63 kit gun pinned barrel - date help?

[firefighterjohn]

Went into my LGS yesterday and they had just got in a really nice Model 63 Kit Gun pinned barrel with original stocks, matching blue box(with the metal corners) with tools and all the paperwork; even the blank registration card. It is a very clean one and looks like it had been shot very little. The serial number is M1175nn. I've read these were made starting in 1977 so would anyoine know when this one was made? One odd thing I noticed was that the front cylinder face was an all black color not the black rings around the chambers; like one that had been shot a lot. We compared it to a newer 'lock version' S&W .22 kit gun they had there and it had the cylinder rings. Regardless, this was a really nice one that I couldn't let get away so I put it on layaway. After doing some searching here and on GB for prices, I think I got a pretty good deal of $725 OTD.

 

[JP@AK]

Model 63 Kit Gun . . . serial number is M1175nn

1978 or 1979.
At $725 out the door, with all the goodies, you did well.

 

[firefighterjohn]

1978 or 1979.
At $725 out the door, with all the goodies, you did well.

Thanks for the birthdate range JP@AK. If it's 1979 that would be cool since that's the year I graduated HS.

 

[VaTom]

Pinned barrels ended in 1982. I have a 1980 63. Nice pistols. If you find the stocks too small you may wish to look for some J frame square butt targets. I found some after I bought mine and fits my hand better.
Good purchase at fair price.
I have seen similar ones at gun shows for $900. I also found a S&W branded holster at a yard sale that fits it perfectly.

 

[bobsguns]

I have a 63 4" no-dash. It's perfect for teaching new shooters, especially those with smaller hands.

I paid $400 for mine back in the mid-1990s. I was told then it was too high, but I've still got it & they ain't making the no-dash models anymore....................

 

[Rakkasan13F]

My 63 no dash (seen here with my 6" 66) dates from 1980-81, according to the SCSW 4th Edition.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Good buy! Neat Guns, have a 4 and a 2.
And a 651, it’s also a 4.

 

[petemacmahon]

Thanks for the birthdate range JP@AK. If it's 1979 that would be cool since that's the year I graduated HS.

Me too, 79 grad

 

[S&W Fan]

I too have a no dash 4” I picked up last year in excellent condition with the original box, 1980. I echo the comments of VaTom regarding the target grips making it more pleasant and fitting better. My 11yr old grandson loves putting rounds down range with it.

I almost sold it off to get an 18 but glad I didn’t.

 

[bobsguns]

I ended up putting rosewood finger groove grips on my 63. I have large hands & these are much more comfortable for me.

 

[Bastogne71]

I really liked the S&W combat grips that came on my model 631 (top) so I started putting them on my other J frames like the model 63 on the bottom. Fortunately, this was done before the cost of combat grips went through the roof! The targets are very nice and hand filling of an adult as well.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Pinned barrels ended in 1982. I have a 1980 63. Nice pistols. If you find the stocks too small you may wish to look for some J frame square butt targets. I found some after I bought mine and fits my hand better.
Good purchase at fair price.
I have seen similar ones at gun shows for $900. I also found a S&W branded holster at a yard sale that fits it perfectly.

Thanks VaTom, I'll remember that about square butt stocks if I think they're too small. LIke the yard sale holster. Personally, I've only seen a few 63 no dashes at gun shows and they were too over priced for me!

 

[firefighterjohn]

I have a 63 4" no-dash. It's perfect for teaching new shooters, especially those with smaller hands.

I paid $400 for mine back in the mid-1990s. I was told then it was too high, but I've still got it & they ain't making the no-dash models anymore....................

I think it will be great for new shooters too! Ya, that was a smart buy back then.

 

[firefighterjohn]

My 63 no dash (seen here with my 6" 66) dates from 1980-81, according to the SCSW 4th Edition.


View attachment 758156

Nice pair you got there. Start learning with the 63 and move up to the 66. I can see where the 63's are valuable in that regard.

 

[firefighterjohn]

I too have a no dash 4” I picked up last year in excellent condition with the original box, 1980. I echo the comments of VaTom regarding the target grips making it more pleasant and fitting better. My 11yr old grandson loves putting rounds down range with it.

I almost sold it off to get an 18 but glad I didn’t.


View attachment 758205

Nice one S&W Fan, and thanks for confirming the stock advice and nice picture of your grandson; I presume. Mine is only 3 at the moment but this would great a 'learners permit' for him when he's ready.

Mine looks identical to yours...with the box and goodies.

Sure glad you didn't sell it for an 18. You can ALWAYS try to find an different S&W but may not be able to replace one you let get away.

 

[firefighterjohn]

I ended up putting rosewood finger groove grips on my 63. I have large hands & these are much more comfortable for me.

I like those. My other older 63 none pinned has a set of Mustang finger grooved stocks and it is very comfortable.

 

[firefighterjohn]

I really liked the S&W combat grips that came on my model 631 (top) so I started putting them on my other J frames like the model 63 on the bottom. Fortunately, this was done before the cost of combat grips went through the roof! The targets are very nice and hand filling of an adult as well.

Those grips look awesome. I'll have to keep an eye out for some at upcoming gun shows.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Me too, 79 grad

Wow, damn you're old!

 

[firefighterjohn]

Good buy! Neat Guns, have a 4 and a 2.
And a 651, it’s also a 4.

Thanks Pilgrim, now I've got 2 4". I've never seen a 2" or even a 3" for sale at LGS or gun shows. Those must be really tough too find. Which to you like shooting better; the 4" or the 2"?

 

[firefighterjohn]

Took it home yesterday and hope to get it out shooting this weekend.