S&W 64 dash numbers

[MikeG]

A local pawn shop has 3 LE turn in S&W model 64s, a -3, -5, and -8.
I definitely want one but don't know which one.
I'm aware Smith had a period of diminished quality.
Also the -8 has the internal lock.
Assuming equal condition (and they're priced the same), which would be best?

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I would pick the best of the 3 and leave it at that. Do the revolver check, look for boogered up screws, make sure the d/a & s/a are smooth and lockup is tight. The ones being made today are of diminished quality.

 

[Jonesy814]

Same here. All things equal, the dash 3. Might be lucky and get a pinned barrel version. Dash 3 was made from 1977 until 1988. The pinned barrel was deleted in 82. A dash 5 would still have the firing pin on the hammer and all but the last year still had forged hammer & trigger, so that would be the second choice. The dash 8 will have a 2 piece barrel, MIM hammer & trigger as well as the lock

 

[Old Dog]

I'm not one that immediately writes off a Bangor Punta-era Smith until I've checked it out. They're all on the board for me if they came out of the factory before about 1994.

As already noted, dash-3 for sure, but I'd probably settle for a dash-5 if it checks out good. But for a K-frame -- I gotta go with the firing pin on the hammer and no MIM (even though I have owned exactly three S&W revolvers from the modern era).

 

[Agsalaska]

I would get the 3, then the 5. I have a 64 that was a police trade in that is DAO and I shoot it more than most of my other guns. Great trigger.

I must also respond to the comment that 'I'm aware Smith had a period of diminished quality.' Not trying to derail, but I have been shooting, buying and selling S&W revolvers for 22 years of all age/makes/models and I have never laid eyes on a S&W revolver of 'diminished quality.' Production materials, methods, and designs changed and some may consider, say, a recessed cylinder or any of the other many changes to be more or less desirable. But the quality in my experience has always been very high.

 

[UncleEd]

MikeG,

Look at each of them carefully, test
their timing, fit and in your estimation
pick the best. Do not dismiss the -8.
It could be the tightest, least abused.

Blanket statements about diminished
quality are often off base.

 

[Speedo66]

I'm not a fan of the later models for nothing other than aesthetics. I'm sure the quality is there, but I don't care for the hole, or the cylinder release shape it requires.

A pinned barrel in a -3, if there, would be my first choice, assuming it was in overall good shape.

Don't worry about the exterior, a gray Scotchbrite pad matches very well with the factory finish for easy touch ups.

 

[Sistema1927]

Nothing wrong with the Dash-8, even though some purists turn their nose up at it.

The two piece barrel, Hillary Hole, and MIM aren't everyone's cup of tea, but my two Dash-8's are as accurate, or even more so, than the rest of my legacy S&W revolvers.

 

[MikeG]

I probably was wrong on the quality. I wound up getting the -5 Monday.

 

[Agsalaska]

I probably was wrong on the quality. I wound up getting the -5 Monday.

View attachment 1078016

Thats a great gun.

 

[halfmoonclip]

The -5 has the flashchromed parts? Good snag.
They're nice guns.
Moon

 

[AzShooter1]

You did well. It looks great and I love the Packmyer grips. Nice extra.

 

[Riomouse911]

You’ll like it .

All I did with my semi-abused and formerly filthy AIM Surplus Model 64-3 trade-in was paint the front sight white-then-blaze orange so it stood out enough when I am shooting at my local indoor range.



Let us know how it shoots for you when you get a chance to give it some exercise .

Stay safe.

 

[stonebuster]

I probably was wrong on the quality. I wound up getting the -5 Monday.

View attachment 1078016

Nothing wrong with the quality there. I bought a Model 64-5 3 inch yesterday myself and couldn't be more happy with it.

 

[Speedo66]

All I did with my semi-abused and formerly filthy AIM Surplus Model 64-3 trade-in was paint the front sight white-then-blaze orange so it stood out enough when I am shooting at my local indoor range.

View attachment 1078124

Same-same with my 65-5, only thing I added was some flat white on the rear sight. When I was working, I used to keep a red China marker in my drawer for the same purpose. Worked well, just gave it a quick touch up every so often.

OP: good luck with your new gun!

 

[MikeG]

I've painted the front sight and will make up moderate hand loads with lead/powder coated/plated bullets for the range.
The bore and chambers are like new and I'm very pleased with this revolver.
Does anyone know which LE agencies turned these in? I can't find any marks and the importers/dealers won't say.

And Speedo66, I have these two.