Help me choose

[TfflHndn]

Options, all Smith & Wessons: (1) Model 66 (no dash) in 90+% condition, $650, or (2) Model 15-3 in 90% condition, $550, or (3) Model 64-8 in 95+% condition, $400. My Blue Book is a couple years old, and all three prices are about $150 over the listed prices, but then nothing is going down in price these days. While I tend to favor adjustable sights, the Modek 64 just feels great in the hand, and I'd be interested in any comments about how well it shoots and whether POA=POI since it is not adjustable. Which (if any) would you choose, and why?

 

[oldpapps]

What do you want the pistol for? For target use, the 66 or the 15 would be better. As a carry weapon, the 64 would be hard to beat.

I have a soft spot for Model 15's. I carried one the entire time I was on the SO and for a few years on the PD.

I carried a grand 66 until I had a 40 cal glock (first gen) forced on me, no I did not like those glocks, 2 came apart in my hands in one week... I trust that they got better after the first generation.

My simple answer, get them all.

I gave up on little guns long ago, so I have none of them.

 

[oss117]

Most people on this forum will tell you to go for the Model 66 because it's the most collectible and chambered in 357 Magnum vs. the other two .38 Specials. If value and collect-ability are your goals, choose this one.

The Model 15 (aka Combat Masterpiece) isn't quite as desirable as the 66, but I sure wouldn't mind having one!

That Model 64-8 is one of Smith's newer revolvers complete with internal lock, frame mounted firing pin, and MIM parts. None of which affect how the gun shoots, but there are negative reports out there surrounding the lock. It should also have a round butt grip vs. the other two which are likely square butts. The round butt is smaller and more versatile than the square butts. IMO the best grips are available for the round butt. That's probably why it felt best in your hand. The sights should be right on for 158 grain loads. Lighter loads may hit a little low. New replacement parts should be available from S&W for this one while they're getting harder to find for the other two.

Carry & shoot regularly: 64

Target shooting: 15

Collecting with some shooting (mostly 38's): 66

Booming big Magnums: None of the above. Buy and L-frame or GP-100

 

[TfflHndn]

Thanks for your input oldpapps and oss117. Most of my handgun shooting is target shooting, which is why I lean toward adjustable sights. I may have to get the 64 just to see how well it shoots. It's pretty stout, so I'm expecting it would tame the .38+p well and would have very little recoil with a 158-grain SWC.

As for the magnum boomers, I've got those covered with a Super Redhawk, 3 N-frames (.357, .41 and .44) and several single-action big bores. Not that you can ever have too many of them...

Ony other thoughts on the guns or the prices?

 

[Old Fuff]

The model(s) 15 and 66 are identical, except for the chambering, heavier barrel and underlug on the '66, and blued steel vs. stainless.

I have had over a half-century of experience with both. I have never enjoyed eek shooting Magnum ammunition in any S&W K-frame revolver, nor cleaning out the chambers after shooting lead-bullet 38's in the longer Magnum chambers. I much prefer the slightly lighter model 15 in roles that don't require use of .357's. For that go to a L-frame S&W or GP-100 Ruger.

When the model K-38 Combat Masterpiece (later model 15) was introduced it was advertised as a "Target grade service pistol," which describes it pretty well. Besides the obvious such as adjustable sights you also get some features that don't show. What it boils down to is a K-38 Target model, with a 4 rather then 6 inch barrel, and a FBI-designed "Baughman" snag-free front sight mounted on a ramp.

I have next-to-no personal experience with the model 64, but a whole lot with it's blued steel model 10 counterpart. It is a superb service pistol, that in one form or another has been in continues production since 1899. My only objection is that if the sights don't align with the point of impact you'll just have to learn to live with it.

 

[DPris]

Naw, Fuff- that's what files & babbitts are for!
Denis

 

[Old Fuff]

Naw, Fuff- that's what files & babbitts are for.

Obviously you are one of those New School people who never heard of a hammer...

I'm sure you must remember how I mentioned using one to retime Colt hand ejectors.

One time I got caught making some "adjustments" on an army officer's pet Python, and thought my days (minutes?) were numbered.

 

[jmace57]

In my opinion, the model 66 is priced $100 high and the model 15 at least $150 high.

 

[DPris]

Yep, New School.
Introduced to a babbitt in the Academy in '81 when the firearms instructor took his out of the toolbox & told me not to look at what he was going to do to my Smith.
Denis

 

[Old Fuff]

Introduced to a babbitt in the Academy in '81 when the firearms instructor took his out of the toolbox & told me not to look at what he was going to do to my Smith.

Ya' know, it's lucky neither of us has been beaten to death. Gun-fix'n should be conducted in great privacy inside deep caves.

 

[Gordon]

get the 66 as it is pinned and recessed and shoots any available ammo.

 

[bannockburn]

1) Model 66
2) Model 15
3) Model 64

 

[DPris]

Denis

 

[jad0110]

What barrel length is the 66? That has a huge impact on price. In my region a no dash 66 6" would be about $550 to $600, a 4" 600 to 650, a 2.5" 700 to 750 and a 3" at least 900. In most of the country, the days of a sub $500 66 are long gone.

The other guns are perhaps $50 too high for my area. Can't speak for yours.

 

[USSR]

If the Model 66 No Dash comes with the original grips, I'd be all over that. I'd have it up to 98% condition in about 3 hours time. That's the beauty of stainless steel - the original condition can be restored.

Don

 

[Twiki357]

All I can ad is that I agree with jmace57 in post 8. If the model 66 is a 2.5” barrel, then $650 is good to go. I would go with the 66 if you can get the seller down $50 to $100.

 

[popeye]

Please excuse my thread drift. A mod 15 2" is one of the prettiest revolvers I've ever seen. I could have had this one a few years back but regretfully took a pass. The square to round butt was beautifully done, and the service style stags are the finishing touch. On topic: I'd take the $400 64 and apply the saved cash towards the next gun.

 

[TfflHndn]

All three are 4-inch barrels.

 

[Deaf Smith]

If the 66 is a 2 1/2 inch snob get it.

I'm a fool for K frame snubs.

Deaf

 

[Coyote3855]

I have all three of the referenced Smiths. Price is right for the 64. $550 does seem high for a 90% Model 15. I recently bought a police turnin 15 that was probably 80-85% for $300 out the door with shipping and FFL fee. I'd try to bargain for the 15 however as I am a great fan of the Combat Masterpiece. While others have listed the 15 as a target gun, the makers called it a Combat Masterpiece for a reason. With modern ammunition, it is no slouch in the personal protection realm.

As others have implied, your intended use should drive your choice.