64-8 Full detail strip and cleaning

[JohnHL]

I picked up an LE trade-in 64-8 off GB for $350.00 shipped a short time ago.

Nothing exceptional, except for a faint "perfume like" smell.

(Issued to a lady officer, perhaps?)

Standard rubber grips, little scratches here and there, but some TOUGH baked on carbon on the front of the cylinder, forcing cone, top strap, and recoil shield.

Why, oh why won't folks wipe these things off right after shooting them?

Anyway, I did a full detail strip, broke out the stoddard solvent, and scrubbed away like it was Saturday night bath time.

There was the usual schmutz under the rubber grips, the thumbpiece and sideplate screws were a little looser than I would have preferred, and the strain screw was backed out a few turns. (I don't know if this was deliberate on the part of the previous assignee or just normal loosening.)

I had never torn down an internal lock/frame mounted firing pin model, but was surprised at the ease of reassembly.

Now all the screws are tight (including the strain screw) and I know everything is right with it and clean, to boot!

If you have any concerns about working with these new, modern versions, fear not.

They are as simple as the old models.

I only wish it didn't need to smell like stoddard for a few days, but I much prefer "fragrance" to fouling.

John

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I sold my 64-4 to my brother about 1.5 years ago for $400. That was about 75 to 100 less than local going rate. Me thinketh you got a deal!

Why do cops not clean their weapons? Their life only depends on it!

Ivan

 

[LPD256]

My department had an ex-Naval aviator helicopter pilot. At inspection one day his cylinder was rusted shut. I've seen green sludge on ammo and lots of stuff. But if you needed a chopper pilot to fly like like a genius, mostly with his knees while pouring coffee from his thermos and lighting a cigar, Dick (RIP) was your man.

 

[MajorD]

My brother was a range officer for a small northeast US department starting back when revolvers were standard. He has tons of stories of horrendous condition guns.

 

[JohnHL]

I sold my 64-4 to my brother about 1.5 years ago for $400. That was about 75 to 100 less than local going rate. Me thinketh you got a deal!

Yours was a 64-4 (no lock), Ivan and mine is a 64-8 (lock), so it is less desirable.

There seems to be a bunch of 64-8 trade-ins on GB now priced only slightly higher.

None of them say who traded them in.

Robertson's has a couple listed listed at a significantly higher price and they speak of them doing security duty in the Caribbean(?)

Other than that, I have no clue from where it/they came.

Why do cops not clean their weapons? Their life only depends on it!

Ivan

The officers who are gun people do, but not every officer is a gun person, as I'm sure you know.

John

 

[VaTom]

I sold my 64-4 to my brother about 1.5 years ago for $400. That was about 75 to 100 less than local going rate. Me thinketh you got a deal!

Why do cops not clean their weapons? Their life only depends on it!

Ivan

When I was a uniformed LEO in the 1970's we worked a rotating platoon shift schedule. Medium size municipal department. Each was one week (Evening-Daylight-Midnight-Off). We carried nickel Model 10's. Every Saturday of daylight shift we had inspection at line-up. Revolvers (unloaded, cylinder open, held up in front of you-1st Sgt would take it, inspect, look down bore), handcuffs, pocket notebooks. Uniforms including shoes and leather. Many of our shift supervisors were veterans and everything needed to be in order. We looked professional and sharp in our class A uniforms.

While I know the daily uniforms now are very functional the officers don't look as sharp. Va State Police are still old school and always look professional.

 

[JohnHL]

When I was a uniformed LEO in the 1970's we worked a rotating platoon shift schedule. Medium size municipal department. Each was one week (Evening-Daylight-Midnight-Off). We carried nickel Model 10's. Every Saturday of daylight shift we had inspection at line-up. Revolvers (unloaded, cylinder open, held up in front of you-1st Sgt would take it, inspect, look down bore), handcuffs, pocket notebooks. Uniforms including shoes and leather. Many of our shift supervisors were veterans and everything needed to be in order. We looked professional and sharp in our class A uniforms.

While I know the daily uniforms now are very functional the officers don't look as sharp. Va State Police are still old school and always look professional.

Tom, I certainly agree that good leadership is essential to higher performance.

When people are held to a higher standard in their appearance and their equipment, it usually results in higher levels of professionalism in their actions and ethics.

John

 

[kbm6893]

Tom, I certainly agree that good leadership is essential to higher performance.

When people are held to a higher standard in their appearance and their equipment, it usually results in higher levels of professionalism in their actions and ethics.

John

Maybe, but it all depends on the type of department. Veteran cops in the worst ghettos in NYC were revered as warriors worthy of respect. They might have looked sloppy, but it was sure great to see them when you needed help. First thing rookies did was try to scuff up their leather and boots to appear more "seasoned". I'd take a veteran cop with marinara stains on his shirt over a squared away cop any day. Every scuff was a badge of honor, and I couldn't wait to count myself among them.

Guys used to pin their old collar brass from their "A" houses ( high crime active commands) to their cuff case. Just because you got lucky and landed somewhere nice after you put your time in, you never forgot those first years in the trenches, and those who saw that collar brass on the cuff case, while technically not an authorized part of the uniform, usually gave the wearer due respect.

 

[JohnHL]

Maybe, but it all depends on the type of department. Veteran cops in the worst ghettos in NYC were revered as warriors worthy of respect. They might have looked sloppy, but it was sure great to see them when you needed help. First thing rookies did was try to scuff up their leather and boots to appear more "seasoned". I'd take a veteran cop with marinara stains on his shirt over a squared away cop any day. Every scuff was a badge of honor, and I couldn't wait to count myself among them.

Guys used to pin their old collar brass from their "A" houses ( high crime active commands) to their cuff case. Just because you got lucky and landed somewhere nice after you put your time in, you never forgot those first years in the trenches, and those who saw that collar brass on the cuff case, while technically not an authorized part of the uniform, usually gave the wearer due respect.

kbm6893, I am gratified to read your qualification to my post and I am happy to defer to your superior knowledge and experience on this matter.

It speaks to the complexity and adaptability of dedicated people in difficult situations to find unique paths to success.

My hat is off to all of our first responders who endeavor to get the job done in whatever venue they choose.

John