buddy approached me about a trade for my 66-3 snubby. He said he had a Model 64 in .357. Knowing the 64 is normally .38 Spl. I had to investigate further.

SB, 4" heavy barrel. I figured it might be a rework until I inspected it. Everything looked in order and unmolested. I had checked the SCSW and knew of the OK State police guns. This one absolutely required a letter to Roy. I got the return about the end of January.

The gun lettered to the 64-1 prototype model 65. These guns left the factory as official model 64's, pinned, recessed and chambered in .357 Magnum. Eventually they transitioned over to the model 65. Similar to the model 10 transitioning into the Model 13.

Well long story short I had to disclose this info to my buddy and he hedged on the deal. I was OK with that. A month or two ago he has immersed himself into trap shooting. Off the deep end. He wants to buy a quality trap gun and needed some spare cash so he called me. He told me he only wanted what he had paid for the gun. $200.

Finally did the deal this morning. The old war horse has seen some miles but is in fairly good shape. A little end shake and slow timing on two chambers. I think I'll send it back to the factory for a mechanical rehab to new condition.

This makes for a nice addition to my Model 64 collection.
Regards Mike

Very nice indeed. I'd love to have a model 64 even in .38 caliber.

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Birds like shiny new toys too.

Personally, the 13 and 65 were always favorites.

Anyone remember the original S&W advertising picture showing them together upon introduction?

There is something about that picture and that famous picture of the three Model 19s (2 1/2, 4 and 6 inch) together on one page that just says "classic."

Despite the later issues attributable to the short bullets in the 125 grain Magnum loads, the 4 inch K frame .357s are the best combination of portability and power that S&W has ever made in its revolver line. Used with 158 grain Magnums occasionally and with most shooting done with 38 Special, as intended originally, they will last almost forever.

Col. Evan Quiros, the friend of "Skeeter" Skelton, said he bought a pair of Model 29s, the second just in case the first ever went down. Skelton wrote later that the twin was still in its case, unfired, just in case Col. Quiros had trouble with the first.

It is the same with a Model 13, 19, 65 or 66. A pair will last you a couple of lifetimes, used within the foregoing limitations.

Excellent find and it I am especially impressed that you disclosed the info about the "collector" status of the revolver to your friend.

Good show all the way around!

Shawn

Wow! For those who have not tried a fixed sight .357 K frame, let me tell you I wish I had more and that one you have would certainly fill the bill.

"Col. Evan Quiros, the friend of "Skeeter" Skelton, said he bought a pair of Model 29s, the second just in case the first ever went down. Skelton wrote later that the twin was still in its case, unfired, just in case Col. Quiros had trouble with the first."

I did the same thing. I have a 3" 65 that gets alot of carry. Decided it was too good a gun to be without for any reason and bought another one. It lives in the safe. I doubt I will ever wear out the one I have, and, its tempting to sell the extra when you see what they bring, but, I have no desire to get rid of it.

The 64-1/65 is a neat find. I would have picked that up in a heartbeat.

Klyde I sure wish I had friends like you do. I sent a model 29-4 that I purchased and was in rough shape in for the master revolver service. It came back working smooth. Good luck w/ the 64....

Super find, awesome gun
To ride fast
Shoot straight
And speak the truth,
I kinda always thought the last one was the most important, that's how you keep friends.
My hat is off to you.

Very interesting gun. Thanks for posting!

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Rick
SWCA #2727 , SWHF #435