Looks to me like the 63 is a stainless 18?
Are there any other differences?
Thanks
Are there any other differences?
Thanks
Model 63/ Model 18 the same?
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minconrevo
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A 63 is a SS J frame and the 18 is a blued K. I've owned both and prefer the 18. Depending on your purpose, you may make a different choice.
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As minconrevo stated above, they are two different size frames. The smaller J Frame uses a coil mainspring and the K frame uses a leaf spring. They are similar in design over-all, but parts are for the most part not interchangeable.
I've got a few examples of both and while the J Frame is handier to tote around on a camping trip - the K Frame M18 is a superior revolver - at least to me. Easier to grip, shoot and smoother overall.
I've got a few examples of both and while the J Frame is handier to tote around on a camping trip - the K Frame M18 is a superior revolver - at least to me. Easier to grip, shoot and smoother overall.
If memory serves, the blued “version” of the 63 would be a 34.
On a personal note, I have larger hands so a 34 doesn’t fit me very well. I shoot an 18 or 17 much better.
The bottom right is a nickel 34. Right above it is an 18.
On a personal note, I have larger hands so a 34 doesn’t fit me very well. I shoot an 18 or 17 much better.
The bottom right is a nickel 34. Right above it is an 18.
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Thanks guys. Much appreciated.
Model19man
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A Model 63 is sort of the stainless version of a S&W Model 35 although the Model 35 has a 6" barrel while the Model 63 has a 4". The Model 18 is a larger weapon, made on a larger frame size. I like the K frame better when it comes to target shooting.
As said the 63 is sort of equivalent to a Model 34 kit gun with a 4" barrel. Maybe better for carry.
As said the 63 is sort of equivalent to a Model 34 kit gun with a 4" barrel. Maybe better for carry.
Love my Model 63! I often use it to introduce new shooters to the sport. Women's hands seem to do better with its grip too, IMO.
Models 17/18 are the pinnacle of .22LR revolvers, IMO.
In true redneck fashion, I own all three. Four, if one counts the Model 34.
Models 17/18 are the pinnacle of .22LR revolvers, IMO.
In true redneck fashion, I own all three. Four, if one counts the Model 34.
T. McIntyre
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Here are a couple pics that might help.
The stainless gun is an original Model 63 (no dash) J Frame.
The blued gun is a pre-model 18 K Frame.
The size difference is notable.
Each gun (frame size) has advantages, depending on your intended purposes.
The stainless gun is an original Model 63 (no dash) J Frame.
The blued gun is a pre-model 18 K Frame.
The size difference is notable.
Each gun (frame size) has advantages, depending on your intended purposes.
VaTom
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Fred Ward
Member
The Model 63 is currently in production. I just bought a new one. Love it.
Green Frog
Member
And no one seems to have mentioned, if you want a stainless Mod 18, the model 617 is about as close as you can come. But except for the rare mountain guns, I believe the rest of the 617s all have that heavy underlug. Some folks love it and some folks hate it, but that’s the stainless K frame offering in 22.
Model 34 is then blued version of the Model 63, very handy in the 4”
