Used Smith and Wesson M64

-What length is the barrel?

-What variant of the Model 64 is the gun? (will be stamped on inside of crane)

-Is it a round, or square butt gun?

I think that the price is steep for a Model 64, especially one possibly needing repairs.

I don't remember the last time I saw a 64 pencil barrel. All I ever see around here is the heavy barrel. I carried one on duty in 1976-77. I took it to a police armorer and had it punched to .357 mag. Shot it a lot with no problems, except for recoil with Remington 158gr SWCGC. It was a handful.

I saw a lot of 64's like that on GunsAmerica a few months ago, being sold by Robertson Trading Co., mostly turn-ins from the Ohio Department of Corrections, they were going for as little as $289 (they currently are selling model 10's for that same price, turn-ins from USN security contractors). The few 64's they still have for sale have jumped up to that $400 price range as you have quoted.

$449 isn't totally unreasonable given current market conditions. Don't buy it if they don't guarantee - - in writing - - to fix that problem you mentioned.

If you can spare the $449 and they are willing to guarantee it, then depending on how reliable their guarantee is I would buy it. I wish I could have bought the 64 I was first issued in 1994 and had to turn in when we went to Berettas.

That Model-64 with the standard barrel looks pretty cool. I have a model 10-5 in the exact same configuration.

I'll echo what another member posted, and say that if the store guanantees a good working gun, then grab it.

I hadn't really considered the recent price increases. In today's market, that's the going rate.

That revolver is at least $100 too much and maybe $150 too high and that's if it were in perfect working condition. There is no way I would buy a revolver that need to be repaired without knowing what's wrong for it and I for sure would not overpay for that revolver.

I mean, @$449 you can buy a brand new one for only ~$100 more and the full retail MSRP is only $200 more.

Yes you can but the new ones are not the quality of the old ones and the new ones aren't pencil barrels.

NMPOPS said:

Yes you can but the new ones are not the quality of the old ones and the new ones aren't pencil barrels.

Click to expand...

I wasn't telling him to buy a new one. I was only pointing out how high the price was on the used one but comparing the price of the new one.

Supply and demand, and a difference in quality. Of course you can buy a new one, but it has that abomination of an internal lock and MIM internal parts. The old ones have properly forged and machined internal parts, many have pinned barrels, and they don't have that internal lock.

To use a musical analogy, I can buy a brand-new Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, and it won't cost as much as a Les Paul made in 1958. Supply and demand, and changes in quality of workmanship.

Or to use another gun analogy, which is more valuable: a pre- or post-1964 Winchester Model 70? I rest my case.

Nice gun, I have a S&W 65 round butt that I had a 64 pencil barrel installed on. Shoots real nice and carries wonderfully.

The price may, or may not be too high. Unfortunately the market isn't flooded with police trade-in's, and isn't likely to be. What you are seeing is the new normal, and what was isn't likely to return. Having been able to buy at much lower prices not too long ago I often look and say, "That's way, way too much - why I can remember when..." But "when" is just a memory now.

It looks to be in pretty good shape (at least on the outside). If you really want it, and they will correct any problems to you're satisfaction, I'd recommend you buy it. It's not so much that the price is too high, but rather that your money is worth less.

The price paid for a good revolver is soon forgotten. You'll remember what you paid for a turkey for a long time, however. Be sure they state in writing that if the gun isn't fixed to your satisfaction by the time your ten day wait is up that you can get any money you paid them back.

Five years ago this coming May, I found an assortment of security guard trade-in 4" 64's at a local shop. I looked at several - asked if they had anything 'new' - they had an un-issued 64-8 with all the paperwork in the safe. Like some folks here, they thought no one would want the two-piece barrel, MIM trigger & hammer, IL, etc, so they put the 'oldies' out. They were all the same price - $309. I got the unwanted new one OTD for that in cash.
I hate to burst the bubble re the usual image of recently manufactured S&W's, but this thing is perfect! It hits coincident POA/POI at 12 yd with my 125gr JHP homebrews and Remington R38S12 158gr LHPSWC +P's alike. The first year saw it sporting some Ahrends square conversion fg cocobolo grips and all but a constant range bag occupant. At it's one year anniversary, it got it's OEM UM's Combats back and was relegated to it's designated post here as a home defender:



I mention this for two reasons. Firstly, a 4" 64, no matter the vintage, is a fine and capable revolver. Secondly, whether your revolver is a 'deal' is up to you. I thought I got a steal - a brand new current model (Most of my S&W revolvers have MIM parts and the IL!). My salesguy thought I was loonie... I should have bought an older model. My money - my decision. And I still smile every time I take it to the range to 'test' it. I may have to take it this week...

Good luck.

Stainz

I got this one last April. I wouldn't let it go for $450. Joe

About three years ago Brinks Security was "upgrading" to some sort of semi-auto, and my LGS was getting those probably twenty at a time. She was selling them for $200 out the door.

I should have bought a dozen
Only bought one, but I probably sold a dozen for her. Just about everyone I know ended up buying one, and those that didn't are wishing they had (especially now).

They are well built revolvers and should last several lifetimes. Being stainless, they really don't show the finish wear a blued gun does.