Model 63 3-inch range report.

Nobody on the Internet has yet posted an inherent accuracy test from a solid rest; not even Gunblast, which has no plans to do so soon. So here goes:

NOTE: Group sizes are the average of at least two, 5-shot groups at 25 yards (see next paragraph) from a sandbag rest. Barrel was lightly "seasoned" with ammo tested, and brushed out after shooting each brand of ammo. My 63 had no FTF and no sticky empties, except very mildly with, go figure, Federal Premium Gold Medal UltraMatch ($16.10 per box).

The reason for the test was to determine the inherent accuracy of this latest version ( 3-inch) Model 63, not my aging eyes. Therefore, groups were fired at 5 yards to get a good, steady sight picture and then multiplied by five to get a would-be group size at the standard 25 yards (a trick recommended to me many years ago by another .22 nut, Roy Jinks). Also, one flyer, if any, per group was not counted. This method is not as good as a machine rest, but it's fairly close. Of course, YMMV.

Lapua Midas L-------------- 1.76"

Aguila .22 Interceptor----- 1.85" (hyper and dirty)

Federal GMUM---------------2.00"

Rem Club Xtra---------------2.20"

Dynamint Nobel FP 50------2.65"

CCI Mini-Mag HP------------2.65"

Wolf Match Target----------2.65"

Rem Golden Bullet----------2.75"

CCI Stingers HP-------------3.00"

Wow, it's been a while since you did this. Nice work! I'm surprised there's no response. I'm considering a 3" M63. What's your impressing since you did these tests.

Thanks,
Roger

I have had no problems to date, and I think it's the best of all the S&W 2, 3 or 4 inch kit guns (J Frames). I really love my 5-inch 63, however.

For me, the K Frames are too heavy to tote around, but generally do better at the range.

My 5" M63 is a tack driver too.

I think one of the reasons I'm sitting on the fence is I just can't make up my mind between a M617 and M63. I have several 3" S&Ws but not in .22. I guess I'll have the answer when I decide if the next one is going to be a trail gun or a range gun. I know it will get the most use on the range, but I don't have anything light weight for trail/carry. Just spending more time at a carry location - change in purpose. Initial plan was to mate the M63 with a M60 but trying deal with most important things first.

Thanks for the confirmation on the 3".

Best Regards,
Roger

nice work - the 63 and 317 are at the top of my short list - leaning toward the 63 though

Roger, I know exactly what you mean about making up your mind between a M617 and M63. Throw in a M18 and really drive yourself nuts picking one.

I got lucky with my 5-inch M63; it's got a smooth action and is as accurate (with ammo it likes) as a lot of M617s, yet much lighter, so it serves well in both the field and at the range. It seems Old cop would agree. (Turns out mine had been selected by S&W as a gun mag writers' test gun before I bought it "used".)

Some folks don't like the looks of a 5-inch bbl. on a J Frame, but the right grips make it look just fine. They are not easy to find, however.

Despite everything though, I could live with a good M63 3-inch, or even a 4-inch.

There, now. Does that help you decide? :-)

I'm smiling here :-). I never thought I'd be agonizing over this, however the end result is that I end up with one .22lr revolver.

I've got experience with a M18 and hence my uncertainty about a M617 or the kit gun. I need a user, one that I can throw in a bag, maybe carry on my desert trail excursions (although I'd also like a M60 for that) use as a teaching gun for a couple of friends

So I'm trying to sort out the best gun for my two worlds of new-to-carry and old-hat-range and end up with something that is going to be fun - the ultimate goal.

Thanks for the input.. I'm taking it to heart.

Roger