Model 64-3 .357 Mag?

[magician422]

I came across this ad today and am wanting to buy this revolver:

"For Sale, Smith & Wesson model 64-3
.357 magnum stainless steel
4" barrel
holster marks on barrel and cylinder.
Price: $425"

I know the Model 64 was made in .38 Special, but I am not sure if they were made in .357 Mag. Can anyone better inform me on this?

Pictures attached

 

[MIL-DOT]

You're correct, the M64 was chambered in .38, they're the stainless version of the venerable Model10.
J&G sales (among others) used to have these for sale for under $300 (I got one of them for around $260, 3+ years ago). They were trade-ins from a security company like brinks, IIRC. Most were also converted to DAO (double-action only), though I believe they bobbed the hammers on these. Check under the crane and grip for any etched-in serial number from someone other than S&W.
I believe there is a sticky at the top of the revolver sub-forum here that gives tips on checking a revolver for proper lock-up,timing,etc. You should check that out.
Being misadvertised is an obvious red flag, that's a difficult mistake to make.
I would think $425 was a little steep, but not necessarilly if it's really nice. Check Gunbroker to see what others are asking, and more importantly, what some have actually sold for, to get an idea of where the market really is on these.
I'm sure you'll get some better, more detailed responses shortly.

 

[magician422]

Thanks for the input. The cylinder looks like a .357 mag instead of a .38 special.

 

[rcmodel]

According to the Standard Catalog of S&W, there were 750 made in 1973 (64-1)

No indication they ever did it again, as by 1977 when the 64-3 change was made, they were already making the same gun in .357, the Model 65, and had been starting in 1972.

So, I don't know what you have there.

rc

 

[magician422]

Yes, I was wondering is it might be a model 65

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like RC said, there were a limited run made in .357 magnum but why is only a guess. The M64 is supposed to be a fixed sight .38 and the M65 the fixed sight .357.

S&W probably didn't have the frames in stock for a rush order so they used already stamped frames with a M64 on them since there is no difference in the frame of the M64, M65, M66 and M67.

 

[MIL-DOT]

So this is either a rare (and therefore highly desirable) M64 chambered in .357, or (as per ArchAngel's theory) it's a M65 that S&W used the "wrong" frame on for expediency? Given that it's a dash-3, it would have to be the latter, right?

 

[magician422]

Ok, so no surprise here, but they guy made a mistake. The gun is a Model 65-4, not a 64-3.

The number under the trigger is BFL2184.
Anyone have an idea of the year this gun was made

Also, is $425 still the correct valuation of the gun?

 

[bearman49709]

Not unusual for a incorrect model number stamp on a S&W frame.
This does not add or subtract any value for the gun.

 

[Coyote3855]

If that's the serial number, it was probably shipped (S&W does not/did not track manufacture dates) between July 1990 and January 1991. However, it is unusual for the serial number to be "under the trigger." I'm not sure where that would be. I have a Model 15 with a company number on the bottom of the trigger guard, but it's not the serial. The serial number should be stamped on the bottom of the butt. You may have to remove the grips if they cover that area.

Value is very dependent on condition. For $425, I would expect excellent condition of metal and grips. If he has the original box, tools, and paperwork, it's a good price.