S&W Model 64

[Maximumbob54]

OK, I'm joining in on this pic posting of 64's...

I was just fooling around with camera settings last night with my new night stand 64...

 

[M3Stuart]

Both are good choices

Kidding aside; I was in that same boat. Once I started lurking on the S-W forum, I became convinced that used S&W's were perfectly alright. There are many on these boards that will not buy the newer Smiths - even though they are probably the finest newly built by any standard.

I had a friend who was selling an old 686 6". It felt too barrel heavy but the price was right - AND - once I got on these forums, I realized that I could EASILY get back what I paid for it. Once I started shooting it I concluded that, at least for now, the .357 is not my cup of tea. But man, is that thing accurate! Tight patterns at 75'! (which is extremely good for me). No prob, load it up with .38 +P and away I'm a happy camper. Another 'sort of' issue - it's too heavy for the wife in a HD situation.

The 'barrel heavy' thing bothered me anyway so I borrowed/rented a couple 4" ers and snubs. Me - I can't hit much with a snub so I settled on the 4" style. (Sidebar: then I bought a couple 'other inexpensive brands' 3" & 4". Don't get me wrong, they're nice guns & functional, but you'll be able to tell the difference in quality. You're thinking 'HD' so you want the very best right?). As noted on the other thread, and in the pic, I just got the Model 64, still have the 686 and a couple of other brands. I'll eventually sell one or two and get something else (lol - had you going there! Well, maybe the other brands).

End of story; in S&W - in a short time I ended up with a 686 AND a 64 for just a little more than that new 686 4" will cost you and a couple hundred more than a new 64 runs. You can't go wrong with good used S&W's - you'll get every penny back out of them. Also, you won't know which one you like best until you spend some time shooting it, carrying it, etc. What I ended up liking best is not what I thought I would like best before I owned them. (Edit: I ended up liking the lighter, better balanced guns more).

Here they are:

Edit: sorry for the not-very-good pic. Also the 686 now sports the Pachmayr Decelerator grips which helped me enjoy the .357 by eliminating/covering the exposed metal backstrap. The most shocking difference between these two is how different they feel (due to balance I think) given that the difference in weight is only about 8 oz.

Oh, and .38 is fine for home defense IMHO - though there will be those that tell you different.

 

[vrichard]

Mdl.64

I like mdl.64`s.
Dick

also have a 2 in.P&R.

 

[MoPoPo]

A few years ago, I bought a 3" barrel 64. That was a really nice gun. balanced perfectly and even with those fixed sights, I was a pretty good shot. For me, it was just right. Stupidly, I let it go because I suffered from an acute case of "newgunitis." I now have a 3" barrel 686+. Great gun, but it feels quite heftier than the 64 I had previously.

 

[M3Stuart]

Question for moderator: is there a tag = "model 64"?

 

[xray 99]

I adhere to the following adage: Accuracy is king, penetration is queen, all else is talk about angels dancing on the head of a pin..or something like that. Thus, a well placed .38 should do fine.

 

[fullthrottle]

Wow, thanks for all of the helpful replies.

The vibe I'm getting is that a 64 would be an excellent first revolver purchase, and the 686 may not be necessary for my needs at this time. That would save me a couple hundred dollars.

I'm sure that there are people out there that believe a .38, even with +p, is ill-equipped as a defensive revolver, but the amount of things I've read about the blinding, deafening, over-penetrating .357 round has led to re-think if I really need a .357 at all.

Thanks again, and any more input or advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Stainz]

Don't discount the 7 and 8 shot .357 Magnum S&W's - they make great .38 Special revolvers! I have a slew of .357 Magnum chambered S&W's I bought new. If S&W tested them with real Magnums, that was the only time they've shot them. I do shoot a ton of my own .357M reloads - but they peak at +P .38 Special levels - the beauty of rolling your own.

Still... if I had 'just' a 4" 64, I'd have a house gun - and one heck of a plinker!

Stainz

 

[fullthrottle]

The only reason I'd discount the 686 and other S&W models chambered in .357 is price. I know the 686 is a great revolver due to what I've read and heard and my experience renting one for a day at a gun range.

But price is a major factor in my search, and if the 64 is an effective, reliable defensive revolver and can tolerate +p ammunition, then that's the route I'm going.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I also like S&W #64's.

 

[CITYREPO61]

Sadly no pics. But I've lucked into a few of the 64's, a 2in NYPD DAO, 3in NYPD DAO and a 4in SCPD.

Can't go wrong with a 64!

Steve 'Cityrepo61'

 

[wheelgun28]

I like 64s also but I really like the NY-1s. They are GREAT shooters. I hope to get more variations of these...

 

[stantheman86]

I'm a huge fan of my 64-7, a security trade in that's seen some miles, but carries up perfectly and shoots like a laser with 130 grainers. I know it will handle any +P's and if needed, +P+. I took off the bike tires and put a set of the new Altamont magnas on it.

Some day I would love to get a 64-8 to go with it.

 

[BarkSlayer]

The 64 is a great choice, but if you're that close, I'd go the extra few dollars for a 686. It's likely the most versatile revolver made. The 4" model has what I consider to be near perfect balance. They point well, shoot great and are reliable as an anvil.

 

[5Wire]

The 64 is a great choice, but if you're that close, I'd go the extra few dollars for a 686. It's likely the most versatile revolver made. The 4" model has what I consider to be near perfect balance. They point well, shoot great and are reliable as an anvil.

I like the 686P myself and I have one with the 2-1/2" barrel but I'd rather carry the K-Frame snubbies, like the 64 or 19 . The 686 is a large revolver. The smaller Ks can be carried in a pocket holster. The 4" barrel Ks and Ls want belt holsters of some kind, IMO.

 

[FredFred]

The Model 64 is an excellent gun. You can't go wrong with it. It'll last forever if you take care of it. I've shot many K-frames, and never once has one of them failed. Own one and be happy.

 

[OIF2]

Can't beat a 64-cheap, available, indestructable, accurate, well-balanced, etc. Obviously, I like them.
Bob

 

[stevieboy]

I started a thread about my "new" 64 a number of days ago. For me, it's the perfect handgun, sufficiently robust to handle some pretty potent ammunition yet also compact enough to be carried easily and comfortably. Mine has a wonderful trigger and is extremely accurate.

Best of all, the gun was not expensive. There are several online sites advertising used 64s in the $350 - $400 range. I paid less than $400 for mine.

 

[lebomm]

IMHO, the Models 10/13/64/65 are magnificent utility revolvers ! Powerful, accurate, versatile, rugged and reliable - there's a reason they've built, what, 4 million of 'em since 1899? I've currently got five, have moved several others, and they all shot well and never broke a single part. My advice? Buy the 64.

Larry

 

[celticfisherman]

Well I don't have a 64 yet. Yet being the operative word... It's now HIGH on the list after seeing some of these pics.

However. I got a 4" Model 10 earlier this summer and it has firmly grabbed the best shooter marker in my collection. I love it. I've got numerous K frames in my collection and I love them all but that 10 just has a look and feel that is awesome. Good loads can be had too.