Sad day for Model 64

[ABPOS]

You guys are driving me mad!!! I want to try a k frame snubby with fixed sights really badly. I'm wondering if I can get away with AIWBing one. Either that or I want to try a steel j frame badly. But these K frames you hear people can shoot them so well, even with the shorter barrel.

 

[Dieseltech56]

Here is my 64-5. It started out with a DAO hammer and MIM trigger. I don't do any double action shooting so I converted it over to forged parts from a 10-10

 

[TNZ71]

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 up. 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

I lucked into it at a Gunshop in Memphis that specializes in LE Agency Sales. They had got it in a trade and I’m not sure if they had more than one. Probably an undercover narc piece but I’m just guessing. Got it cheap though.

 

[RMFnLA]

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.

I suspect the main reason for the two-piece barrel was the increasing number of canted barrels leaving the factory.

The new system doesn't rely on skilled fitting, something getting harder to find every day.

I remember all of your points from the Dan Wesson Arms ads; certainly compelling, but somehow S&W managed to survive for 150+ years with the "old crush fit attachment method".

 

[Arquebus357]

I got this one for under $250. My Atlanta area gun super store has scads of these from $350 and under.



It now looks like this:

 

[websocket]

I like new. All my guns were new purchases and still look new today. And I do have a 3" 64 in mint condition, which I'm the orignal owner.

Regardless, that bottle cap on the new ones is tacky and S&W should make right on my return shipping fees. As it is not advertised as a 2-piece barrel design.

Hmm...maybe a mag for my Shield, Smith&Wesson?

 

[KEN L]

I got this one for under $250. My Atlanta area gun super store has scads of these from $350 and under.



It now looks like this:

I believe this came from the same store, although it was a bit more than $350. Cleaned up nicely though! GA. PAROLE BOARD gun. After pics don't do it justice!

 

[Bill In Texas]

My 64-2 snubbie. I've recently been carrying it again as the weather cooled off. I like the 64's!(and the 65's and the 66's)

 

[Wishbone]

Nothing like a good 64.

 

[TNZ71]

I had to add the my other 3

 

[kbm6893]

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.

I don’t believe the FBI ever used the 65. They had the 3” Model 13. But some other federal agency was issued the 65. ATF maybe? Somebody here will know. I had a 4 inch 65 that I miss, and a 3” 65 that I miss GREATLY. One of about 4 guns that I truly regret selling, and I’ve sold a lot. All we’re older Smith revolvers. Never again!

 

[VaTom]

Model 64 no dash. Paid $145 new in box -of course that was in 1976!! IMHO the K frame snubs are the best. Carried for years both as off duty revolver and working in street clothes. Could qualify as easily with the 64 2" as with Model 10 4".

Recently refinished the grips after many years of faithful service to me. Retired and carry a Shield 9mm but still take the 64 out every now and then.

 

[TTSH]

I suspect the main reason for the two-piece barrel was the increasing number of canted barrels leaving the factory.

The new system doesn't rely on skilled fitting, something getting harder to find every day.

Correct. The primary reason: Manufacturing & assembly cost savings.

 

[riverrat38]

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.

The 2 piece barrel on this gun is a "Gen 2" barrel. The actual barrel is secured with an interior nut. Looks like it has a recessed muzzle crown. Like!

Best,
Rick

 

[shawn mccarver]

I agree about the cap on what I call the "gen 1" two-piece barrel.

Herb Belin told me that they anticipated backlash from customers who wanted the classic S&W look, so they did it that way to attempt to preserve the traditional look.

I like the idea of the two-piece barrel. It simplifies installation, prevents canted front sights, and is more economical. I just don't like the cap system on what I call the "gen 1" two-piece barrel design. To me, the idea of using the rifling to engage the wrench is not a good plan.

I much prefer the appearance of the muzzle on the newest Model 66. Two-piece barrel, but different locking system and different appearance out front. I like it.

I wish they would use that design on all of the models with two-piece barrels.

 

[ladder13]

Here’s one older 64 that just sold. Someone thought it was worth it.

S&W 64 no dash

 

[Narragansett]

I like new. All my guns were new purchases and still look new today. And I do have a 3" 64 in mint condition, which I'm the orignal owner.

Regardless, that bottle cap on the new ones is tacky and S&W should make right on my return shipping fees. As it is not advertised as a 2-piece barrel design.

Hmm...maybe a mag for my Shield, Smith&Wesson?

BTW, Welcome to the forum!

As for new, vs older, to each his own, but on this forum, you will find a lot of sentiment for the older models

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I don’t believe the FBI ever used the 65. They had the 3” Model 13. But some other federal agency was issued the 65. ATF maybe? Somebody here will know. I had a 4 inch 65 that I miss, and a 3” 65 that I miss GREATLY. One of about 4 guns that I truly regret selling, and I’ve sold a lot. All we’re older Smith revolvers. Never again!

My understanding is that the 3.0 inch barreled Model 13 was the last revolver issued by the FBI, and the 3.0 inch barreled Model 65 was the last revolver issued by the DEA.

Regards,

Dave

 

[CH4]

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?

I couldn’t agree more. I also think the two-piece barrel is too chubby and not as refined as it’s predecessor. Still way too many vintage Smiths available to us with an eye for the classic lines.

 

[tommy F]

I picked up 3 M64s in rough exterior that required some light polishing. All are DAO and bobbed hammers and shoot great!!