Model 64 -- Which?

BgDnTx · Oct 19, 2014

I have a couple of (police trade ins) used model 64s 4" barrels, that I can buy: one is a 64-8 and the other is not (I sent email to seller to find out what dash number is, and haven't received an answer yet - I figure probably 64-5 or newer).
My question is: should I get the 64-8 or take a close look at the 64-? which I know is not a 64-8?
I ask because a lot of posts seem to indicate a 64-8 is more desireable than some of the other dashes.
I also notice the 64-8 seems to have a recessed hammer vs. other dash models that appear to have a more exposed hammer including the other one I'm looking at. What's the deal with that?
PS: the 64-8 is $20 more ($330 and $350 plus ship)
Thanks for a reply.

S&W Fan · Oct 19, 2014

Among many here you'll find an "older is better" preference. The -8 has the two piece barrel which some find less than ideal though I've never seen an issue with it. Also many prefer the pre-mim guns and the frame profile of pre -6 guns (as you note they show more of the hammer).

For me it would depend on the "dash" of the other and overall condition of the two guns. I just picked up a -3 non l.e. gun and it cost me $450 so that price difference will buy you a lot of ammo. Good luck and keep us in the loop.

BgDnTx · Oct 19, 2014

Thanks for the info - I do understand the 'older the better' concept, and the MIM, etc (and looking at pix of the two the yoke area seems to be different - is this what you are referring to about the frame design? I also see where some prefer the 2 pc barrel stating it is more accurate.
Guess I'm really asking is the -8 so far advanced??? that it is generally a better deal?

S&W Fan · Oct 19, 2014

The most noticeable difference regarding the frame is that the newer guns have -for lack of a better description-less of a cut down where the hammer rides when viewed from the side, hope that makes sense.

I wouldn't say the -8 is any more advanced than the earlier versions, it's just different.

Well that should be as clear as mud lol.

BgDnTx · Oct 20, 2014

Thanks S&W Fan, I understand. Again my reason for this thread is, in reading a number of other posts on the 64, a lot seem to lean towards the 64-8. And some who have other dashes have expressed their desire to have the -8.
I admit, I sort of lean towards the older model. In the case of this purchase, I think the condition of the two revolvers might be the deciding factor. Basically trying to get the best value for my dollar.
Thanks for the input.

BgDnTx · Oct 20, 2014

Just Got Email

The two choices are the -8 or the other lot which are -5 and -6.
If anyone has some info on which would be the better, I would appreciate it.
Thanks

Goblin · Oct 20, 2014

I don't think thee is a "better," but I'd take the older models. I prefer the non-MIM and one-piece barrels, but mostly for aesthetic and nostalgic reasons.

BgDnTx · Oct 20, 2014

Bought 64-5 or -6

Thank you Goblin. I wasn't getting a lot of replies so I went ahead and got the older model with the more exposed hammer. It seems to "look" better and more genuinely a S&W revolver. And since a .38 I figure it should follow the classic lines. (no offense to the 64-8 crowd)
Under $400 with 2-day ship and etc.
So now have a 638 deep carry, 629 Deluxe Talo 6.5", 629 4" engraved, and the 64.
Guess I'm becoming a S&W revolver person.

Road Rat · Oct 20, 2014

Okay, maybe I missed it....what dash is the "older" one that you bought??

5Wire · Oct 20, 2014

I've had two dash twos and currently have a dash six. I'm favoring the dash six because I prefer the frame mounted firing pin and it's pre-lock. MIM is fine.

• 64 (1970): Introduction with tapered barrel in 4" barrel length.
• 64-1 (1972): 4" Heavy barrel introduction, made for Oklahoma Highway Patrol, chambered in .357 Magnum; later became the M-65.
• 1973: Heavy barrel only.
• 64-2 (1977): Change to put the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder on 2" tapered barrel versions.
• 64-3 (1977): Change to put the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder on heavy barrel versions.
• 1982: Delete pinned barrels.
• 64-4 (1988): New yoke retention system/radius stud package/hammer nose bushing/ floating hand/on 2" tapered barrel version.
• 64-5 (1988): New yoke retention system on heavy barrel 3" and 4"/hammer nose bushing/floating hand.
• 1991: 3" heavy barrel became standard production.
• 1994: Change star extractor, change to synthetic grips.
• 1995-96: Delete square butt model.
• 1996: Begin shipments in blue plastic cases.
• Begin serrated backstrap and forestrap on a round butt frame for about 18 months, then discontinued.
• 1997: Change thumbpiece/ship with Master trigger lock/change to MIM trigger.
• 64-6 (1998): Change frame design: eliminate cylinder stop stud/change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin/change internal lockwork.
• 2001: Ship with fired case.
• 64-7 (2002): Introduce internal key lock system.
• 64-8 (2004): New two-piece barrel design.

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2006-12-20). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (p. 212). F+W Media, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

S&W Fan · Oct 21, 2014

BgDnTx said:
Thank you Goblin. I wasn't getting a lot of replies so I went ahead and got the older model with the more exposed hammer. It seems to "look" better and more genuinely a S&W revolver. And since a .38 I figure it should follow the classic lines. (no offense to the 64-8 crowd)
Under $400 with 2-day ship and etc.
So now have a 638 deep carry, 629 Deluxe Talo 6.5", 629 4" engraved, and the 64.
Guess I'm becoming a S&W revolver person.

Well I'd say we deserve to see a family photo! Congrats and enjoy.

BgDnTx · Oct 21, 2014

Road Rat: don't know which dash yet. Can be -5 or -6 (they pick based on condition so hoping it is a -6). I will post when it comes in.
S&W Fan: Yeah, picture no problem; will post
5Wire: Thanks for comprehensive 64 model timeline. That maybe should be a sticky. Also, haven't studied MIM very much, but I get the impression things like that depend more on the individual's opinion than on a large variance in performance or reliability IMHO.

Thanks to all on this thread - really appreciate this forum - have learned a great deal.

5Wire · Oct 21, 2014

BgDnTx said:
...5Wire: Thanks for comprehensive 64 model timeline. That maybe should be a sticky. Also, haven't studied MIM very much, but I get the impression things like that depend more on the individual's opinion than on a large variance in performance or reliability IMHO.

You're welcome but the thanks go to Jim Suipica (a Forum member here) and Richard Nahas and the wonders of electronic publishing

.

Kernel Crittenden · Oct 21, 2014

BgDnTx said:
.... a lot of posts seem to indicate a 64-8 is more desireable [sic] than some of the other dashes.

What am I missing? I don't recall seeing "a lot of posts" touting a preference for the -8. In fact, I can't recall seeing ANY. To the contrary. It seems to me the vast majority on this site prefer the older dashes.

bananaman · Oct 21, 2014

BgDnTx said:
Thank you Goblin. I wasn't getting a lot of replies so I went ahead and got the older model with the more exposed hammer. It seems to "look" better and more genuinely a S&W revolver. And since a .38 I figure it should follow the classic lines. (no offense to the 64-8 crowd)
Under $400 with 2-day ship and etc.
So now have a 638 deep carry, 629 Deluxe Talo 6.5", 629 4" engraved, and the 64.
Guess I'm becoming a S&W revolver person.

I hate to tell you this, but what you have is only the beginning. You will want more & more! (sorry, I don't mean to scare you)
I have a 64-3, that I really enjoy shooting. Please post some pics when you get it! Bob

BgDnTx · Oct 21, 2014

Kernel Crittenden: possibly I should have said I read a number of posts indicating the desire to add a 64-8 to a collection.
And thanks for the 'spellin lesson.

BgDnTx · Oct 21, 2014

bananaman: yeah - I haven't had revolvers for a number of years and only got back into them a couple of years ago. As you may have read in an earlier post, I have .38s and .44s, but already lusting for .357 and a Highway Patrol model keeps catching my attention.

Kernel Crittenden · Oct 22, 2014

BgDnTx said:
Kernel Crittenden: possibly I should have said I read a number of posts indicating the desire to add a 64-8 to a collection.
And thanks for the 'spellin lesson.

After I posted, I thought about it and figured it out. You were just seeing all the "I'm Happy to Have a Brand New Revolver" posts. In those the dash number doesn't really matter.

As far as spelling, I'm the worse. But my Google Chrome is getting better every day!

(I'm teaching it S&W terms and jargon).

BgDnTx · Oct 22, 2014

64 Has Arrived

OK. My 64 arrived today. It is a 64-5 with firing pin on the hammer. Serial # CCH05XX and stamped "Made in USA, Marcas Registradas, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass." on right-side frame.
A few minor scratches and a couple of small nicks on bottom of yoke and front of trigger guard. Rusty grip screw and as dirty as I have ever seen a gun.

But I'll say this; the minute I pulled it out of the box, I fell in love with it.
Good balance, light for a revolver (esp compared to my 629) and it has a hair trigger in SA that breaks in what seems like 1mm of pull (just gently touch it, so to speak). Cylinder is pretty tight and bore is clean. Very light cylinder line.
I think it's a keeper, here are some pictures.

BgDnTx · Oct 22, 2014

Forgot to ask for comments or any info you care to offer like date of revolver, etc. This is one of the few used guns I have purchased and any suggestions on what it may need besides a good cleaning are welcomed too.
Have appreciated the posts so far, and look forward to some more - Thanks.

Model 64 -- Which?

Absent Comrade

Well-known member

Absent Comrade

Well-known member

Absent Comrade

Absent Comrade

Well-known member

Absent Comrade

US Veteran

Well-known member

Well-known member

Absent Comrade

Well-known member

US Veteran

Well-known member

Absent Comrade

Absent Comrade

US Veteran

Absent Comrade

Attachments

Absent Comrade

Similar threads