Need a bit of info on the Mod. 63......

[USARMYSPEC4]

Saw a used Mod 63 .22 LR and it got thinking about a 3" as a fun gun. For those that own one, how do you like it? Any Problems at all worth mentioning ? The one I saw was way high in price, they were asking $695, but thought maybe I would try to search on out for a decent price.
Thanks in advance for any comments.

 

[Rpg]

I believe the M 63 came in 4", not 3" barrel.

Depending on the vintage of the revolver you saw, the price may be about right or too low.

If the example you saw was pre lock and pre mim, the price quoted may be low. If it's a post lock with mim parts, the price is good.

 

[vytoland]

S&W model 63 were made with 2", 3", 4", and 5" barrels........for a model 63-5, 3 inch barrel (made 2010 - current, internal lock)
in like new condition...$695 is an ok price.....

 

[ACORN]

I wouldn't sell my pre mim and lock 4" M63 for $6

 

[Usmc5811]

I bought a used 3" 63-5 about 2 years ago for $500. My father just bought a used in excellent condition 5" 63-4 yesterday for $550. I also have two 63-4's that I payed $600 and $325. The $325 one is my shooter and goes with me whenever I'm in the woods. The 5" barrel gets shot a lot more then the 3" model. But both are great little revolvers. I would look for a 5" or a pre lock if I was you.

 

[lscocoa]

I have a 63-5 3" I recently purchased new. It's a great shooter and carries well in the field.

 

[The Gila Bender]

This a clean 1977-ish 63-3 with 2-inch barrel bought four years ago. I think it was around $550 no box, etc. Nice little .22 to go with my 640 and 640-1. I never see these for sale locally so I jumped on it.

 

[springer99]

Picked up a 4" pre-lock (6shot) 63 about 2 years ago for about $575. It was LNIB so I think I got a great price. Since then, I've seen others at my LGS go for anywhere from $575 to around $650. Can't speak for the current 8shot versions but the older models are very nice shooters.

 

[USARMYSPEC4]

Thanks for the info. I may go take a closer look at it.

 

[rockquarry]

I've had a 70s model 63 for a good while and in the past have owned a couple of 34s, the original blue steel version. Like all J-frame guns, these have never been the easiest revolvers to shoot well. Many quickly dismiss them as being inaccurate, but really, a shooter's deficiencies are the problem.

Use good technique and practice with these guns at 25 yards. You'll be quite pleased at how well they shoot.

Like all .22 handguns, a number of ammos need to be tried from a benchrest, again at 25 yards. Shooting closer will tell you nothing useful from an accuracy perspective because everything shoots well up close. You will find a measurable difference in group sizes. Go with the most accurate and don't worry about whether it's high velocity, hollow point, plated or any else of little consequence. After all, it's a .22 rimfire.

 

[VaTom]

I have a 63 (no dash), 4" made in 1981 with pinned barrel and square butt Great revolver - would not sell it. Pinned barrel 63's are regularly listed around $900 at gun shows if you can find one.

Very accurate and fun revolver. Put some j-frame, square butt factory target grips (also hard to find)on it as standard grips were a little small for my hands. Easily busts 5" balloons at 25 yards shooting unsupported. I usually shoot CCI standard velocity through it however it will handle any 22lr ammo. Pictures attached of Model 63 with target grips and vintage S&W leather holster. Great range and trail revolver.

 

[Usmc5811]

They are all accurate. Here's a grey squirrel I shot at close to 25 yards off hand with my 5" 63-4. Was aiming for the head and hit it in the neck. But have made shots out to 35 yards with a good steady rest. But I'll let the picture do the talking.

 

[raljr1]

I bought mine new, 63 no dash, back in the early 80's. It's more accurate than I can hold. You'll not regret buying one of these, although I did put target stocks on mine.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

First gun I ever bought for myself back in 1982 was Model 63. Paid $224.00 OTD for it. It has a set of nice S&W Targets on it and rides in an El Paso Three Persons holster. Would be the last gun I ever got rid of. I also have a pair of 317's both pre lock one with 2" and one with 3" barrels. I like these a LOT but again, I'd keep the 63 just for sentimental reasons.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I have the 3" 8-shot 63-5 and like it a lot.

 

[USARMYSPEC4]

Thank you all for your thoughts, I will be looking at the next gun show.