I am addicted to .22 handguns and own numerous offerings from Smith & Wesson, Ruger and Browning, plus conversion kits for my Kimbers and Glocks. I shoot a lot of .22.

I have a couple K-22's, Full lug model 17, 617's, etc. Always liked my S & W .22 revolvers. With the exception of the J frames. I have owned two different model 34's and a 1980's vintage model 63. Although I liked the concept, I couldn't find anything that would shoot even mediocre out of any of them. The 63 I had wouldn't group 8-10 inches at 25 yards with any ammo and considerably worse with some brands. As a result, I have kind sworn off of the J frame .22's over the years.

I recently had the opportunity to handle one of the new production model 63's and as a result, ordered one in for myself. I was impressed with the gun right from the start. Put together well and a great single action trigger. An added bonus for my 60 year old eyes is the Hi Viz front sight. Still, I was apprehensive about how well it would shoot. My K frame .22's have kinda spoiled me from an accuracy point of view.

I took it to the range yesterday and my son and I shot about 500 rounds through it, using 12 different varieties of .22's. A couple loads were obviously disliked by the revolver and produced groups in the 10" range but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it shot the majority of the loads. It didn't do particularly well with high velocity loads but anything subsonic or standard velocity shot very well.

It shot C.C.I. subsonic H.P.'s into a 2" group as well as C.C.I. Standard Velocity and Federal Automatch. Surprisingly, and very happily from my point of view, it shot two of the cheapest ammos into the best groups. It shot two cylinders full of Federal American Eagle into about a 2" group at 25 yards with the exception of one flyer and shot two sub 2" groups at 25 yards with C.C.I. Blazer ammo. Blazer and S.V. are basically the same ammo and I am going to utilize it as my go to ammo for this revolver until I discover something it shoots better. Gotta love a gun that shoots well with cheap ammo!

After several less than favorable experiences with J frame .22's, I am very pleasantly surprised with this latest offering. No problems, no malfunctions and what I consider exceptional accuracy from a 3" barrel.

One additional note... after shooting as much ammo through it as I did without any cleaning other than a pre-range going over, I experienced none of the sticky cylinder extraction problems that typically plague some S & W .22 revolvers.

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I have an older model 63, and it is the last revolver I would sell. It is accurate, versatile, and overall the best one I own.

I have an older no-lock 63 too and love this little gun for the range. It has a 4” barrel & adjustable rear sight w/a red insert front. Hard to miss w/that, even for me.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Several guys told me that about their older 63's and 43's... I have no doubt that I just got ahold to individual specimens that were the exception. I'm lucky like that...

I agree, my older 63 would be my last one to go.....

Like all J-frame guns, the 63s are difficult for most people to shoot well, but are capable of surprising accuracy. Worth trying a bunch of different ammos in search of the best.

I had a 4" back in the late 80's. Sold it.

Missed out on the 5" version from a few years ago. Waited too long. Now they go for crazy$$$.

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Co-Owner NoDak Spud LLC

I like the J frame 22's. I have a 34 that I bought back in the early 80's. It shoots very good. I will have it until the end.

When it comes to Smith .22 revolvers, I never warmed up to the J frames; for me there’s no need for a .22 to be that small. I think the K frame is a near perfect platform, especially those with 10 chambers; unfortunately mine only have 6, but I would get rid of the for anything.

Thank you stykshooter for the inspiration to go to Sportsmanship Wearhouse Monday and pick up a variety of 22lr for my 4" model 63. Then I can go to the range and find out what my J frame likes best. After that, we can meet and see if your new 63 can outshoot my old 1981 no dash!

Oh! And bring your model 16-4 so we can have another shootout with them too.

Same boat as you, had a 4" model 63 & really wanted to like it, even dressed it up in some fancy S&W combat grips. Thing would just not shoot at all, tried every type of ammo I could find, as this was back in the mid 80's didn't have all the sub sonic choices we do today. Glad you found yourself a shooter, I've made my peace with J frame family & am a happy Model 18-3 shooter now.

Mine closely resembled this one.


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This ain't no coon hunt

I had an older M63, M34, and K22 and all were accurate especially the K22, I just never warmed up to them and I love Smith center fire revovers. My favorite .22 handgun is a Bersa Thunder, they are a lot of fun and I like that it resembles a Walther PPK.

"I've made my peace with J frame family & am a happy Model 18-3 shooter now."

I too have an 18-3 that would being in the running for being my favorite .22 revolver, except that my wife has claimed that particular pistol as "HER" gun. 40 plus years of use has given that revolver a butter smooth action.

I bought my Model 63-3 new in the eighties. It's my go-to around the house varmint dispatcher, and has accounted for so many raccoons and possums that I've literally lost count.
Model 63-3
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Last November, I found a screaming deal on a used Model 317-3 AirLite at one of my local gun stores. It may end up giving my Model 63-3 a run for its money. The 317-3 is super accurate, just like the 63, holds two more rounds (8 Total), has a super slick action, and is incredibly lightweight!
Model 317-3
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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

The Model 18-3 is without a doubt, my new all-time favorite .22 revolver. I found this one last December. It's the most accurate .22 L.R. Revolver I've ever owned.
Model 18-3
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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

I bought my model 63 in 1980, and I took many cottontails with it. Glad I didn't know it wasn't accurate back then. I put Herrett stocks on it, and it's still bringing home small game. I can't see the front sight as clear these days when it's not a bright sunny day outside. I keep thinking of working on the factory sights, but it's hard to do, as it was the first new S&W revolver I purchased.

In November I bought a new Model 63 3" 8rds. I don't do much target shooting and so far have just sighted this one in and done some plinking with it. I do like it very much. I sometimes carry it in a front pocket in a pocket holster when out for a walk along the swamp edge or fishing. I like the sights and trigger.
Steve W

Here is my youngest grandson today shooting a 1981 vintage Model 63 in the Texas Hill Country. His first time shooting a handgun - after a year of BB gun & .22 single shot rifle instruction.
I gave that neat little pistol to his older brother (now 15) last year as a b'day gift:

I'd wanted a nice 22 revolver (3" barrel) since I got back into shooting a few years ago. A used 63-5 showed up at my LGS early Jan. in excellent condition. Could not pass it up. Paid $549 and tax. I love it. fun gun to shoot and goes great with my Model 66-2 w/ 4" barrel.

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I had to send my 63 back when it was new to get the barrel replaced. I put Altamont grips on it, they feel great and fill my hand much better.

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I've had a couple of 34s that I considered inaccurate and traded them. After buying a 63 (basically a stainless 34), I practiced with it a good bit, shooting at 25 yards.

As my shooting improved, I realized there had probably been nothing wrong with either 34. The problem had been my deficient shooting skills. Benchrest one of these revolvers with the ammo it shoots most accurately. In my case, that's CCI Standard Velocity. Accuracy will likely be comparable to that of a Model 18 or other K-frame gun.

Those new Model 63's look well made. Is the barrel of one piece construction or two piece?

I can't really tell, it is stepped down maybe a tube inside the frame if that is what you mean? If so it is a very tight fit at the muzzle I can't see a seam.
Maybe ask DS-10spd, post #20, he said he had problems with barrel and had to send back to S&W.
Steve W

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My Dads 63 is one of my favorites in my collection. I’m working the cylinder with wire brushes to eliminate the sticking, it’s starting to work. 22 ammo is so dirty, hard to stay ahead of it.

I don't own a Mod 63, but I do own a Mod 650(22WMR) fitted with an auxiliary 22LR cylinder, Mod 63 by part#. All I can say is it shoots to point of aim with 22LR ammo(CCI-SV) with fixed sights. It's a SS round butt 3" with fixed sights that pocket carries well in Nemeses holster! It would be the very last revolver I would part with

My 63 and Bianchi 5BHL Both from early 90’s.