Best S&W Model 64

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I recently purchased two S&W model 64's one is a 64-5 and one a 64-6. Both are fine shooters and the trigger pull is nearly identical. I am not going to keep both and would like some advice on which would be the better choice to hang on to.

Thoughts on what the benefits of each is such as: internal firing pin vs. hammer mounted firing pin and etc... I appreciate any ideas, comments, or links to websites/forums that you might have.

Is one more desirable than the other??

Is there a list of all of the engineering changes for these models with pros and cons?
 
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Welcome to the Forum. If they are mechanically and cosmetically identical, any minor variations in configuration don't make any difference on a practical level, so I would choose whichever one you "like" better. The only difference on a collector level would be if either is a 2" or a 3", if so I'd keep that one.
 
murphydog said:
If they are mechanically and cosmetically identical, any minor variations in configuration don't make any difference on a practical level, so I would choose whichever one you "like" better. The only difference on a collector level would be if either is a 2" or a 3"
Click to expand...

They are both 4", and they are very differently engineered (internal pin/hammer mounted, MIM/Forged parts etc...). I appreciate the reply though.
 
Is either stainless? If so let me know how much if you wanna sell it for.
 
I would definitely keep the one with the forged parts and hammer mounted firing pin, which I presume is going to be the -5. If you need to know why, just remove the sideplate of each and look at the internals. You will then understand why MIM is a cost cutting measure.

Dave Sinko
 
I would go with the one with forged parts also. BTW I have a 64 no dash with a pencil barrel and like it a lot.
 
Nothing wrong with the MIM guns and they are easier to "tune" with new parts, springs and an extended firing pin.

From a "value" standpoint, the forged part 64-5 will be "worth" more but 64's will never be investment guns anyway, in fact prices on these are going down right now.

I would keep both of them, you won't make much from the sale of either, both are maybe $350 guns if you sell them, so many were made they don't bring high prices. They are worth more as utility shooters and you might regret getting rid of it down the road if you decide to become a S&W collector. Having examples of both "old" and "new" S&W's is something I enjoy as a collector. I have S&W's from the 40's to present day and I love them all.

I have a 64-3 from 1978 and a 64-7 from 2002. Both are excellent shooters. I would get rid of neither of them.

I just fired my tuned up 10-14 today and I shot 50 rounds into a ragged hole in SA at 25 yards. It's a MIM gun and it's one of my best shooting S&W's.
 
Call me an old fudd if you like but to me a S&W should have the hammer mounted firing pin. The Colt Python and Rugers should have the internal firing pin. I know Ruger has been using injection molded parts for quite a while but the S&Ws of my day (which weren't that long ago) were forged steel.
 
If S&W made them like they did in the 80's-90's, they would cost more - fact #1

The current availability of new S&W's and the fact people are buying and shooting them keep the prices of the beloved older ones down - fact #2

As long as they still say "Marcas Registrada Made in U.S.A" on the frame I will keep buying them. I'm not going to turn my back on a company who's revolvers I grew up shooting in the early 90's over a design change.
 
I'd probably keep them both... but otherwise would choose the one that shot closest to point of aim with whatever ammo I preferred. The MIM guns can be tuned into very slick shooters with very little effort compared to what it takes on some (not all) of the older forged guns. But the forged ones are a little more traditional and aesthetically pleasing.
 
If you have no preference and are looking to sell one of them, make that part of your ad. "YOUR CHOICE MODEL 64 (-5) or (-6) ...!" and let the customer decide.
By the way, if you're looking for a price range I just bought a new in the box 2006 Model 64-8 for $400. It was part of a left over lot of Brinks Specials a local armorer had.
P1010196-1.jpg
 
I really appreciate all of the comments and ideas regarding this subject. I've got to laugh though when nearly half the replies say "I'd keep both". I am not a collecter, just enjoy shooting and can't rationalize keeping an "extra" revolver of a nearly identical one I own. I would rather get something else to use, or just have the money in my pocket, and let someone else appreciate a good shooting firearm.

Unfortunately I was hoping you guys would come to a concensus on which one I should keep, but it has not made my decision any easier. I still welcome more thoughts on this as I've got some more time to decide before I make my selection and drop the other one off at my friends (he just wants a quality .38sp and is not concerned about the model at all).

I look forward to reading more thoughts and ideas by the knowledgeable members of this forum

Additionally, I found this information in another post in the S&W forum (courtesy Zebulon):

64 no dash 1970
64-1 1972- intro Hvy BBl
64-2 1977- Gas ring change
64-3 1977-Gas ring change on 4"
64-4 1988- New yoke retention
64-5 1988- Hammer nose bushing and yoke retention on Heavy barrel
64-6 1998- MIM hammer, floating firing pin, internal change
64-7 2002- Key lock
64-8 2004- 2 piece barrel


Maybe this will help with providing me some good ideas and suggestions.

Thanks Again All!!
 
As a shooter there is a good reason to have two identical revolvers, put one away as a "spare", or use one as a HD gun and then the other can be a "range gun".

If not, see what a local gun shop can give you in trade toward something you want, it will save the hassle of shipping, etc. and maybe you can get $300-400 toward another handgun.
 
For those who would like to own a 4" heavy-barreled 64-5, I have one for sale in the classifieds.

Ed

Edit: Well, I did but I can't find the thread now. Anyone interested in a nice 64-5 for $325 plus $25 shipping can contact me via P.M. or email.
 
Last edited:
Ahhhh..... Nothing kills a thread faster than when someone tries to sell their stuff instead of moving the topic along.

Ed, you got it right the first time. If you are selling post it in the classifieds NOT HERE!
 
Just a few weeks ago I got a S&W 64-5 with a three inch barrel for approx $475 delivered mail order legitimately. I'm very satisfied with my purchase, especially along with an S.L. Variant Speedloader for $35 delivered.
 
Don't count out the MIM guns as being "not as good" , my 64-7 is rock solid and is one of the best shooting revolvers I own.
 
Both would obviously be preferable as then you'd have a spare in case of mechanical problems. But if you have to pick one, and you plan on shooting it a lot, I would probably lean toward the 64-6.

The only reason I would lean that way is that replacement parts will be easier to obtain. For example, earlier this year I broke the hammer nose on my 3" 65-3. I could not find the replacement part. I checked a few online sources with no luck. S&W doesn't make or stock that part anymore. It took contacting three gunsmiths, one of whom was out-of-state, before I could find one that had the part and could do the work. It ended up costing me almost $100, half of that just for the part. The work was done by one of my local gunsmiths, and he was much cheaper than if I had sent it to the out-of-state gunsmith. If it was a 65-5, however, the part would've only cost me about $15.

You may want to check and see what the parts availability is like for each gun. I may be wrong and spare parts for the 64-5 may be just as available as spare parts for the 64-6. But I believe it's something to consider.
 
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