[scottishclaymore]

So there I was, walking through the gun show, minding my own business, not really planning on buying anything. And then, suddenly, I heard a voice calling out to me. Strolling over to investigate, I found it to be a S&W 64-5. It's got the heavier "bull" barrel (not sure what else you'd call it), the combat trigger, a factory-bobbed hammer that's been case-hardened, and two pairs of grips, one small wooden pair, one larger and rubber.

I knew as soon as I tested the trigger that I had to buy it. The trigger is smooth and long and fairly light (though there is a tension spring that can be adjusted to lighten the trigger additionally if so desired). The piece itself is in good condition, despite a few love marks. The seller said he thought it was probably police issue at some point (it is DAO). Not having seen a piece like this before I am rather curious as to the guns origins and the stories that it could tell. After talking to him I was able to get the price down to $350, and he threw in a soft carrying case to boot.

I would appreciate any input regarding this particular firearm. All in all I am very pleased with the purchase. It is of course, .38 special only, but I'm perfectly OK with that.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/Scottishclaymore/GEDC0601.jpg

[jad0110]

Very nice 64! Your first revolver?

The 64 is basically a stainless version of the blued model 10.

I am rather curious as to the guns origins and the stories that it could tell.

You could always write a letter to Roy Jinks at S&W with your full S/N, he can provide you with some cool info on the origins of your particular model. There is a fee for this service, not sure what it is. I think it is posted on S&W's website.

(though there is a tension spring that can be adjusted to lighten the trigger additionally if so desired).

Actually, there are only two positions for that screw: completely tightened all the way in and backed out far enough/removed to facilitate disassembly.

Here is some further info on the subject:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=492901

Just curious, is the gun for range fun only, or will it be for home protection or concealed carry?

[armoredman]

Brinks Armored used to issue that sidearm modified that exact way, but I believe they sold them. If that's one, been carried a lot and shot VERY little. Nice find, sir!

[earlthegoat2]

It is an excellent revolver in an even better configuration. I just hope you did not pay much more than what J&G was selling them for a month back.

You did say you got it at a gun show....

[scottishclaymore]

Alrighty, folks! Back from the range with 'er!

I meant to get some pictures, but didn't have the camera with me. The trigger was smooth, recoil very little, and follow up very easy. My first 6-shot grouping at 12 yards (which is my usual defensive pistol practice range) was just a bit under 1". This is much more accuracy than I am used to seeing out of a handgun. As the barrel warmed up considerably the shot groupings widened a bit, but stayed pretty small overall. I put 150 rounds through it, doing a few target groups but mostly Mozambique drills. As expected there weren't really any problems, though I did have a couple of light primer strikes. I was shooting reloads so this might have been the fault of the ammunition, but I am going to tighten the trigger spring up a little next time and see if that helps. I should also probably run a box of factory through it too, just to see.

The thing I love best about this gun is the trigger. It is fairly light and incredibly smooth. While I'm not a gun snob, I must say I have never experienced this quality of trigger on any Ruger, Rossi, or Taurus (of which I have owned and/or shot quite a few). My future revolver purchases will definitely be Smith & Wesson, especially if I can find more bargains of this quality.

jad,

No, not my first revolver. Only my second Smith, though. I'm spoiled now. I can't imagine ever turning back. Also, the tension spring really does seem to be adjustable as I've been able to tweak with the trigger pull some today at the range.

The gun will be for all three of the aforementioned duties -- its range fun index is 100%, and despite its size I was able to carry it IWB all day long without noticing it (I'm a big guy, though). If I'm not carrying it, Milady will probably have it at home. Though I like it so much I am really tempted to see about getting one for her too so I don't have to share. She's going to shoot it soon -- wasn't able to make it to the range with me today. I don't believe in "safe queens" so for the time being this one will be at least riding in the car with me. I have it loaded with Federal Premium 129 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP's right now, though that will be subject to change if I can find a better carry load.

earlthegoat,

I paid a little more for what I see them on J&G, however it was still better than any of the good revolver prices I've seen in my area, and I didn't have to mess with shipping or an FFL. All in all I am very pleased with what I got for what I paid.

[bestseller92]

Nice gun. I'm thinking of getting one myownself.

[sheepdog]

...excellent find...looks to be a round butt...very concealable...I'd recommend the 158gr LSWCHP+P...Remington's ...very highly effective round...you've got a lifetime partner, there....

...good read, here....
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Humble%2038%20Special.htm

[scottishclaymore]

Out of curiosity, anybody have any idea what the -5 at the end of the model # means?

[MIgunguy]

Very nice, I like it very much.

S&W makes "improvements" throughout the lifespan of a certain model of gun, i.e. 66 (aka 66 "no dash"), 66-1, 66-2, etc., and with each MAJOR engineering change add another didgit to the "dash number". Sometimes the improvements are genuine improvements, sometimes they are cost-cutting measures that detract from the gun's desireability in some people's eye (for various reasons, depending on what the change is). The dash number and its corresponding engineering change depend on the model of gun and don't necessarily mean the same thing from model to model, or even dash-number to dash number (the change from 27-2 to 27-3 won't (in most cases) be the same as the changes from 66-2 to 66-3). Sometimes engineering improvements are made without a change in dash numbers (dropping the pinned barrel on the model 17... IIRC, it happened sometime in the 17-4 lifetime, some 17-4's have pinned barrels, some don't, but all 17-3's are pinned and no 17-5's are pinned). Sometimes even the S&W experts (and I'm not one of them) can't keep them all straight.

This page will tell you what I'm trying to explain, and may include the 64-5.
http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp