S&W Model 64

fullthrottle · Jun 30, 2011

I don't see much, if any, discussion about this revolver on this forum. I'm debating between the 64 (which is less expensive but doesn't have the versatility to shoot .357 Magnum) or the 686. Both in four-inch barrels.

Would the 64 be a good buy for home defense? Or would it more prudent to spring for the 686?

Thanks in advance and if it isn't obvious, I'm new to revolvers.

TNDave · Jun 30, 2011

The Model 64 is a fine gun. It is lighter than the 686. While magnums are more powerful than specials, they are not necessarily more desirable in a fighting pistol. Modern high performance special loads are big medicine if they find their mark. You are correct the 64 isn't a "glamor" gun, but it is a workhorse.

GF · Jun 30, 2011

Welcome to the forum, the answer to the question of "Would the 64 be a good buy for home defense?" is a resounding YES!

I bought a DAO Mod 64, a police trade in, and it's my truck/ATV/ carry and nightstand gun.

As a matter of fact, I bought two more Mod 64's after this one. A tapered barreled one and a snub-nosed revolver.

There's posts on the Mod 64 revolver on the forum. Use the "search" feature to find them.

GF

M3Stuart · Jun 30, 2011

I just started a thread about my new 64-5, went back to the index and I see this thread!

Ooooooooahhhhhhh ooooooooooahhhhhh I'm psychic.....anybody need a card or palm reading.....here fullthrottle - your first one is FREE: "I see a S&W model 64 somewhere in your future!"

Smith357 · Jun 30, 2011

For my HD choice the .357 has over penetration issues so with neighbors close I opt to use .38 special.

I have a 64 and a 586 (a blue version of the 686) both a fine revolvers and I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite between them.

k22fan · Jun 30, 2011

You'll find lots of information on 64s searching the 1961 to 1980 revolver forum using the term "model 64" in quotes.

Currently 64s are the best bargain in the police surplus market. 64s are good basic .38s. Whether it's better to buy a surplus bargain or a nicer condition used revolver that you can pick for its features like caliber and sights depends on your budget and tastes.

fullthrottle · Jun 30, 2011

This may be heading towards a caliber debate, but I've spoken to a handful of people that own revolvers, including a couple gunsmiths, and I'm hearing different things.

Some say the .38 is just fine for defense, but others say I'd need a .357 if I'm serious about it. One even hinted a .38 special was basically useless as a defensive round and too weak to cause any damage to a person if first shot through glass.

So in other words, I'm trying to get as much info as possible. Thanks for the replies

Smith357 · Jun 30, 2011

fullthrottle said:
Some say the .38 is just fine for defense, but others say I'd need a .357 if I'm serious about it. One even hinted a .38 special was basically useless as a defensive round and too weak to cause any damage to a person if first shot through glass.

For HD you should not be shooting through heavy glass. The .38 special has a very long and successful service record with most every police department on the planet. Using some of the new superwazooie +p defense loads or the old time tested FBI load from a 4" barrel of a model 64 you will do just fine. Also with the lower recoil and lower muzzle flash of the .38 followup shots in the dark of your house at night should be easier.

M3Stuart · Jun 30, 2011

Correct, for home defense you must not use anything smaller than a .357, .41, or .44 mag - with the .454 Casull, or .50 S&W being preferable. Allowable long guns include the 12 gauge (MUST have riot tube), AR (must have at least 6 30 round magazines), or AK (similar number of magazines but must also have th bayonet extended at all times).

Sandbag bunkers housing your Barrett M82A1 .50 cal, or Back Up Gun as it is known, are optional but recommended.

Quoted from "Gun Store Salesman's Guide".

Edit: For many years I stuck to the Luddite notion that any average .38, 9mm etc was all I'd ever need for HD. I was such a neanderthal! But then, I went to a gun store, and the helpful salesman there showed me the way!

blujax01 · Jun 30, 2011

The hundreds of thousands of people who have been put down with .38's would probably disagree - if they weren't dead.

If you load up a Model 64 with any of a half dozen different defensive loads available from the major players, you need not worry whether you have enough caliber.
There are those out there who are "caliber queens" - IE: .38 is useless, .357 is almost useless, .44 is barely adequate and .45 is okay unless you have a .500.
And this presents another opportunity to show off my daily carry, "Luscious".

Butchbird · Jun 30, 2011

One only has to shoot a .357 in a bedroom once to realize the .38 Special is a better HD round -- Been there -- done that -- My hearing will never be the same -- any second shot is "iffy" when you are blinded by the flash and your ears are ringging

Tracer_Bullet · Jun 30, 2011

I have a 686 and a couple of the 64's carbon-steel sibling, the model 10. For home defense either is a fine gun, and I keep mine loaded with the FBI loads (158gr+P LSWCHPs), which have been well-proven in use by law enforcement agencies.
The 686 is a bit larger and heavier than the 64, and it has the full length barrel underlug which adds weight out front and helps reduce muzzle flip when firing magnums (which always draws attention at the range due to the loud report). With .38 specials the 686 has minimal recoil and is very easy to shoot rapidly. The adjustable sights are nice because you can set them for whatever load and range you are using, but this is hardly a factor at across-the-room or down-the-hallway distances. If you are thinking about adding tritium night sights, then you can do so with the 686 as long as it has the pinned front sight. The 686+ gives you a seventh round if that is a consideration for you.
The 10/64 is a bit lighter and more compact than the 686, owing to a smaller cylinder (the 686 cylinder and forcing cone are beefed up for extensive use of magnums). The 10/64 and 686 both have exactly the same grip frame and trigger reach, but in my opinion the 10/64 has a nicer balance and is a little quicker handling. I find it quite easy to manage with the FBI loads. I regularly carry one of my model 10s.
Both guns are exceptionally accurate and fun to shoot.
Handle both if possible to see which one feels better to you. If you are married and your wife may have to use the gun also, let her handle them as well and get her input.
You might also consider the Model 66, which is sort of the best of both worlds. It is the size of the 10/64, stainless steel, has the adjustable sights of the 686, and can fire .357 magnums, though you will get various opinions about how often you should shoot it with magnums and what bullet weights to use.

Sorry about writing a novel, but these are great handguns and easy to go on and on about. Hopefully my opinions will be of some value to you.

vytoland · Jun 30, 2011

a S&W model 64, K frame, .38 special is an excellant revolver for HD and target practice.

loaded with DEWC (double end wadcutters) @ 800 to 830 fps will give adequate stopping power for defense purposes.

PALADIN85020 · Jun 30, 2011

The Model 64 should be a great choice for home defense. Very strong and serviceable revolver, reliable and always ready to go.

I have one which may be unique. Here's a picture with its documentation.

John

kmfleming · Jun 30, 2011

A Model 64 with +P ammo will do just fine for home defense, carry, or anything else. Great all around.

GB · Jun 30, 2011

Paladin: After your posting of that picture, I can only say one thing. WOW! Very nice! thanks for the great picture. GB

papajohn428 · Jul 1, 2011

My work gun is a Model 64, in four-inch trim. I liked it so much I bought two more just like it. I also have a 686, and wouldn't mind having a few more. If money is a major consideration, look around on the used gun market for police/security trade-in 64's. Most have some wear, but were shot little and are absolute bargains. If having one more shot and a few extra ounces sounds like it's worth the extra bucks, go for the 686. Neither would be a mistake.

As for ammo, I carry Speer Gold Dots in my work gun, and encourage my troops to do the same. In winter I'll often switch to a heavier bullet, 158-grain Nyclads and Hydra-shoks are good stuff, there are lots of good choices available. I choose not to use magnums.......I see no need. 38's are much more controllable in rapid fire, won't blind and deafen you indoors, and are easier to shoot with greater proficiency AND less practice, for most folks.

5Wire · Jul 1, 2011

Some of the first Model 64s were .357 Magnum, according to the SCS&W, 3rd Ed. The .357 version became the Model 65 and the 64 remained .38 Spl, Plus P. I had this one for a while.

steamloco76 · Jul 1, 2011

My wife and I both shoot our 64-1 very well, so it sees duty as a home defense gun. Deadly, accurate medicine with the classic 158 grain LSWCHP Plus P FBI load.

Stainz · Jul 1, 2011

Over three years ago, I found the current production NIB 64-8 below amongst the other security guard trade-ins at a local gustore. It was $309 - same as the dog-earred units - and had not been 'issued'. They let me out the door at that price. It still had everything in the box - spent case and 'Club 1852' application included. I bought it as my 'house' gun - right. It spent the first year in my range bag sporting Ahrends wood grips. Fun plinker! It finally got it's original grips back - and stoked with +P 158gr LHPSWC's, Remington R38S12, remained at the ready in it's HD role - taking it's turn at the range only occasionally.

To be blunt - it is a great plinker. I need one of those bobbed-hammer DAO variants. Get two - they really are nice. Mine is like the latest production - a fine revolver.

Stainz

S&W Model 64

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