64-3 3" RB

[Retired W4]

I bought this .38 Special a few weeks ago and I have had the chance to examine and shoot it, and it is a great shooter. My question is just how unusual is the 3" RB 64. Also, it appears to have had some work done to it. The main spring has a curved back with a small S stamped on it, and does not look like an S&W spring. The curved back is milled flat where the tension screw hits it. This 64-3, with a 7D serial number would indicate a 1981 date, but it does not have a pinned barrel. This could easily become my favorite .38 shooter.

 

[glwt06]

That's a clean looking gun. You suspect some work has been done, does it have a different / better trigger feel? I can't say how unusual it is, but I usually see 65's in the configuration, not 64's. I have been looking for a snub k frame for some time now, but no one in my area is giving them up.

Great find.

 

[murphydog]

They are somewhat common on the current market but don't last long when on sale at reasonable prices. Yours is probably a very early unpinned barrel gun.

Can you post a photo of the mainspring?

 

[Retired W4]

Here it is. The trigger measures 7.75 DA and 3.25 SA, smooth and crisp. A little better than stock I believe.

 

[murphydog]

I agree, the spring doesn't look stock but I don't know who made/makes it.

 

[Retired W4]

Thanks for looking at it Alan. I was hoping you would know the springs manufacturer, but, oh well. I was concidering selling it, but after shooting it a couple times it will stay with me. I sure have not seen 3" RB 64's for sale around the Atlanta gun shows/shops.

 

[C Islander]

You've got a fine looking revolver! A GS near me has 3 3" RB 64 and a 2" RB 64 is their store right now. I see quite a few of the around here.

 

[Dave T]

Not trying to hi-jack the thread but does anyone know if the M64's cylinder is heat treated the same as the M65? I was told once that Smith just does them all now a days but I don't know how definitive or authoritative that information might be.

Dave

 

[Imaposer]

Nice! I'd love to find a 3" 64 or 65. Just out of curiosity, what is the going rate for them now? I know of a store in the ATL metro area that has a ton of 2" 64 Dept. of Corrections trade-ins right now, but I don't remember the last time I've seen a 3" around here. Love to find one though.

 

[Retired W4]

This one would have sold several time over, if I would have let it go for $400. I had it in my display case at the RK show this past weekend and it drew a lot of attention. I just wouldn't let it go for 4. Fell in love with it and someone will have to steal it from me, which wouldn't be easy to do.

 

[mc5aw]

W4 ... Hang onto that 64. I have one of the similarly configured 65s, and it is a fantastic all around revolver. You can pack it on a hike, or carry it CCW. I love the low profile fixed sight as it is no snag, and easy to pick up quickly, or point shoot with ease. Mine was a used cabinet find, so I replaced the junkie aftermarket grip with a new, and very lean, Pachmayr grip, and the 65 handles and conceals extremely well.

 

[KLYDE]

W4,
Picked up a similar 64-3 3" yesterday. S/N 7D745XX. Reportedly shipped in Dec 81. Also non pinned. I have a 4" dash 3 S/N 1D509XX that is pinned. On that gun the S&W logo is on the right side plate. I cleaned mine up late yesterday. Gun feels great in the hand and points well. Can't wait to shoot it.

 

[ladder13]

I have a 3" 64, and a box for it, but it doesn't match. If anyone has the exact serial number, the box is yours.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/266098-do-you-have-m64-3-3-a.html#post136682361

 

[Retired W4]

This is a real long shot, but mine is 7D79729. I think getting the original box and stocks back together with a gun is a great thing.

 

[Hapworth]

It's not a rare gun, but it is certainly one of the less common ones; I see more of the highly coveted 3" .357 rated 65s than I do the 3" 64s. Be it target or defense, with the right ammo choice I hold that .38 is all you need.

The 3" 64 is an ideal all-around revolvers -- mc5aw perfectly elucidated why.

The one I've used loves Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel -- shoots easy and accurate.

Enjoy...