S&W 64-2 Advice Needed

[aguyindallas]

Ok, so about a year ago, I picked up one of those Cal Dept of Corrections (CDC) police trades. You know, carried a ton, shot twice a year (because they HAD to qualify). Anyway, I have resolved that this gun will be a keeper. I have shot it, carried it and just simply like it. With that in mind, I am trying to decide what/how I should go about getting a few minor things taken care of.

1. When held a certain way, with the cylinder open, the cylinder slightly touches the frame and has some rub marks/scratching from it. It does not seem like it has excessive wear/play at any other time than this. Locks up tight as a drum.

2. I am trying to talk good ole DHart into letting me send it to him for some finish TLC. He does such a great job re-touching the stainless...hopefully he will take this one on.

3. I need some pretty K frame Square grips for her. The old factory grips are crappy and small. I like larger grips on wheel guns like this. I put some Hogue rubber grips on there and I dont like them either. I need some nice grain wood grips. With that.....lets see some pics of your grips on a Square K-frame.

4. I "think" I want to change the front sight setup, but this is not a top priority.

Any pointers would be helpful.

 

[ColtMember]

A 2" Model 64 snub is one of my most recently manufacturered S&Ws, yet it is one of my favorites. I don't usually buy newer Smiths, but this one came cheap (used), and has a great factory trigger. I've handled other current production Smiths and they just don't compare. I'm not sure why this particular one is such a nice specimen.

I know I haven't addressed any of your questions, but thought I'd share anyways.

 

[aguyindallas]

Not getting any love on this thread.

Ok, DHart is too busy and since he does not advertise himself as a gun refinishing service, I cant blame him for not wanting to take on the job. No big deal.

I am seriously considering Bead Blasting it.

Still on the search for some nice wood though.

 

[R. W. Simms]

I don't know about the love thing, but I wouldn't go to much effort on it. I have on several occasions taken a used gun that struck my fancy and put enough time, money, and effort into it that I could have simply sold the gun, put it with the upgrade money, and bought a nice Python. Instead, I would often have $700 in a gun I could sell for $400. Now if you like projects and tinkering then you can chalk the time, money, & effort up to having an enjoyable activity, which is how I justify it. Sending a used DOC gun out for refinishing might not make a lot of financial sense.

OK, the bead blasting is a good idea and relatively cheap. I've done it on a couple of stainless S&W's (and one mod. 64 in particular) and it does wonders for concealing minor dings and nicks. Bear in mind that it is a major PITA to get all that glass bead dust out of all the various nooks and crannies.

Grips are personal, but I think it's hard to go wrong with a set of Pachmayr Presentation grips on a K-frame. Non-slip and they feel good in the hand. Nothing there not to like unless you just want wood.

What's wrong with the front sight? This is a fixed sight gun and most 64's shoot close to POA. Sight picture is good as is.

I'd say keep it as-is and just enjoy it if it shoots good.

 

[Bulldog]

I picked up a Brinks trade-in DAO 64-5 from Gunmaster in Plano a few weeks ago. I was sent their way by the guys at the Lakeview Pawn Shop in The Colony. They had a 64 that they picked up from Gunmaster, and they had it blasted... looked like a new gun.

I asked Robbie with Lone Star Wholesale if he was up for doing some work, but he referred me to Pete with Pro Kote. So I spoke with Pete at the Denton gun show last weekend, and he said he'd blast it for $65, I think it was. He was working out of McKinney, but he mentioned that he's in Prosper now. The numbers on his card are (940) 465-2756 and (866) 276-7568.

 

[aguyindallas]

Bulldog...small world....

I pass my Lakeview Pawn everyday. I live in Little Elm. I have stopped in there a few times, but never made a purchase. I ALSO spoke to Pro-Kote at the Denton show, but in reference to another project. I didnt realize they did any bead blasting. Thanks for the tip!

 

[JERRY]

i also have one of those CDC 2" model 64s. i would love to have it made to look right and have that stamped CDC XXXX removed, maybe even having the hammer bobbed, but i fear the cost of doing so would be too high after shipping and labor. so for a lawn mowing carry gun, it is fine.

 

[Bulldog]

Bulldog...small world....

I pass my Lakeview Pawn everyday. I live in Little Elm. I have stopped in there a few times, but never made a purchase. I ALSO spoke to Pro-Kote at the Denton show, but in reference to another project. I didnt realize they did any bead blasting. Thanks for the tip!

I stopped by the pawn shop yesterday on the way home from work, and I was talking to one of the older guys (Darrel, I believe). I mentioned my plan of have Pro-Kote blast my 64. He asked me how much he was planning to charge, and when I told him, he just kind of laughed. He said he was the one who blasted the 64 they showed me on my previous visit and that he would do mine for around $20. He said he could probably do it in about an hour while I watch provided they aren't busy.

So there's another tip for ya.

 

[aguyindallas]

I got my $20.00 bead blast done in like 40 mins today. He stripped the gun to nothing, did the work and put her all back together for me.

If my camera was worth a turd, I would take a pic....damn thing.