Short version:

Logic dictates that I cannot go wrong with a brand new Model 64. Heart says wait for a pre-lock because I am old school at heart. What to do?


Long version:

I never thought I would have this sickness over K frames. My very first K frame was a Model 19-4 in pristine condition and I sold it. Then, as destiny would have it, I came across a Model 15 No Dash in pursuit of a 586. I thought I would "settle" with it and end the hunt for a 586. Patience is not my strongest suit... never has been. Or maybe I was meant to get that Model 15 to appreciate K frames differently?

That Model 15 was such a lovely shooter that I added many other K frames. And what do you know? I now have two Model 19's.

Having acquired an example of each K frame chambered in .38 Spl or .357 Mag that I want, I started looking for the stainless counterparts. I am getting impatient (told you!) and need help.

Question:

What do you guys think of the newer Model 64's? This will be purely a range gun, maybe a class or two with it. I cannot scratch this itch.

I tend to favor pre-locks, especially pinned barrels and hammer-mounted firing pins. But functionally speaking, I cannot take anything away from the newer Smiths, especially if my life will not depend on them (i.e., will not be a carry gun, malfunctioning locks can be fixed, etc.). SW customer service is also stellar should it be needed.

What to do?

Thoughts? Care to sway me one way or another with your reasoning?

Thanks in advance.

Hey trigger, I to have that same itch when it comes to wanting a new to me older Smith I also like the k Frames pre-locks. I have nothing against the newer models I'm sure their all good guns, I just prefer the older ones maybe it's because I'm over 60 and new doesn't always mean better. I guess if you buy the new 64 you can always disconnect the lock.

Trigger - just my opinion - you really don't have so much in choices anymore! I have two 64's - 3-inch no-lock and 4-inch with. Both bought significantly used but both perfect mechanically. I keep checking GB but a person is SOL trying to find a 2 or 3-inch in decent condition. Most of the offerings are former (Calif?) prison guns - so they're beaters.

I picked up the 3-inch off of the forum here - the seller had sold under a couple of usernames so I anticipated a screwing. Turned out that it was both rusted and pitted under the grips but, again, perfect mechanically. Finding a 3-inch, which is the ideal barrel length IMO, could be pretty difficult - even 3-inch barrels on GB are running $200-ish if you can find one.

I picked up the 4-inch locally and like the fact that it has the round butt. I'm still looking for a 2-inch but I've pretty much given up - I'm not going to buy one with crudely stamped "CDC-something" that are available nowadays. I hope I've provided some insight - I'm pretty happy with a couple of $400-ish M64's versus paying $750 plus for a Model 66. I would still like to get a snub M66 but I just can't see paying that much for one!

I'm in the same position as the OP but with different outlook. I want one too, but I'm definitely going to wait for a very nice older 64, hopefully with a 3 or 4 inch barrel and it can't be a beat up CDC-something like GeoJelly said. Trigger, I'm confident we will both find exactly what we want as they made a lot of them. However, (guess what I'm going to say) we just have to BE PATIENT!

And like you, Trigger, I'm very fond of K frames but I'm trying to keep the mileage down on my blued and nickel versions. And a nice 64 will help me do this.

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I'm gonna grow fins.

Get a PRE-LOCK!

Even "beater" K-frames need love and will often have the best trigger pulls. Of course, I'm not a collector; I'm an accumulator and shoot everything I have.

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

Older for me as well. I recently bought a 64 no dash with pencil barrel for just over $400. One of the stocks was badly chipped but I had appropriate replacements. I haven't bought a new S&W for years, but I don't like the lock and the MIM parts.

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate them.

As loeman mentioned above, S&W made plenty of them. But, geez, where are they??? Quite hard to find them. I mean, I find Pythons and Anacondas in the marketplace all the time and people say that they ought to be rare, lol. But these stainless K frames (except probably the Model 66) have been challenging to find.

To top it all off, living in CA makes it extra difficult for me. Even if I find a $500 Model 64 out of state, by the time I acquire it, going through all the regulations with single action exemption, etc., my OTD price would be around $725 - $750. Maybe not bad if I really want it

Anyways, thanks again for the replies. Just the fact that I am expressing my thoughts (and frustrations) already helped. And reading people's thoughts is definitely great.

Not exactly on topic but I recently found a like new 65 at the gun store. I flashed 5 Benjamin's and asked the LGS owner if I could get out the door for that. Much to my surprise he said yes. Came with original like new wood grips. Cleaned it up a bit and I am not sure if it was ever shot. First range trip I wasn't used to the square butt grips but I put some Pachmayr Grippers on for the second range trip and I shot some lead bullets and I was very pleased with the results. I live in the same state as you so pardon me if I am gloating.😀

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Accuracy supercedes Speed

My Model 10s have way better triggers than my Model 64s. But if you collect or accumulate K frames you have to have a 64!

Be patient and the right Model 64 will come along. I prefer a vintage 64 without the Internal Lock and also believe the older guns are generally of better overall quality. I have a 2" California Department of Corrections (CDC markings) that is a fine shooting gun despite having some minor cosmetic issues. It is definitely not a "beater". I also have a 3" RB and 4" SB, all were purchased online for a fraction of the MSRP for a new one.

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"Shall not be infringed"

Don't neglect looking for a nice 65, pretty much the same gun as near as I can figure with the extra added attraction of 357. I have a prelock and love it, I'm old and I like old stuff and do prefer the wood grips.

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Back to back World War Champs.

If you liked the Model 15 so much, why not a M67 Combat Masterpiece Stainless? Same gun in stainless. Not to hard to find one with a pinned barrel and hammer mounted firing pin. Or, there's the new version.....

Product Model 67-5

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

Hang in there, you will find what you are searching for. I am still looking for a 2" myself. One will pop up.

we all know how this goes... new or old... buy the next one... that just leaves the other one on the "next one list..."
so I guess my answer is BOTH...

I think you have a very good point

Fortunately, I scored a Model 67-1 a few days ago. Not pinned barrel, but with hammer-mounted firing pin. I guess I "compromised" a little bit. I also paid a tad more than I wanted, but I had to jump on it.

By the way, does "OHB" mean anything to any of you by chance?

Oh yes sir that is definitely on the list. In fact, the list goes something like this:

65
64
68

That is a sweet score, especially in our lovely state where gun prices are quite inflated, and with more restrictions!

I'm envious. I'd love to find a standard-barrel 64 to go with my standard-barrel 10-5. I really like the balance of the tapered barrels, not to mention the distinctly cool look.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I'm facing the same quandary. I like the idea of the lifetime warranty that comes with a new S&W. I can overlook the MIM parts. They seem to be holding up. I can overlook the stupid lock. I'll just buy a plug. Then comes my hang-up, the blooming two-piece barrel on the newer Model 64's. I just can't get over that last hurdle. One of the local shops has a nice 15-4 for $550 OTD that I'm considering. Since my last Model 15 (35 years ago) was under $300 I'm having to convince myself that $550 isn't too much.

Best Regards,
ADP3

If you need some push, then here it is: Get it!

Get the 64, and remove the lock. . . .



DISCLAIMER: S&W does not approve of removing the lock.

If given the choice, I always prefer the older Smiths. I looked and looked for a 625, 1989. Did not work out. Bought a used 625JM. (2009) At April I bought a 25-15 (2008, 45 Colt) on a whim. Both function well. I enjoy them.
My other Smiths fall between 1960 and 1989. I have a 64-3 which is a great shooter. Never bought a brand new revolver. Never had a mechanical issue with any used 1, I acquired. Bob

In what context?

Could be a lot of things.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

Wanted to know what "OHB" meant as I saw guns with that marking. However, after searching around, it seems like "OHB" is an overstamp of CHP.

I picked up a couple of the “CYA” 3 inch model 64 revolvers 2 or 3 years back and they are excellent mechanically. I doubt they were shot over 100 rounds. They do have some holster wear and some light scratches, but are great carry guns. I think these were guards at the California Youth Authority guns.

If that is what is meant by a beater, then sign me up for some beaters.

There are TONS of dirt cheap used pre-locks out there, and not all are beaters. So many, I don't know why S&W is even making them right now, unless they've got some sort of LE contract.

Lots of people are buying retired LEO guns and using them as entry-level IDPA guns. They work very well. I was at a classifier last week and a guy with a $300 LEO 64 outshot the guy with the 686 SSR (I beat the SSR shooter, too, with my M66).

In the past year I've picked up two three-inchers in VG+ condition. One is a 64-3. 3" was not a standard length until the 64-5, so the 64-3 may well have been an LE order. I don't recall SCSW stating any special runs of 3" 64-3s.

Anyway, I've paid a total of $850 for the pair. IDK what street price is like on the current M-64, but I'm guessing it's a good bit more thant $425.

You found a pair and I can't even find half a pair???

Both came off of Gunbroker and they weren't bought as a pair. I don't have time to pound the pavement.

Even if you don't want to buy & have a gun shipped, you can search locally on Gunbroker or Gunsamerica.

There's tons of online shops that sell LEO trade-ins very cheap. Other members can no doubt provide more but off the top of my head there's JG Sales, Buds Gun Shop, AIM surplus. It's not uncommon to find them for under $300.

You can't sling a dead cat without hitting a used Model 64.

I am checking GB and finding out if the sellers are willing to ship to CA. $400-ish 64's are not easy to find any more

4" 64 purchased for $279 a few years ago



2" CDC "beater"

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"Shall not be infringed"

Every used 64 I see is still cheaper than a new 64 with the lock. That said I can't find a 2" or 3" to buy , but I have seen several 4" in different stores going from $300 to $500.

Nice 2" CDC "beater" I wish I bought the one the LGS had a couple years ago but I wasn't on a Smith kick than.

OK, fair point. I will hold out a little and exercise some patience. Hopefully, I can locate one via consignment or a private party within my area.

I'll give it a week