Smith & Wesson Model 64-5 or 64-8

[Clarkey]

I'm in the market for a truck gun in .38 caliber. I like the S&W revolvers and have a Police Special that I love. I have found two police trade-in Model 64 revolvers in stainless with 4" barrels. One is a .38 64-5 with forged internals. The other is a .38 +P 64-8 with the two-piece barrel. Cosmetically, the 64-8 is slightly better, but the 64-5 should polish up nicely. Cost for each is approx. $500 including accessories and tax.



This will be a forget-it-unless-I-need-it gun that will spend most of it's time on rough terrain at job sites. What is your recommendation? All things being equal, which should I buy?

 

[Protocall_Design]

I would go with the -5 for that use. For a nice range gun, I'd pick the -8.

 

[WR Moore]

I picked up a fundamentally sound 64-5 several years ago at much less. But, it had seen the attentions of someone who thought they were a pistol smith and gave me price leverage.

 

[Swissfan]

I would also go with the 64-5. Being stainless you should be able to clean it up really nice.

 

[Clarkey]

Okay. Thanks for all the advice. I just purchased the 64-5. Total cost with tax and all was $450.64

 

[stanmerrell]

You should enjoy that. Make certain you function test it. I don't like the two piece barrels. You chose right.

 

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

Assuming everything else checks out well, I'm gunna vote for the 64-5. It's just a little bit neater, and if all it has is finish issues, that's fun and easy to fix.

Sounds like a fun decision! Thanks for sharing!

EDIT: I just saw that the deal is done. Sounds like ya' chose a great one!

 

[FXWG]

Picked up a 64-8 last year for $359.
First shot from 10 yds,

 

[Bald1]

64-5 all day every day. At that OTD price u can't go wrong. They do polish up nice if u spend the time to do it

 

[stonebuster]

Okay. Thanks for all the advice. I just purchased the 64-5. Total cost with tax and all was $450.64

Good choice and welcome to the forum. The Model 64s seem to be some of the best deals for a nice 38spl revolver these days. I got a great deal on a lightly used 64-8 4" and it's a good shooter but I prefer my Model 64-5. Good luck with it.

 

[GerSan69]

I have a 3" 64-5 and I'd never own a -8 under any circumstances.