M64 for IDPA SSR

[BobR1]

Looking at building a M64-6 HB for SSR. Anyone using one with a Fiber Optic Front Sight? What sight did you end up using? Height etc.

What other work did you do or have done to it? or What are you still planning to do?

 

[Bullseye Smith]

You can get this sight from Midway and I think you can get it in .260 height.

 

[BobR1]

Bullseye Smith
I was think about a dovetail 1911 sight. I checked Dawson's site and the Novak Cut was available in heights up to .250.
Looks like it could be a hair short. I will check Midway on the one you suggested.

Overall opinion of the 64-6 for an Econo SSR pistol?

 

[OKFC05]

Overall opinion of the 64-6 for an Econo SSR pistol?

I wasn't going to say anything, but since you specifically asked, you don't see many in IDPA because a good used 66 or 67 comes with usable sights as is. I really don't encourage the idea.

By the time another $250 is added to the cost of a 64 to put on proper sights (front and back), the 64 is no bargain, and the resale is less than the $ spent.

The stock combat sights on a 64 aren't much seen in IDPA because shots can be up to 35 yd max per rules, although most are 15yd or less. People who try it with model 10s soon quit or buy another gun at my matches, partly because our outdoor range does allow some 35yd shots in matches.

Used revolvers with adjustable sights and 4" barrels are available at reasonable prices. A little action tuning and chamber chamfer and you're ready to go shoot. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Cary Williams]

OKFC05

please describe a little action tuning

thanks

 

[OKFC05]

OKFC05
please describe a little action tuning
thanks

Well, what I do is usually pretty mild compared to some.
First thing is to check the overall conditions and see what needs to be done, like putting in washers to correct endshake, replacing excessively worn parts (cyl stop, maybe) and generally deburring the rebound slide, sides of moving parts, checking clearances. I use a 14# min rebound spring to make sure the trigger keeps contact with my finger, and a strutted mainspring with about a 1/2" strain screw, giving around 8# double action pull. Chamfer cylinders lightly to make speed reloads smooth. If the front sight is pinned, I put in a SDM FO front. Anything more than the simplest stuff, there is a smith nearby that competes and specializes in competition guns. On one used 66, he ground the approach cuts on the cylinders to enable the stop to hit lower on the cuts in rapid double action.

I highly recommend Mr Miculek's material on the subject of revolvers.
Bang Inc., If it goes bang, we shoot it!

 

[BobR1]

OKFC05
I am looking at the 64-6 as a new project gun.

My 1911 Colt XSE is probably completed. I just got it back from Chuck Warner who checkered the front strap. That was my last item on my build list for it.

I have a 610 No Dash, and a 686-1 that I am planning on adding pined on FO front sights to. Both will require machining the slots. That will complete both of them. They are both Power Custom Combat guns.

My 625-3 came as a 3". I had a Power Custom Combat build done on it. Then I had Ron Rebarrel it to a 5" for IDPA. Then the powers that be changed the rules to a maximum of a 4.2 inch Barrel. So far I have not rebarreled it a second time. I have been shooting it in our club matches as is.

My brother is in the same boat. He bought a new JM625 in a 5" before the rule change. I doubt they would do the $100 barrel change on them now.

The 64-6 will make a good project gun. I will probably start smoothing it out before I change the front sight. I can always sell it, and buy another K or L Frame if it looks like it will not work out.

We seldon shoot past 15 yards in our matches. I do not remember ever shooting past probably 25 yards. We shoot our BUG Division on the same course of fire, so we do not get carried away on long shots.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

The 64 should make a good gun project. Cost?? A used 64 is $250 dollars where a 66 or 67 are $500 any more. If you have access to a mill you are only out the time to do it. They are changing rules to where they will be telling you that the use of reloads is a no-no in the next year or so.

 

[David Sinko]

The 5" barrel has been outlawed for what... 10 years now?

Do you still have that 3" full lug barrel with the ejector rod components? I'd be happy to trade you my spare 4" barrel with dovetail front sight cut for that 3" barrel, just so you could be legal.

Dave Sinko

 

[kraigwy]

They are changing rules to where they will be telling you that the use of reloads is a no-no in the next year or so.

Why are they changing the rules, are they trying to make this a rich man's sport.

W/Cast bullets you can shoot 38s about as cheap as you can shoot 22s.

I don't shoot IDPA simply because there are no IDPA matches in the area.

I do however, shoot ICORE with a Model 64. I dryfired and shot it until it's as smooth as a prom queeen's thighs. I painted the front sight with some floresent orange paint and it jumps out at you if it gets any where close to your line of sight.

I just don't see where fixed sights are a disavantage up to 50 yards.

 

[BobR1]

Dave
I have the 3" Barrel and Ejector Rod. I have been keeping them incase I decided to put the 625 back together with the factory barrel. Which I may do. It has the Ron Power signature on the bottom.
I bought the gun new, and have the factory box, so I will probably keep the barrel.

A new 625 barrel in 4" is $115 from Midway with a 60 day wait. It would probably run another $100 to have it installed.

Runs $250 to have the 5" shortened to a 4" and have the Weigand front sight system body installed and an interchangable S&W Sight System FO sight installed. That would completely wipe out the Ron Power Signature on the shroud, which is probably better than only wiping out half of it. I may still be able to get it put back on.

Back to the Model 64
I have a buddy with a full blown machine shop. Dovetailing the front sight slot for a Fiber Optic sight will only cost what I pay Dawson for the sight.

Question what are the thoughts on a Bobbed Hammer & DAO conversion on the 64 for IDPA? I happen to have access to a factory DAO Model 10. Seeing what has been done to the internal parts to make it DAO should not be a big deal.

What Speed Loaders are you using in K and L Frames?
I probably will skip the COMP III loaders. Even if they are legal, I would not consider of that size in the spirit of Practical Tactical.
I have been using COMP I loaders for my M638. They are a little unhandy to get armed.
I have never seen a COMP II or III except in catalogs. I have had several of the HKS loaders over the years.

Any other pointers, please share with us.

 

[roundgunner]

I have an 3" 64 that a friend and I slicked up for my daughter to use in IDPA. It is a very nice gun that I use when she lets me. I'm thinking about getting her a 3" 686 so I can have the 64 back. This is her SOing & shooting the Joint service match in heels last year.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Dave
I have the 3" Barrel and Ejector Rod. I have been keeping them incase I decided to put the 625 back together with the factory barrel. Which I may do. It has the Ron Power signature on the bottom.
I bought the gun new, and have the factory box, so I will probably keep the barrel.

A new 625 barrel in 4" is $115 from Midway with a 60 day wait. It would probably run another $100 to have it installed.

The factory has the 4 inch for 140 bucks.

 

[OKFC05]

They are changing rules to where they will be telling you that the use of reloads is a no-no in the next year or so.

Not happening.
I get as frustrated with rule changes by sanctioning organizations as any (USPSA deleted one of my guns from the Production approved list last year), but c'mon, let's not make up imaginary rule changes.
The real ones are irritating enough.

 

[minconrevo]

With the 105,000 PF now established, the 19/66 will more definitively rule the IDPA SSR roost. The 686, while near indestructible, is a tad heavy. The 15/67 standard earlier barrel config points really quick, but might (not yet sure) be a tad light compared to 19/66 handling.

The HB 64 you're thinking about could work, if you get the load regulated to shoot to point of exact aim in your particular gun.

As far as mod's go, OKFO's list happens to be nearly exactly the same as mine. I do put in a Brownell's action kit (ribbed, light mainspring) and go the 14 or 15# rebound. I'll take the DA pull down to near 7# since I'm going to run Federal primers.

I tend to run minimum fore-aft cylinder play to help make sure the Federals pop every time.

To get near a bobbed hammer, without cutting off the hammer spur, I like the stock service width hammers (.265) as opposed to the semi-target that comes standard on the 19/66/686 series.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Not happening.
I get as frustrated with rule changes by sanctioning organizations as any (USPSA deleted one of my guns from the Production approved list last year), but c'mon, let's not make up imaginary rule changes.
The real ones are irritating enough.

OK - I didn't want to say this because it get a bad smell in the air, they ruled that the new guns with the lock has to have the lock in place and be tested to make sure it works - to me -- that is way past being dumb.

 

[OKFC05]

OK - I didn't want to say this because it get a bad smell in the air, they ruled that the new guns with the lock has to have the lock in place and be tested to make sure it works - to me -- that is way past being dumb.

Agreed, but there are no plans to ban handloaded ammunition.
There are enough internet rumors without adding that one.

Like I said, the real rules are irritating enough. My favorite USPSA Production gun sold over 2000 guns, so was legal as a current Production model. When the manufacturer discontinues it, 20,000 total production is required to remain legal in USPSA Production.
How stupid is that?
I shot a gun for a year in USPSA competition and now it is banned from the division.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I agree, I was just typed it because it sounded as stupid as they are. What model did you have that they done away with?

 

[OKFC05]

I agree, I was just typed it because it sounded as stupid as they are. What model did you have that they done away with?

Paraord Tac Five 9mm. I declared "Open" with it at the USPSA club match last Sat out of sheer frustration.

 

[tenntucker]

Paraord Tac Five 9mm. I declared "Open" with it at the USPSA club match last Sat out of sheer frustration.

The rules still show it as legal. Para's site doesn't show it as a current model.

I wonder what happened.

Edit to add:

OK. I got it. The problem is the magwell. Remove the magwell and you're good to go.