S&W M-63, J-Frame 22, 3" or maybe a M-18, 4"...opinions please

[yanici]

I have a 617, 6" 22 revolver and was thinking of maybe ordering a Model 63, J-frame, 22 with a 3" barrel. Anybody got one? How does it shoot? Is it accurate? Would you consider a 4" 617 a better way to go?

I'd probably put larger grips on it if I get one.

Thanks for any info here.

John

Edit to add: How about we throw a 4" Model 18, 4", 22 into this mix?

 

[Robinett_11B]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/196265-s-w-m63-3-22-a.html

 

[yanici]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/196265-s-w-m63-3-22-a.html

Thanks for the link. So, should I get a 4" 617 or a 3" 63? That is the question. I know you guys will say to get both but I need to decide on one.

 

[RAMS]

Of the three revolvers in question, you already have the best range/target gun, so why would you want to add the second best range/target gun? Get the model 63 as a trail/plinking/kit gun piece. The 63 3" is not an inaccurate revolver and it holds more ammo which equals more fun. No brainer as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Stainz]

I whole heartedly endorse the 3" 63 as an accurate and fun plinker - especially with the '60 Pro' style wood grips, available from S&W Accessories', like both my 5" & 3" 63 sport below:

As has been said, you have a bullseye shooter in that K-frame 6" 617. Besides the longer sight radius, it is capable of having a finer DA trigger than the J-frame lockwork can achieve. Still, my 3" 63 came with a quite acceptable DA trigger NIB when it finally arrived before last Thanksgiving. It went, clean enough to eat off of, to the range yesterday... it's a tad nasty now, after some plinkers, Federal 550 packs from Wally World, and some warm Stingers. It shoots everything - match loads to Stingers - equally well. It's weight, balance, that 60 Pro grip, etc, all combine to make it like an extension of my hand - very easy to shoot.

I bought a 3" 60 Pro in January - I like that grip! Last month, I bought a DeSantis leather holster from S&W Accessories - it fits either 3" J-frame, the 60 Pro or the 3" 63, perfectly:

I like the 3" 63!

Stainz

 

[ab4ka]

I had a 4" model 63 (J frame) and I absolutely loved it...except that I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from the inside with it, and that was with a set of factory target stocks on it.. It was a sweet gun, but to me the J frame and .22LR just didn't work well together. I've got a 6" 617 (K frame) and I adore it...if I had to get rid of all of my guns it very well might be the last to go.

 

[yanici]

Ok, thanks. I might also be thinking of a Model 18, 22, 4" revolver too. So we have a 4", 617, or 3" 63, or a 4" 18. Pick one, only one.

 

[Robinett_11B]

I'd go w/ the 4" M18...nice K-frame balance and trigger with the classic lines, bluing, and six-shot cylinder.

Second choice would be a 4" M63...I'm partial to the older guns though, so a newer production 3" M63 wouldn't do it for me.

 

[Broker50]

Given your choices, a 4" Model 18, then have it hard chromed. Just about the ideal all-around 22 revolver, IMHO. Hard chromed, it would last at least three lifetimes.