Model 64 - what should I be looking for?

[Vulcannut]

I am looking for some help on the Model 64. First let me say I don’t own any S&W revolvers (own a Ruger and a Charter Arms) and my knowledge of the is limited. I am looking to add another revolver and today I came across a 64-8 with a 4 inch barrel. When I was handling it I was impressed on how well it felt, the smooth DA trigger, and just really liked it. I looked it over and it th efinish was ok and was the barrel but the crown had too many really deep scratches in it for my liking so at $350 I passed.

This all being said what iteration of the model 64 is the most desirable. Is the 64-8 an ok version or is a version without the lack better.

Also what things should I pay close attention too when looking at the 64?

I really liked the gun but the crown just looked pretty chewed up. There is others.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[silversnake]

When it comes to S&W pre-lock is always more desirable.

I like the -5 and earlier Model 64s, but there's nothing wrong with the newer ones, they all shoot pretty much the same. If you can find one with a 3" barrel that's as good as it gets in my opinion.

 

[lrrifleman]

Vulcannut,

The question I would have asked before passing on the 64, was how much would a 'smith charge to recrown or "dress up" the crown.

Given my druthers, if I had a choice, I would take pre-lock over lock any day.

 

[silversnake]

Vulcannut,

The question I would have asked before passing on the 64, was how much would a 'smith charge to recrown or "dress up" the crown.

Given my druthers, if I had a choice, I would take pre-lock over lock any day.

At that price, he can find one that doesn't need fixing.

 

[GCF]

Aside from the usual action integrity suspects (timing, carry up, smooth DA / crisp SA w/ no push off, etc), I'd suggest pre-lock, 3" barrel / round butt, & smooth combat trigger.

The above leaves little room for improvement. Just my $0.02...

 

[Vulcannut]

Vulcannut,

The question I would have asked before passing on the 64, was how much would a 'smith charge to recrown or "dress up" the crown.

Given my druthers, if I had a choice, I would take pre-lock over lock any day.

I had the thought but without knowing what one needing no work goes for I was willing to take the risk.

At that price, he can find one that doesn't need fixing.

Since coming home and looking at what they are going for on gunbroker your right.

 

[5Wire]

My recent track on the 64 snubbie.

Smith & Wesson 64 2 in Barrel. Revolver in .38 Spl. Blue Book of Gun Values (38th Edition) indicates between $375 in 98% condition and $515 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 43 recorded prices for guns represented as 95% or better using local and internet sources for this gun from $300 to $824 over a period of 56 days ending October 25, 2017. The average price as of that date was $462. Average price plus one Sigma was $586. Current or last MSRP is $689. The last 10 prices I have for this model since 11/15/2014 range from $385 to $824 averaging $483.

I'd say, for the snubbie, anything under $500 is probably fair, under $450 good. If it checks out and you want it? Spend it if you've got it.

I owned this for a while. Really nice little revolver: