VSP Model 64-3

[The_Truth]

Very nice gun! I absolutely love mine. Crazy accurate.

Need to add more VSP weapons to my collection. 2 ain't enough!

 

[The_Truth]

Random update on an otherwise dead thread. Traded this piece to a guy locally. He got a Jinks letter and it turns out the pistol was shipped to Virginia State Police in 1982. Not a 1984 ship date like originally thought.

This being said, that Model 36 snubby with the state police engraving on the backstrap came from the same guy I got this one from, so I'd venture to guess that Model 36 was legit too, maybe not agency issued though.

 

[serger]

Just curious, what was the serial number range. I get more 64's
than any other type. I think is because the last governmental
agencies have drank the plastic fantastic coolaid and they show
up cheap.

 

[CajunBass]

Not a department issued weapon, but I've got a Model 66-1, Virginia State Police 50 anniversary model. It came to me, in unfired outside the factory condition, in a wood presentation case with the VSP shield on the cover (no papers). It is number 194 out of, I've been told, 1500.





Sorry for the poor quality of the pictures. The right sideplate has the VSP shield, the right side of the barrel is marked 1932-Virginia State Police-1982.

The left side is marked with the Smith and Wesson logo, then VSP 194, and Smith and Wesson/357 Magnum on the barrel. Stocks are smooth S&W presentation.

It was just as dry and stiff as could be when I got it. A flush with Gunscrubber and a couple of drops of oil smoothed things out considerably. I have fired about 50 rounds of 357 ammo, and it's a good shooter. I don't know if I'll ever shoot it again.

Note the barrel is not pinned, but the cylinder is recessed.

It does have the V on the cylinder.

 

[The_Truth]

Just curious, what was the serial number range. I get more 64's
than any other type. I think is because the last governmental
agencies have drank the plastic fantastic coolaid and they show
up cheap.

I will check my records and get back to you.

That is a SWEET VSP commemorative piece!

 

[ken158]

I agree, I don't think any of the state police revolvers were specially marked.

Back in the '80's the Virginia State Police were issued model 64's and issued 158 grain lead SWC ammunition. Most of the troopers I worked with rarely carried the 64's unless they were in the headquarters building, especially on night shift. They would go to the trunk of their vehicle and exchange the 64 for the model 65 that they carried back there. In a holster, they both looked the same. They loaded them with .357 rounds loaded with the 158 grain SWC bullet. Violation of policy, but they preferred carrying the .357 over the .38.

Never saw a VSP gun that was not a commerative that was marked. Never knew a trooper in my work area that owned a 65 or carried other then their duty gun while in uniform. Getting caught with a gun you were not assigned and have not qualified with would be detrimental to your career... not to mention using it in the performance of duty.

 

[LtBob]

RE: Model 66-1, Virginia State Police 50 anniversary model/number 194 out of... The "194" was the "issue-by-number" (just above trigger on left side). Oldest sworn member got #1, etc. - I have #VSP 550, issued in 1982. They were mod. 66-1's - no pinned barrel, but did have recessed/counter-bored cylinder cylinder (I call mine a 66-1.5).

 

[bluetopper]

I have a 64-2 snubby with HPD 107 stamped on it. I have no idea what HPD stands for, not Houston. And what dept issued snubs? It also has a V on the cylinder.

 

[The_Truth]

I have a 64-2 snubby with HPD 107 stamped on it. I have no idea what HPD stands for, not Houston. And what dept issued snubs? It also has a V on the cylinder.

Walnut magnas? Is it DA/SA or DAO? Condition? Do tell!!! Post pics!

 

[CajunBass]

I have a 3" M64-3 that came from a Police Department in Virginia, I belive Prince William County, maybe Fairfax County, it was among a group of police trade ins at the gun shop that I used to frequent back in Warrenton Virginia, it has a capital V between the chambers on the rear of the cylinder.

Was there a "Bear on the roof?" If so, I know it well from when I used to live in Spotsylvania, down on the Rapadan.

I've owned a couple of Smith and Wesson's with a V stamp on the cylinder. Can't remember which ones now though.

 

[Vbk76]

The bear is still on the roof. Clark brothers

 

[bluetopper]

Walnut magnas? Is it DA/SA or DAO? Condition? Do tell!!! Post pics!

Go down a few threads in this same forum to the thread titled "64-2 HPD?"
It's DA/SA. Just got it on GB, it came with some wore out rubber Pachmyers.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

I agree, I don't think any of the state police revolvers were specially marked.

Back in the '80's the Virginia State Police were issued model 64's and issued 158 grain lead SWC ammunition. Most of the troopers I worked with rarely carried the 64's unless they were in the headquarters building, especially on night shift. They would go to the trunk of their vehicle and exchange the 64 for the model 65 that they carried back there. In a holster, they both looked the same. They loaded them with .357 rounds loaded with the 158 grain SWC bullet. Violation of policy, but they preferred carrying the .357 over the .38.

I used to share the range frequently with an older Richmond PD officer who described his practice of subbing a 6" Colt Trooper MK III loaded with Magnums for his issued M64 when he worked midnight shift.
In today's climate, a "progressive" DA would likely figure out a way to indict if a shooting was done with a non approved firearm...

 

[Texas Star]

I think that V on the rear of a cylinder may mean, Viewed or Verified, a proof mark. ??