Model 63 in the shop **Update in post 7**

[S&W Fan]

The ‘80/‘81 era 63 I picked up not too long ago is sitting with my local gunsmith. I’ve only removed a side plate from a Smith once and that was about 1979 and I had a heck of a time getting everything back together properly lol.

When I first got it I did what I could to oil the innards. At my second outing it became almost impossible to shoot it double action and the single became very difficult-this was regardless of the ammo. The smith noticed it right away and commented that if the side plate was ever off it was done so and replaced properly, seams are perfect as are the screw heads. Hope to hear back soon what he finds.

 

[USBP SW]

I have literally disassembled and reassembled Smith revolvers hundreds of times with no issues whatsoever. What you may have experienced is powder residue under the extractor, this can make shooting, especially double action, a challenge. I also do not encourage the liberal application of oil in the action of Smith revolvers, a light application of oil on the contact surfaces will suffice. Too much oil tends to attract powder fouling, dust and other unwanted debris. Additionally, over time, oil turns to varnish and can be difficult to remove. YouTube or preferably someone with knowledge should get you up to speed on the proper disassembly/reassembly of Smith revolvers, I believe it is an essential part of owning, shooting and enjoying Smiths.

 

[S&W Fan]

I appreciate that. I applied oil sparingly and wonder too if there has been a build up over the years. I’m very comfortable with routine cleaning and inspection of my firearms, this little gem is in such pristine condition that I felt better turning it over to a professional. I’ll update when I get it back.

 

[bobsguns]

Some organic oils will gum up over a period of time as well. I once used Frog Lube but never will again due to this issue.

Lucas Oil has a synthetic oil that's sold in many auto parts stores that is just a super good lube.

 

[S&W Fan]

I started using Hoppes around 50 years ago and the plethora of lubes/cleaners that have hit the market since is staggering. My 1911s have been well served with Breakfree as a lube and for a cleaner I prefer MPro 7. A local shop has its own special brew of a lube that ARs really like.

Kinda like talking about which oil is best on a motorcycle forum

 

[bobsguns]

I started using Hoppes around 50 years ago and the plethora of lubes/cleaners that have hit the market since is staggering. My 1911s have been well served with Breakfree as a lube and for a cleaner I prefer MPro 7. A local shop has its own special brew of a lube that ARs really like.

Kinda like talking about which oil is best on a motorcycle forum

I like & use Breakfree on almost all of my guns. However, it doesn't hold up to very high heat. It failed me in a 3 Gun match on my Remington 1187, causing the bolt to not cycle. Killed me on time.

Synthetic lube is now a fact of life in all things mechanical, IMO. Cars, trucks, guns & motorcycles, even lawnmowers come with or use synthetic lube for the best results.

I haven't tried it yet, but many race gun guys swear by synthetic tranny fluid as a lube. From using it in my truck, I know it IS slicker than owl poop.

The old days of using 3-in-1 oil (or similar) as a lube are about as common as a rotary dial phone. (You kids go look that up. )

My .o2

 

[S&W Fan]

It’s home. The gunsmith gave it a good internal cleaning as he said there was decades old “gunk” inside lol. Functions perfectly now.

However now I have a dilemma on my hands-the oldest grandson got to try a friend’s model 18 and liked it better than the 63. This 63 is in outstanding condition with box and papers, no tools. Is it’s value comparable to a 18 in similar condition?

 

[mtgianni]

It’s home. The gunsmith gave it a good internal cleaning as he said there was decades old “gunk” inside lol. Functions perfectly now.

However now I have a dilemma on my hands-the oldest grandson got to try a friend’s model 18 and liked it better than the 63. This 63 is in outstanding condition with box and papers, no tools. Is it’s value comparable to a 18 in similar condition?

Tell him to save his money and you enjoy yours.

 

[glenwolde]

The 63 is a tad small. I have one I bought for my girlfriend in 1980. They are both still around. I never shot it much. Always thought of it as too small and what little experience I had with it wasn't pleasing compared to my Model 17.

Well the 17 is gone. I've got 1,000 rounds of some lousy Winchester ammo that won't go off reliably in anything else I own. So I started shooting the 63. I'm stunned at how well it shoots.

Each range trip I save my best target and write notes on the session about it. I take a picture to keep track of them all. Here's my last sessions best target. 15 yards with the Model 63. 3 1/2 " center. I whited out my notes. Winchester M22 ammo. I wish I had given this gun more time over the last 40 years.

In short, give the 63 a chance!

 

[S&W Fan]

Tell him to save his money and you enjoy yours.

I should’ve clarified-it was a friend of mine that has the 18, my grandson is 11 lol. I’d be the one getting a 18 and selling/trading the 63.