Some insight on this Model 63

[DBSGGuy]

After exclusively owning some 38/357s I am looking to get into 22 shooting and purchase a Model 63.

I have found one online that is local to me and I am looking for some insight from fellow community members as this is my first 22, my first stainless and first used revolver.

I have found this auction. I will not be paying the full $1,100 for this item.

1. In photo 4 I can see where the cases have hit the back of the frame, which should be normal.

2. In photo 3 the forcing cone looks good to me.

3. In photo 2 the crown looks good to me

4. Overall I don't see any rust or other cosmetic issues

I have tried to do my research and be knowledgeable, but would still like a second opinion. Can someone else step in and let me know if my assessments are correct? Also, please weight in with any other advice you may have.

 

[redlevel]

Looks like a nice example of a classic pinned barrel S&W revolver to me. Mine is about my favorite S&W. It is a great pinker, and a wonderful gun to teach new shooters. They are a little hard to find, and bring "good money." I would say north of $750, on up. That wouldn't buy mine.

 

[JP@AK]

DBSGGuy

First, welcome to the S&W Forum.

Second, that is a very nice stainless Kit Gun. I agree with the previous reply. You could go to $750-$800 and not get hurt.

Now, I'm not a member of the Internet police, BUT, it is against the rules here to post links to an active auction. You will probably get a slap on the wrist here by the managers of this Forum. Your link will probably get pulled from your post. Just a word to the wise.

 

[DBSGGuy]

DBSGGuy

First, welcome to the S&W Forum.

Second, that is a very nice stainless Kit Gun. I agree with the previous reply. You could go to $750-$800 and not get hurt.

Now, I'm not a member of the Internet police, BUT, it is against the rules here to post links to an active auction. You will probably get a slap on the wrist here by the managers of this Forum. Your link will probably get pulled from your post. Just a word to the wise.

Thank you for the wise advice, I have removed the link and included photos instead

 

[H Richard]

The 63 (or 34) 4" is a fun shooter and the one I have used to teach several grandchildren to shoot. It is enjoyable to shoot. The Mod 17 (617) is the K Frame, and made for more serious .22 shooting. It is heavier to carry, and not as easily for youth and women to to handle well.

The most versatile is the 63, if you are into serious shooting, like bullseye, the Mod 17 might be better for you. Or, do what I did, buy both.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Yes, as mentioned, these are awesome little plinkers. And with the stainless frame, you just can't beat them up. You can also purchase larger "target" stocks (grips) for pretty reasonable prices. I like mine with them .....

I paid about $700 for my shooter grade version a year or so ago but with box etc in 98%+ condition these will push the $1000 mark these days.

 

[The Gila Bender]

That's a beauty! Exactly one year ago today I paid $500 for one of these in lesser condition with some wear and abrasion from normal use but no signs of abuse. Excellent mechanical condition, no peening of the cylinder face. I did not hesitate to buy as these are not often seen in these parts. I would have paid up for better cosmetic condition. And, given the pandemic, good quality high condition handguns are at a premium, as are good used cars and real estate.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

It looks good from where I am sitting.

If they do not beat you up on the price too much, then I would say go for it.

 

[The Gila Bender]

Wow, J-frame football target stocks. Never knew such a thing existed. Now I must have a set! - T.

 

[D Brown]

In the last photo, the one showing the topstrap, it looks like there's been a significant amount of corrosion that shows an attempt to clean it up. It's a tough thing to remove corrosion from this area since this surface is supposed to have a frosted finish.

Just so you know what to look for when inspecting the gun in person.

Best of luck!

 

[nbedford]

I've had a 63 4" for 30 something years. Very accurate. Matter of fact a buddy was trying to decide whether to buy a 63 or a Ruger Mark I. I had one of each so we tested them together for accuracy. I know it was not one of those scientific framed out tests, but the 63 out shot the Ruger hands down. He bought a Model 63 4", and still has it. BTW the trigger pull on my 63 has honed down over the years to 2 1/2 pounds.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Very nice pistol. Like I mentioned in another thread, a 63 in that condition would have $899 on the tag in my LGS's. I sold the one from my dad's estate, and have always regretted it. Got a good price, and the money went to my mother, but I could have kept it if I wanted . . .

 

[rockquarry]

I have no idea what these guns are worth, but I've had one a long time. They are capable of surprising accuracy, but like all J-frame guns, they're not nearly as easy to shoot well as a larger framed gun. Being a skilled shooter will certainly help. Try at least five or six ammos; that often makes a a big difference with .22s if you're shooting beyond ten or fifteen yards. A 63 or 34 will do well at 25 yards, but it takes some work to find this out.

 

[Buford57]

I bought one for my wife as an understudy for her 67 close to 40 years ago. She never liked it as well as the .38 due to the heavier trigger pull of the coil spring in the J-frame. Looks like I could about quintuple the investment if not for the fact that her side of the safe is like a roach motel for guns: they check in but they never check out.

I rarely shoot it as I prefer my M17, but it was a fun little shooter from what I recall.

 

[VaTom]

Looks good to me. I agree with previous price estimates. If you get it remember not to dry fire it without snap caps in place or you could damage the face of the cylinder.

I have a 1981 (P&R) one I bought 6 years ago and paid $700. Caught a set of NOS square butt J frame target grips on ebay for $45. The targets make a big difference if you have medium size or larger hands.

 

[Walter Rego]

The corrosion on the top strap looks odd. It takes a lot to corrode stainless but it can be done. Not sure what would have caused it and not rusted the blued rear sight, maybe the sight has been replaced ? Other than that the gun looks good. I wouldn't have paid $1100 for it either. As others have mentioned, Model 63's are highly sought after and bring prices equal to or greater than a Model 17-4 for example.

I found this one at a gun show about 5 years ago at a very reasonable price and didn't let it out of my hands until I inspected it and said "I'll take it". There were a couple other guys breathing their beef jerky breath down the back of my neck while I was looking at it and if I had set it down one of them would have grabbed it. The larger Smooth Target Stocks or Checkered Target Stocks help a lot with shooting. And most can be found with very nice Goncalo Alves coloring and figure.