guys,
i laid a model 64 and a model 65 side by side
both 3 inch round butt guns
i know the 65 is for 357
and the model 64 shoots 38 smith&wesson
i should know this,but i dont
what was the major difference between the 2 guns.what did sw do to the 65 to change it from the 64
.also,is it safe to shoot 38 plus p in the heavy barrel 64,which is close to the 357 in the model 65
thanks for replys friends

.38 Special +P are fine to shoot in the 64, presuming it's in good shape.

I don't know if this applies to the stainless guns, but I believe (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) the early K-frame .357s were forged differently to be able to handle the magnum loads, but eventually they streamlined production and used the .357 K-frames for both .38 and .357 guns.

Primary differences are the barrels and cylinders. The .357 barrel is shorter and the cylinder is longer, which results in less of the rear of the barrel extending into the cylinder window or cut-out in the frame. This is important as it leaves less of this part of the barrel unsupported by the surrounding thread, and thus is stronger.

I have read that the heat treatment is different and that the heat treatment is the same. I doubt S&W has ever formally said.

The frame of a K .357 is supposed to be slightly larger than a .38 - this is mentioned in the SCSW but no specifics given.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

buff and murph,thanks guys,all that makes great sense
have a good week gentlemen