Lobster Picnic
Member
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2010
- Messages
- 1,571
- Reaction score
- 996
I picked up a grail gun yesterday. It's the 63-5 3" stainless steel 8-shot .22lr. I gave it a thorough inspection in the shop. Lock-up was extremely solid, rifling looked good, the barrel was not clocked, no tool marks, and an overall very solid feel.
The only small issues were the light pipe on the front sight did not seem very bright, and the yoke area where the model is stamped looked a little rusty. Turns out it wasn't rusty, just a gray unfinished steel that looked dull next to the polished steel of the underlug.
Best of all when I got the box home I noted the serial number was CYAxxxx. I bought a 351c a few years ago that had a CTA serial number and always thought CYA would have been more appropriate. The 63-5 was built in mid-2015. This is somewhat of an event for me since it's my first Smith with the IL. I resisted a long time but the 63-5 had all the other features I wanted.
I've always loved the 3" steel J-frames, the size and weight seem perfect to me. I have a 3" Model 60-4 and have wanted a 3" Model 63 for several years. I also have a 17-3 which is a great shooter but wanted a .22 more suitable for camping or carry. The smaller size, 8-shot cylinder and all-stainless construction are better for outdoor use. I have read reports that the accuracy potential of the 63 is very good, though I would be very surprised if it could match the K-frame.
Well I took both to the range today. The J-frame's trigger was the main thing holding me back. The K-frame trigger was so much lighter and smoother. I did put about 120 rounds through the Model 63 and it worked like a champ. Loading and extraction were perfect with all types of ammo. No issues whatsoever.
I'll probably change the grips and might try a lighter spring kit. Being a .22 I will likely just leave the IL alone. Overall I'm very pleased with the Model 63. This one will get plenty of use.
The only small issues were the light pipe on the front sight did not seem very bright, and the yoke area where the model is stamped looked a little rusty. Turns out it wasn't rusty, just a gray unfinished steel that looked dull next to the polished steel of the underlug.
Best of all when I got the box home I noted the serial number was CYAxxxx. I bought a 351c a few years ago that had a CTA serial number and always thought CYA would have been more appropriate. The 63-5 was built in mid-2015. This is somewhat of an event for me since it's my first Smith with the IL. I resisted a long time but the 63-5 had all the other features I wanted.
I've always loved the 3" steel J-frames, the size and weight seem perfect to me. I have a 3" Model 60-4 and have wanted a 3" Model 63 for several years. I also have a 17-3 which is a great shooter but wanted a .22 more suitable for camping or carry. The smaller size, 8-shot cylinder and all-stainless construction are better for outdoor use. I have read reports that the accuracy potential of the 63 is very good, though I would be very surprised if it could match the K-frame.
Well I took both to the range today. The J-frame's trigger was the main thing holding me back. The K-frame trigger was so much lighter and smoother. I did put about 120 rounds through the Model 63 and it worked like a champ. Loading and extraction were perfect with all types of ammo. No issues whatsoever.
I'll probably change the grips and might try a lighter spring kit. Being a .22 I will likely just leave the IL alone. Overall I'm very pleased with the Model 63. This one will get plenty of use.
