Has anyone heard of or run across a Smith & Wesson Model 63 in .32 magnum caliber? If they exist, are they a rare piece? Thanks.

The Model 63 was chambered in .22 LR. Perhaps you are talking about a 631 or 632....both were chambered in .32 H&R Mag.

This revolver is marked Model 63.

First of all, I assume we are talking about a target gun - not a fixed sight gun... ? Some .32 Magnums were fixed-sight models.

Several years ago .32 Magnum J-frame cylinders and barrels could still be purchased (from Brownells, and probably from the factory). Maybe someone who wanted a Model 631 and couldn't find it did a conversion? It would be a nice way to go, IMO, since you would end up with a proper square-butt frame rather than the silly round-butt frame that S&W used.

Check the frame, hammer, and firing pin bushing. If the gun is converted from a Model 63 frame, the frame would be drilled for the retaining pin for the rimfire firing pin. Might be a nice little shooter if you are interested in it. If not drilled for the retaining pin, then the gun is probably an original 631 that didn't get marked properly.

The yoke is marked model 63. The barrel is marked .32 magnum. It has round grips. What is it? Thanks.

Pretty much has to be a mismarked Model 631, as M29 suggested.

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David Wilson

On page 261 in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, it is stated under model 631 that 40 .32 Magnum 'kit guns' were produced with a round butt frame, 4" barrel, red ramp insert, adjustable rear sight, and a satin stainless finish. Special production code #103682. Since the 631 was listed as a 'target' gun, could these 40 'kit guns' be marked as a model 63 instead of 631? Just a thought.

Every 631 "Kit Gun" is a "target" model since adjustable sights seem to be part of the accepted definition of the Kit Gun pattern. The description in the SCSW is not helpful. Every 631 Target I have ever seen has a round-butt frame. The satin finish is possibly the thing that differed between the 40 guns mentioned and the standard production item. That may be meant to indicate a light bead-blasted finish, or not. I have heard people refer to the standard S&W "brushed" finish, which my M631 has, as "satin." So without getting input from the authors, hard to tell.

To repeat my earlier question to you, is the frame a rimfire frame or not? If it is, then the gun has been converted after it left S&W. If it is a centerfire frame, it is almost certainly a mismarked example of an ordinary M631.

How do you tell if it is a rimfire or centerfire frame?

Take a look at this schematic. A Model 63 rimfire frame will have pin #70 (and associated parts) shown in the upper RH corner "section view." A M631 centerfire frame will not have that arrangement and will have a hammer nose (firing pin) mounted on the hammer rather than in the frame. You can easily see the retaining pin #70 from the outside of the revolver just behind the upper rear corner of the cylinder window in the frame.

J-Frame 631/631 LS | World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS

There were 40 special production guns manufactured in 1998. Why would the Smith book mention these and what was 'special' about them? Are the 631's still made or were they discontinued? When? I really don't get it. Please advise. Thanks, A Novice

Welcome to the forum!! The 631 in 32 H&R magnum is a great revolver, I own a truck load of them. A picture of the markings on the receiver showing the model number would help.

Also, it could of been a Monday or Friday and the worker on the stamping machine could of trying to get over a wild weekend or getting ready for it, and did not notice he had the wrong info in the stamping machine.

The 631 is a round butt revolver and I believe the 63 was a square butt revolver. There are a few 631's and 63's on GB and you can eyeball the differences.
Post some pictures for us! Here are a couple of pictures of mine.





Last a 331 which is my carry gun.