I've been using a S&W 617 with a 6" barrel as my main rimfire handgun and I couldn't be happier with it, but I've been looking for something a bit lighter for a while. I've come across a couple of 4" model 63s, but they were either too expensive or two beaten up.

My favourite gun shop has a used model 63 in what seems to be tip-top shape, for an almost fair price (I'm sure I can work out a good deal). The problem is that it's got a 2" bbl. I'm not sure whether a .22lr snubby makes sense (I won't use it as an understudy to my .357 snubbies, but as a plinker).

Should I keep looking for a 4" gun?

the 2 inch is much sought after,if the price is right,buy it!!!,if not pm me the shop number,I'll take it off there hands.

The 2" might be a good investment. I'll tell you straight up - the currently available 3" 63, with it's HiViz sight and 8-shot cylinder, is a shooter. Uncannily accurate. Here is mine along with my 4" 617 and 5" 63, a previous 8-shot offering:



The J-frame 63's sport S&W's '60 Pro' grips - a great improvement, to me, over the rubber OEM grips.

Stainz

BUY IT! If you can get it for a good price, you could use it as a trade for a 4" if you don't like it. You won't find these very often.

Yes, a definite buy. Try it, and if you don't like it you can probably sell it for the cost of 2 4" model 63s .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I've got a nice no dash 4" with target grips... if you get the 2" I would be happy to discuss a trade.

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Randy
Provenance nerd

I too would be happy to discuss a trade for my 3" 650.

I think the responses are telling, buy it asap.

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Sure you did

I am reading that Anything with a 2" barrel is starting to bring a premium! It is what is hot in today's market. Don't be the guy who is mad at himself for dropping the ball. You said the price is fair.....

I have one, along with a 2" 34-1 They shoot rather well for a snubbie. Buy it and enjoy it. As has been stated, they arent that common.
May I ask what a good price is for the gun? I paid almost $800 for mine with the original box and everything that comes with it. Alot to some, but hey, I wanted it.
Tom

Talk about the vultures circling! LOL.

LOL This just goes to show how little I know about S&W collecting.

If this is a hard to come by gun in the US, it's probably two or three times as rare down here in Argentina.

To all the guys offering trades or asking for the shop's address, I'm afraid it's a few thousand kilometers away from the US.

I'll call the shop and have them set it apart for me.

Thanks for the information! I'm really glad I checked with you before buying something else.

.22lr snubs are bringing some crazy prices these days. Holding on to my 34-1 & 317NL. 63's and SP101's the rage.

I bet his PM box is jammed tight.

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Sure you did

For the best usage, and value down the road, try and find a 2 " Model 651 dual cylinder revolver. I had a 2" Model 63 and traded up for my Model 651.

Well, if it's a good deal, it still counts even in South America .

How are the gun ownership laws down there?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I don't really "get" .22 snubbies. To me they're only good if you're a trapper of a Mafia hit man. Guess I must be missing something.

they only made so many,and they are not making any more.A no-lock snubby stainless 22,what more to you want,they are a beautiful gun.

They are fun to shoot/look at & play with . A high quailty 2" Smith snub can be vary accurate too. I have 2 ea. 34-1's (2") that I dearly enjoy. Still looking for a 2" 63. Found a 2" 651 at the GS today but passed since it was a magnum.

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S&W Accumulator

Compared to those in the US, they suck. And it seems like they are about to get worse.

We have to apply for a license to own guns, which expires every five years. You need to pass a background check, a short test with an instructor and prove that you've got a legitimate source of income. You also have to be examined by a doctor and a psychologist. This license doesn't allow you to carry weapons, just to own them.

Everything we buy has to be registered with the government and you need to inform the address where each weapon is kept. Theres a long waiting period after purchasing a gun (from 7 to 30 days, sometimes more).

Carry permits are almost impossible for normal civilians to get. There are no objective requirements and the final call on whether a certain person needs to carry a gun falls to a board that has stated time and time again that they'll deny all the permits they can.

I could go on about things like the restriction on semiauto rifles, HP ammo being illegal for self defense and much more.

It sounds not a lot worse than some of the more restrictive cities for handgun ownership and carry permits here, like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

YES you should buy it. Heck, I've never seen one in person. Snubbies are my personal favorite and you can shoot the heck out of this one while you continue your search for the common 4-incher!

Aren't you obligated to have both?

Definitely buy the piece if you can. I paid a little under $750 shipped for my NIB example a while back and you couldn't get it from me for anything less than $1,000 today! It's main function for me is a low-cost trainer for my carry snubs. It's secondary function is to provide me with seemingly limitless plinking fun

Really, they are more accurate than you'd think and can burn through a brick of ammo before you even know what happened Definitely a high quality piece. They don't make them like that anymore and they never will again.


Here's my little M63:

Have a 2" 34 and love the little bugger. Bought it ANIB for $500.00 and it's not going anywhere besides my safe and hip. It's just plain fun to shoot and an accurate revolver for a snub to boot.

Did I mention it's really cheap and fun to shoot!

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V/R
Roger / SG