Which Version of the M64 is the Better One...

[Chuck Edwards]

...the -3 or the -5? This is for a shooter as opposed to a collectible. I have a 10-8 that I used for two seasons of IDPA (back when the power factor was 125) and is still in excellent shape, I just want a stainless version of it. It will be shot a lot and carried and probably dinged up a little. Thanks!

 

[CH4]

The 3" version

 

[Chuck Edwards]

The 3" version

I'm looking at the 4" versions. I'd take a 3" in a heartbeat though.

 

[wproct]

Mine's a -2, like it alot!

 

[Sistema1927]

I have a no-Dash (4" "pencil barrel") and a couple of Dash-8 (3" and 4").

For all the things that "purists" complain about (MIM, 2-piece barrel, Infernal Lock, etc.) the later models shoot better and are more "robust".

 

[L-2]

For the OP to make one's own decision, here are descriptions of the -3, -4, & -5 changes, whether they make a difference to the OP or not:

64-3 1977 Change to put the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder on Heavy Barrel Versions.
1982 Delete pinned barrels

64-4 1988 New yoke retention system/radius stud package/ hammer nose bushing/ floating hand/ on 2" tapered barrel version

64-5
1988 New yoke retention system on heavy barrel 3" and 4"/ hammer nose bushing/ floating hand
1991 3" heavy barrel became standard production
1994 Change star extractor, change to synthetic grips
1995-96 Delete Square butt Features, MANUFACTURED. round butt only
1996 Begin shipments in blue plastic cases. Begin serrated backstrap and forestrap on a round butt frame for about 18 months, then discontinued
1997 Change thumbpiece/ ship with Master trigger lock/ change to MIM trigger

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (p. 264). Gun Digest Media. Kindle Edition.

 

[SSGRock]

Model 64

I have 3 Model 64 Revolvers: 4" 64, 4"HB 64 and 3" 64-5. Like them all.

 

[TAROMAN]

The best 64 is the one in your hands.
My NY-1 is the -5 variant:

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

I am partial to my heavy barreled no dash.

It is just right for a car gun.

 

[VaTom]

My only 64, no dash 2". Bought new in 1976 for $145 as off duty revolver. Therefore I consider it the best. Qualified each year with it and carried in this pancake holster for many years.

 

[jimmyj]

My only 64, no dash 2". Bought new in 1976 for $145 as off duty revolver. Therefore I consider it the best. Qualified each year with it and carried in this pancake holster for many years.

I have a "Soft spot" for the Model 64s "No Dash" as one was My first department issue service revolver. Prior to 1974 (started in 1962) officers were required to furnish their own. Mine had been issued prior but when the Model 64 H.B. was purchased by the department everyone turned in their "Old Toy" for the "New Toys". The prior officer must have been a "Shooter" as a "Tad" of the front sight have been filed away. It was a tack driver and printed to POA.

 

[toddimusnimski]

I'm looking at the 4" versions. I'd take a 3" in a heartbeat though.

Cabelas used gun library currently has a handful of -6 models, most with blue plastic S&W cases. French police reimports with 3" barrel and Uncle Mikes grips with lanyard attachment. No Hiilary hole and still made with a 1 piece barrel.

Todd

 

[murphydog]

The early model 64-3s had the pinned barrel, but the difference between a later -3 and the early -5s is minimal. I suspect the later -5 mechanical changes won't affect how a gun shoots as much as gun-to-gun variation and finding the ammo it likes.

So buy a nice -3 and a -5 and see which one works better for you.

 

[444 Magnum]

I like the DAO models. I've got a couple of them that are my 'house pistols'. I keep them stashed in various areas. Great shooters. The heavy barrel really absorbs .38 sp recoil. 64-6 top, 64-5 bottom.

 

[Chuck Edwards]

Cabelas used gun library currently has a handful of -6 models, most with blue plastic S&W cases. French police reimports with 3" barrel and Uncle Mikes grips with lanyard attachment. No Hiilary hole and still made with a 1 piece barrel.

Todd

You might have just cost me some money.

 

[cmansguns]

Why not a dash 1...something wrong with dash 1?

Nobody is talking about a dash 1. Why is that? Mine shipped December 1976 per Roy, has the 4" Heavy Barrel, grips worn but serviceable, currently wearing Altamont Rosewood.

Fine shooter, puts em where they are supposed to go if you do your part.

Just wondering what makes a dash 3 or a dash 5 more desirable to competitive shooters.

 

[TAROMAN]

Tough decision, like picking a favorite child:

 

[murphydog]

Nobody is talking about a dash 1. Why is that? Mine shipped December 1976 per Roy, has the 4" Heavy Barrel, grips worn but serviceable, currently wearing Altamont Rosewood.

Fine shooter, puts em where they are supposed to go if you do your part.

Just wondering what makes a dash 3 or a dash 5 more desirable to competitive shooters.

Absolutely noting wrong with a -1; the OP asked about a -3 or 5, presumably because he has his eye on an example of each.

 

[Richard Simmons]

The original 4" standard barrel is my favorite! Just saying!

 

[Chuck Edwards]

Cabelas used gun library currently has a handful of -6 models, most with blue plastic S&W cases. French police reimports with 3" barrel and Uncle Mikes grips with lanyard attachment. No Hiilary hole and still made with a 1 piece barrel.

Todd

You might have just cost me some money.

Yeah, you did. I've got one on the way from their Boise store. I look at it as saving money - the holsters for my 3" 10-7 will fit, and I've got all these K frame speedloaders and .38 ammo and brass. I just need to order boot grips from VZ and I'll be set!