Model 63 22LR 4" issues

[palser64]

I had the same problem with a model 63 and never could get it right. I tried all of the suggestions that were mentioned here. I finally got frustrated with it and traded the gun off for a model 17-2. Hope you have better luck with yours.

 

[CherryRiver]

I've had my 63 for four years and it's a good gun, but it does get finicky. That's characteristic of any rimfire revolver, in my experience.
My 63 was a replacement for my beloved old blue 34 four-inch, which I sold during a divorce in '79, to my considerable disappointment.
The 34 wasn't quite as touchy about cleanliness and gave less trouble.
One can't help but wonder that the 63 was discontinued, like the 940, another J-frame with a spotty record.
Among my other .22 revolvers, my Colt Trooper is my favorite but still wants the fresh cartridges thumbed into place solidly after about fifty rounds, and my stupid old Taurus 94 nine-shot, practically a throwaway gun, is less trouble than the better Smith and Colt.

 

[SW CQB 45]

thanks to all.

I may end up with a single action model 63.

I do plan to call SW and see if they can fix it.

 

[robiec01]

Check to see if the firing pin is protruding out of the frame slightly and rubbing on the rear of the cylinder. The firing pin should be recessed slightly/even when not hammer down. This condition exists on my new 63 and binds the cylinder. I plan to return it to S&W.

 

[SW CQB 45]

Originally posted by robiec01:
Check to see if the firing pin is protruding out of the frame slightly and rubbing on the rear of the cylinder. The firing pin should be recessed slightly/even when not hammer down. This condition exists on my new 63 and binds the cylinder. I plan to return it to S&W.

thanks robie. I dont think mine does, but I will check.

 

[S&W Revolver Fan]

I also had an older model 63 that I was never happy with and got rid of. I did end up with one of the new 5" 63 stainless revolvers through some trades. The new revolver will function perfect with any of the different 22 ammo I can find. Nothing loads hard and ejection is very easy with everything. I probably put 2500 rounds through it before cleaning it and it was still problem free. I shoot this gun every weekend and only cleaned it because it was getting quite dirty from the powder fouling on its exterior. I think the new guns have larger
chambers as on mine the rounds just drop in. No swelling or split cases either.

Hope this helps!

 

[TNDave]

It would not hurt to send it back to S&W to let them take a look at it. My Model 34 was very tight when I got it and acted finicky at first. It shot in after a few hundred rounds and hasn't given me any trouble since. A gun has to have a little endshake for the cylinder to turn. It sounds like your gun is very tight and your ammo has thick rims.

 

[H Richard]

I assume you checked that the ejector rod is fully tightened up. .22 RF ammo is notorious for variations is dimensions. Rim thickness can cause your problem. I suggest you try several brands of ammo, and find one that works reliable and stick with it. I have a 17-4 that was ultra tight. The chambers were very snug. I took a lubing mop and some jewelers rouge on my cordless drill. Polished the insides of the chambers, and significantly improved the problem.

 

[SW CQB 45]

thanks for the additional info.

the cylinder is tight.

Richard, I did check my ejector rod and its tight. thats a good idea to open up those tight chambers.

I still think I want SW to look at it as it will be for a 10 year old, and a jagged trigger pull in DA is not desired for proper training.

thanks again

 

[RichCapeCod]

I loaded 6 hi vel rounds and noticed (for the first time) the rounds were tight to load in the cylinder.

I have a S&W 63 which I bought new in (I think...)late 1970, maybe early 1980. I had similar issues with the revolver, particularly having trouble inserting shells into the chambers. I gave the revolver to one of the NYPD gunsmiths (I was assigned there at the time -- Ron Kennedy was the gunsmith if memory serves). Ron did a couple of things to the gun but the one modification that I recall is he had to polish the chambers. Solved the difficult to seat rounds problem.

This little gun is a gem and I still shoot and enjoy it.

Hope this helps.

Rich

 

[SW CQB 45]

thanks for the info Rich.