Sad day for Model 64

[websocket]

I couldn't accept it! The cap on the end of the 2-piece barrel was ugly. Looked like it needed a bottle opener put to it. Such a nice revolver otherwise. Shame on you S&W.

I'm thinking a Model 10 classic now. It's a 1-piece barrel, right?

 

[kbm6893]

I couldn't accept it! The cap on the end of the 2-piece barrel was ugly. Looked like it needed a bottle open put to it. Such a nice revolver otherwise. Shame on you S&W.

I'm thinking a Model 10 classic now. It's not a 2-piece barrel, right?

So many used excellent shape older 10’s and 64’s for less than the Classic series. An extremely nice older 64 wouldn’t run you more than $400

 

[TNZ71]

So many used excellent shape older 10’s and 64’s for less than the Classic series. An extremely nice older 64 wouldn’t run you more than $400

This. I’ve bought 4 Police trades. First two were RB 4”, 3rd was finally a SB and the last was a snub.

 

[rifmon]

I agree. I purchased my model 10-6 with police holster for $350.00 in 2015 off of Gunbroker. New Smiths are tough as nails but sometimes you get one that appeared to be finished with nails.

 

[OIF2]

Got this one (used guard gun) and sent it back to S&W for a nice action tune. I polished out the scratches myself. I now have a factory-tuned custom stainless revolver for about $500.00.
Bob

 

[Old_Cop]

Welcome from NW PA. There's a lot of Model 64s out there, keep looking.

 

[cmansguns]

get the best of both worlds!

Plenty of Model 65's out there too. The Model 65 is both 357 Mag and 38 for cheaper target practice), stainless steel, no lock, fixed sights (makes super nice holster carry gun).

Best part? around here can be had for $400 - $450 and they come up quite often. Of course that is Square Butt and 4". The Round Butt 3" I don't see any of recently

Mine is a 65-3 with 4" bbl and SB and is a 1986 gun. I've read that 1985-1987 the 4" M-65 was the standard issue for FBI agents.

I like mine a lot and it still gets exercised regularly, even though I have other 357 guns...it is still a treat to shoot.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I would also vote for a used model 64. There were countless numbers of these issued to police departments back in the day. Most ( dash 5 and 6 BTW,) were carried some and shot little. They are easy to find , cheap when you do and clean up nice.I still see them around regularly in the $350-$450 range.

 

[Mrnurse]

Well I traded for a new Mdl 66 and I was Impressed, shoots perfect... not 1 issue in 500 rds, not bothered by the improved Lock up system and barrel. 4.25 inch barrel... you only notice the shroud when your looking down the Muzzle...which... I apply only to Muggers and killers.

 

[LPD256]

This 64-5 is very much like new in the box and was my first purchase from a cop that retired and was cleaning out his safe. He offered it to me at $450. I didn’t dicker. I mentioned I’d like to find a 13 and he said he had one he wasn’t ready to sell but said he’d call if he decided to sell it. And true to his word, he did. The 13-3 4 inch has some holster wear but is very nice. I had some target stocks laying around so I put them on and I’m happily shooting the gun frequently. Obviously, I’m on the side of buying an older model.

 

[swagmeister]

A pre-lock 2" Model 64 is a bad looking revolver!

 

[RGVshooter]

I couldn't accept it! The cap on the end of the 2-piece barrel was ugly. Looked like it needed a bottle opener put to it. Such a nice revolver otherwise. Shame on you S&W.

I'm thinking a Model 10 classic now. It's a 1-piece barrel, right?

That's a shame because really;

The two piece barrel was originally developed to solve design engineering problems for their new, top of the line S&W 500, and it carried on to other models. It alleviates stress at the barrel to frame joint that is inherent with the old crush fit attachment method, making this critical area including the forcing cone far less susceptible to corrosion and cracking. Both corrosion and cracking here are known problem areas in the K-Frame magnums. Two piece barrels are also supported at both ends, enhancing accuracy.

There is a reason why S&W went to the two piece barrels vs the old 1 piece barrels guys... Sometimes old doesn't necessarily mean better.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Im a fan of the old guns no doubt.
If Smith made them like they used to,
They wouldnt be in business anymore and
Instead we would be reminiscing on this forum
of the former great gun maker called
Smith and Wesson

 

[raylan007]

?

This. I’ve bought 4 Police trades. First two were RB 4”, 3rd was finally a SB and the last was a snub.

I would be very pleased to know where you found a 2" M64 if you wouldn't mind sharing that information. I do happen onto them from time to time but typically never see the 2" being offered or I would have picked one, or 2 . The ones I do see being sold as institutional trade ins are typically beat to hell with a large stamp under the barrel or worse a hand inscription making no sense but obviously for identification. Just curious, Thanks

 

[Bosquebass]

This 64-6 was bought used a couple of years ago and I believe it was at one time a Brinks Armored gun and was traded in. Actually, I bought two of them. The other one was a 64-5 and also a 2" DAO but my son put a claim on that one and I don't blame him one bit. It was the better of the two, with fewer scratches. He knows a quality snubby when he sees it.

As far as the two piece barrel goes, it wouldn't stop me from buying a new gun if I wanted it. For all I know it may even be an improvement. Time will tell.
But right now there are just too many M64s at bargain prices on the used market to spend the extra money for a new one IMO.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I own two older police surplus 64s, 3" RB. Great guns.

 

[ladder13]

I must be living in the wrong state, as I hardly ever see a 64 for sale. The last snub 64 I saw they were asking mid 5’s or better.
So let me know where these $350-400 early snubbies are today, I’m game for a few more.

 

[CA Escapee]

I walked into a local Cabela's one day and came face to face with this. It was a relatively unused, (if at all,) 64-4, NY-1 in the box. As I recall it was $400-$450.



That same store has a 4" square butt with European proof/acceptance marks on it. At $650 I think it's overpriced.

Bill

 

[Bubba2014]

Just because some thing is newer does not always make it better. I bought two new S&W revolvers and got rid of them, and will not buy any more. However. I'm very impressed with my M&P 9mm pistol and have thought about buying a M&P .45. I've been using S&W revolvers for 53 years and will continue purchase as many of older guns as possible.

 

[Sistema1927]

I just picked up a 64-8 for four bills, LNIB at my LGS. Yes, it has the "Hillary hole" and the two piece barrel, but I couldn't pass it up at that price, especially since it appears to have not been fired outside of the factory, and was probably not carried much, if any.

Anyway, it has an older, prettier, sister to keep it company, but I am guessing that either one will get the job done..