Model 64 .38 revolver question

[blinde72]

Hello all I purchased a second hand model 64 38 revolver this past weekend and I was looking on gunbroker just to cross reference whether I got a good price when I noticed that most of the model 64's have a dash and single number after the 64, eg, 64-4. I'm sure someone can tell me what that # indicates.

Thanks

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! All S & W handguns start out with a model number (2-4 digits). After the factory makes what they consider to be a significant design alteration an extra number is added, called an engineering change. Most of the time the "dash number" is a relatively minor modification to an existing gun, but sometimes it indicates a different barrel length or something similarly obvious. Dash numbers have reached double digits in guns with long production runs or lots of variations.

Several members here keep lists of models with dash numbers, and a good reference to track these is the Standard Catalog of S & W (4th edition out this summer). Hope this is helpful.

 

[357Steve]

I believe the 64-4 was produced in 1988. murphydog is right it just indicates certain changes to the model, and the Standard Catalog of S & W. is easily the best investment on a gun book you can buy.

 

[blinde72]

interesting, thanks fellas!

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! handloads.com has a S&W section with the Model numbers, and engineering changes. 64's are no nonsense guns that shoot quite well. My 64, is a -3. Bob

 

[Road Rat]

Smith and Wesson Model 64 dash numbers:

K-Frame Stainless Models
------------------------
64 1970 Introduced
-1 1972 Heavy barrel
-2 1977 2" standard barrel, gas ring from yoke to cylinder
-3 1977 Same as above, for heavy barrel

 

[shouldazagged]

Stainless version of the Model 10, which means it's a damn good working revolver with everything you need and nothing you don't.

 

[bronco45]

The K frame 10s and 64s kept Smith and Wesson humming for a century. Great SD platforms and easy to learn to shoot well. Been shooting Smiths for over five decades and just recently fallen in love the K frames all over again!