S & W Model 63 dual cylinder

[67caprice427]

Hello,new member here. I've got a question for ya'll about a revolver that I have. I bought a while back, a Model 63 revolver stainless steel with a 4" barrel and an auxiliary cylinder. It came in the numbered to gun box, with a hand written notation on it, noting the additional cylinder. The bbl is stamped .22lr ctg, and the auxiliary cylinder is .22wrm. I wasn't 100% certain it was legit, description wise, but I bought it anyway, as it was exactly what I wanted. I let curiosity get the better of me, and sent off for the Historical letter, and lo and behold, it DID come as a dual cylinder pistol. I would like to know, just how rare a bird do I have here? The gun is like new, with all the paperwork, original box, vci paper, and 2 spare sets of the larger, smooth grips. Thank you for any help that you can provide, and have a great day.

 

[StrawHat]

First, welcome to the forum and you have a wonderful, documented revolver!

Rare? Unique? Merely words! I am neither rimfire nor a K frame knowledgeable so you will have to wait for someone else to fill in those blanks. I just enjoyed the post and wanted to welcome you to the forum.

Images of the revolver and the letter would be enjoyable to view.

Kevin

 

[CH4]

OP, that’s quite a find. I have a few J frame 22s, a 3” 650 and two 2” 63s. I know the 650 could be had with both, but not sure if the 2” 63s were ever available with both cylinders.

 

[H Richard]

Since it was evidently a custom order when it was first made, it would be nearly impossible to know how many would have been made in this configuration. You have a great combination gun, have a good time with it. And Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Green Frog]

Welcome to the S$W Forum, 67Caprice327. making a grand entrance with a very interesting gun is always nice. If you can post a picture or two of your gun, it would be nice.
Obviously someone with strong ideas about what they wanted (and the money to get it) was able to special order that revolver. At that time the factory was willing to accept some special orders from a customer, but not like earlier times when anyone with money and an idea could probably get what they wanted factory built. Your dual cylinder Model 63 is probably not unique, but there were certainly very few made, and those on special order only. Does the letter indicate anything about who it went to?

Froggie

 

[colt_saa]

Welcome to the Forum

That is a great find

I have a convertible Model 34 with two cylinders but mine did not come from the Factory that way

Mine happens to be a 2" and the hammer has also been bobbed for easier pocket carry but it is a wonderful little convertible

By the way, we love pictures here on the Forum.

It would be great to see your revolver and even an image of the box's end label

 

[InTheWoods]

I have a 651 kit gun (same as 63 except in magnum configuration) with a factory .22 lr cylinder confirmed by factory letter. End result is same as yours. Great package, but not nearly as uncommon as yours.

That, as well my 63 and 631 kit gun (.32 HR), are my favorite 'around my acreage' walking/small game hunting revolvers. Walking to the mailbox in a few (1/2 mile round trip through the woods) and will be carrying one of them.

 

[22hipower]

Nice buy! I think your 63 with both cylinders is a very uncommon find. I've never seen another. I do have a 651 with both cylinders, which the seller told me when I bought it almost 20 years ago that he had bought new from the factory. I've not lettered it though so can't confirm they shipped together but expect they did. I've seen a couple 651s with both cylinders sell on GB in the last few years so they do show up occasionally.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[67caprice427]

Thanks for the warm welcome, here are the requested pictures: