New to Me Smith and Wesson Model 64-5

[Tallball]

My daughter is getting older and will leave the nest before long. She said recently that when she was old enough and had her own place she would probably want one of my handguns. She used to shoot with me quite a bit and is a pretty good shot. After several discussions and thinking about it, her goal was to eventually highjack one of my treasured classic 38/357 revolvers.

Using my super heroic Dad Abilities, I headed her off at the pass and bought this law enforcement turn-in Model 64-5. I know she likes a K-frame, and I happened to have a spare set of Herret Target grips in my "box o 'grips". (She is 6'2" and has large hands.)

I was successful. She likes the Model 64 very much and will be happy to take possession of it one day. Before long we will test it out at the range and make sure it works properly. When she's old enough and asks for it, it's hers. Until then I will keep it company and give it a little bit of exercise sometimes.

It's been carried a lot, and I would guess it was shot with some regularity, though it still locks up nice and tight. The trigger is very good. We'll take it to the range soon and see what kind of ammo it likes.

Smith and Wesson Model 64-5 38 special

• Tallball
• Jun 3, 2021

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

Gotta love a K-frame in 38 Spl. I have a few, or maybe more than a few; who's counting.

It will serve her well.

 

[stanley_white]

Great story!

I love my 64 with Bill Jordan Pachmayr grips.

-Stan

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Nicely done!

I gave my oldest a stainless revolver too- tough, low-maintainance, simple manual of arms and jam-free.

 

[ontarget]

Can't go wrong with a 64. I think mine is a -8? It has the 2 piece barrel and is my only Smith with the dreaded lock, but I still love it.
Very smooth action and DA trigger.

 

[J-Bar]

Good on you, Dad!

 

[stonebuster]

Great idea as a gift and great you can enjoy shooting together.

 

[stonebuster]

Can't go wrong with a 64. I think mine is a -8? It has the 2 piece barrel and is my only Smith with the dreaded lock, but I still love it.
Very smooth action and DA trigger.
View attachment 1002595

I bought a lightly used 64-8 like yours a few years ago for $300 OTD. I would've preferred a pre lock but it's tight as a drum and the price was too good to pass up. No regrets.

 

[Tallball]

Doubtless it would have been cheaper a couple of years ago. I won it for a $406 bid, which wasn't bad, but the shipping and taxes and FFL took it up to about $500 OTD.

I already had the grips. I got a good deal on them, but they didn't balance right with any of my K-frames, so they were just sitting around. I had various grips for her to try on the Model 10, but it turned out that the Herrett's are very well suited to a 4" heavy barrel... and fit her hands very well... and she likes the way they look. They could use a little more finishing (in progress), but they are a good tight fit.

She enjoyed shooting 38 specials out of medium-frame revolvers growing up. Now that she's taller and stronger the recoil will be negligible. If she eventually becomes a shooter like her dad, cool; it can be the beginning of her collection. If it sits in a sock drawer, at least she'll remember how it works if she ever has to pull it out.

I don't know if she'll ever decide to CC or not. That will be her decision. I'm pleased to know that she will feel more comfortable with a firearm in her own home. Growing up, she told me she felt extra safe at home because she knew her dad had guns in case something really scary happened.

We'll have fun putting this veteran through its paces soon. These nice old K frames are always so pleasant to shoot.

The top of front sight is now painted yellow, because that's the color of nail polish she could find.

 

[Riomouse911]

That is a great gift!

I bought my 64-3 from AIM Surplus, it is also a turn in gun that came with Hogue grips and a baby blue front-sight paint job. Mine locks up like yours, but it looks like it was used to pound tacks a bit so the finish is rough. I redid the sight with white-then-Blaze Orange model paint and it shoots like a champ.



Sooner or later I’ll bead blast it to pretty it up a bit.

The 50 shots above were classic 2.8 gr Bullseye -148 gr DEWC loads at 10 yds, but my go to for all around .38 Spl. shooting is 4.5 gr Unique and a 158 gr SWC. This one is just enough to be a reasonable defensive or trail load without beating up the gun or shooter. You can go a bit stouter into +P territory with a bit more powder, but I prefer to keep my load as is.

Good luck finding a load your daughters new gun likes, and may she follow proudly in your footsteps enjoying firearms and shooting!

Stay safe.

 

[LeftyRed]

Great story!

I love my 64 with Bill Jordan Pachmayr grips.

-Stan

I had a set on an old 681. Best feeling grips! Wish I still had them and the 681.

Used the 64 a lot, great pistol.

Lefty

 

[dougader]

The Model 64 is a great revolver. Good job, Dad!