A Smith and Wesson Dilemna

Status
Not open for further replies.
E

E-Rock

Member
Joined
Feb 9, 2009
Messages
22
Location
CT
I'm caught between two (well, three) options and I can't figure out which is best for my circumstances. I have a nice 4" 64-5 that locks up solid, is in perfect condition, and has a nice set of grips. I have an opportunity to trade it straight up for a 37 or with just a little more cash for a 4" 66-3; or I can always keep the 64. The problem is that I'm a student have a one pistol budget. Home defense is not a concern, the AK and shotgun fill that role. This is strictly a carry gun concern.

Concerns: The pistol needs to be concealable. I carry the 64 now and its not the most comfortable, but it's reliable and I am confident in my abilities with it. It sort of splits the difference between the 66 and 37 in that it is large enough to be a comfortable and accurate range toy with .38 but, for its size, I would like a little more punch.

The 66 is the same size but slightly heavier. I think I could conceal the 66 and I would certainly rather have the option of .357 for carry and hunting back-up. .357 is certainly a more versatile chambering and I can imagine situations (mostly in the woods, though I am rarely there) where the .357 would be very comforting.

The 37 is small, light, and easily concealable, but it is not rated for +p ammo. I don't think it would be a fun range toy for more than 50-100 rounds, but that's fine if it serves its primary self defense function.

My pistol requirements are fairly simple; it must be reliable, concealable, and at least .38 special. I also prefer revolvers. I don't go into the woods often, but when I do I've always wanted (but never needed) a backup pistol. However, the primary function of any pistol will be ccw. This seems to be a "6 of one, half a dozen of the other" situation and I can't get off the fence.
 
I don't believe the 4" 66 would be any more comfortable or conceal any better than a 4" 64.

The model 37 is a nice little gun, I have a 36 and it is nice but not a 100 round target session gun such as the heavier 64 and 66, at least for me to comfortably enjoy the session.

My 66 is a 2 1/2" version and I enjoy it also. Tough choice, for target and hunting the 4" would be just about perfect.

Thinking it over, I'd probably go for the 66
 
Limited use of Plus-P .38 Special won't hurt a model 37, although I prefer mid-range full wadcutters in this particular platform. I'm looking at accuracy and recoil recovery as well as raw power, but most folks have a different opinion. In any case I look at aluminum snubbies as a "carry much, shoot less" sort of thing.

That said, a "37" is hard to beat for personal protection under the circumstances you are most likely going to have to use it. Also they work well for pocket carry, but you might have to bob the hammer spur.

The model 66 will give you a .357 option, and adjustable sights over what you have now. It is a much better "shoot at the range" revolver over either the models 64 or 37, but you will have to decide how important this is. On your infrequent trips out in the woods what are you likely to encounter that requires Magnum power? Should you get into serious trouble, bullet placement will be far more important then a magnum load.

Unless you can see a substantial advantage in one of the new choices I would suggest that you stay with what you have.
 
E-Rock, Old Shooter and Old Fuff have given you some good advice, listen to them.
I love carrying one of my J-Frame S&Ws.
I also have some K & L frame S&Ws and they all 4 & 6 inch barrels. The K & L frame S&Ws are IMO not very good CC firearms but are.
But I did want a J-Frame in a .357. I tried a M340 and it was a mistake. The M340 at 11.5 oz. was a bear to shoot. It's way to light.
The next J-Frame in a .357 I tried was a M60. The M60 is stainless w/3” barrel and is 24.5 oz.
The S&W M60 for me is a good compromise.
 
4" Model 66s are getting harder and harder to find. 4" Model 64s are cheap and common, you can get security tradeins, in excellent condition, for $200-250.

Trade for the '66 and pick up another Model 64 at a later time.
 
Sounds like you might want to try to find a model 65 with a three inch barrel. Same frame as your 64, shorter barrel and .357 Magnum:
sw65-1-1.jpg


I don't think S&W makes them anymore but they can still be found in both used and new condition.
 
I appreciate all the input guys. There are two primary reasons the .357 cartridge appeals to me: 1. I'm moving to FL for the summer and think it would be fun to do some hog hunting with it if I could find some private land. I could always bring a rifle though; 2. I fox hunt and if ever, god forbid, a hound was hit by a car while roading or a horse broke its leg, I would like to be prepared. I've never seen either scenario, and I've never heard of it happening on any area hunts, but its not impossible. For every other circumstance the .38 special is just fine by me.

But if its going to be my only pistol, range time is an important consideration. I'd like to put a box or two of standard pressure 158 gr. ammo through it without worrying about damaging the pistol. Personal comfort is secondary to pistol reliability and maintenance.

The 37 will take care of everything I am looking for in a pistol 99 days out of every 100, maybe more. But part of me would rather lug around a large, heavy pistol that may be "too much gun" for those 99 days but will be enough gun on the 100th. I have a year left of school and then I can plan and budget for more guns, but I can't decide which pistol best suits my realistic needs. If I pick up the J frame, I know I will still want a heavier load, but if I pick up the K frame I know I will want something more concealable. I appreciate the suggestions for other pistols and will keep my eyes open in the mean time, but the 37 and the 66 are available now for trade. Thanks again for all the help
 
To be honest, if you are talking the "J"-frame, you are NOT talking a woods gun. The J is a great CCW gun, for getting out of trouble, but it is NOT a "K"-frame with 4" barrel. I could see a nice J frame as a backup to a 4" K-frame but NOT a replacement for the uses you describe. If you are concerned about a CCW piece, the J is the smallest and lightest and best suited for CCW but- with a good holster the 4" K frame is an excellent carry gun, but just requires a bit more thought in cover garments and activities, especially if you have chunky grips on it.

I am fortunate to own several "K"s and honestly the 66 is a nice gun. However, the 66-3 is a later production model, it is NOT pinned & recessed (the 66-2 was the change there iirc). If you were talking about upgrading to a pinned & recessed 66 I would say the trade might be to your favor if the money were right, since the old-school P&R guns are the ones that appreciate in value quicker (Again, IMHO!). Since the 66-3 is not P&R, it's really nothing special other than being able to shoot .357 out of, and adjustable sights.

A Mod 64 in nice shape will be in the range of $250-$300 in value, and a Mod 66 in equal condition would be at least $100 more than that. I personally wouldn't want to trade down from a 66 to a 64 for no real reason other than someone waved enough money under my nose. I would imagine that anyone willing to do a trade like that was wanting money more than guns since the 64 and 66 are so similar, and money's not what you have a lot of.

Since you say you are on a college budget, my personal advice is to keep the Mod. 64 you have now. Save your pennies. One day buy another pistol that may fit your needs better and then have two guns... Don't rush into a trade now simply because it has been offered when you will not get the best value of what you are willing to offer.

The scenario about having a dog go down or a horse, well, to be patently honest, my wife's a vet, and I don't think you'll ever be in the situation where you'll be putting down any animal in the field, and even if you had to, the .38 with good ammo would do for a hound or horse just fine as long as you know where to put the shot. That said, it's not a pleasant thing to do, and the needle is a merciful, better way to do it.

Load your 64 with 158-grain +P JSPs and enjoy it.
 
I understand you want a Smith, but it seems to me you're crossing yourself up. J-frames are great carry guns; K-frames are better field guns.

As an alternative, how 'bout a 3" Ruger SP101? It's sort-of between a J and K frame. Makes a heckuva trail gun and even with it's fixed sights, it's easy to shoot well. Plus, it can handle nuclear loads with no trouble (how well you do shooting nuke loads is another matter) if you're thinking about hunting or anti-animal (2 or 4 legged).

Q
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top