S&W Model 64 Barrel Markings

[dillardrg]

I just purchased 3 LEO trade S&W Model 64s and 1 Model 10.

The 64s were all made in 1994. 2 of them have SNs within 20 numbers,
BSN60x4 and BSN60x4. The 3rd is BSN334x.

The 2 with the almost matching SNs have barrel markings; "SMITH & WESSON" on the left side and ".38 S.& W. SPECIAL CTG." on the right. These are the markings on the Model 10 also which is a 1998 manufacture.

The 304x has theses markings; ".38 S.& W. SPL.+P" on the left side and "SMITH & WESSON" on the right.

These revolvers appear to identical in all regards except for the barrel markings. What's up with that?

 

[au_prospector]

They look good to me!

Mr. Google says Model 10 is available in blue or nickel finish.
It also says the Model 64 is the stainless steel version of the Model 10.

Physically they should look exactly alike except for the finish which the model 10 should look a bit different than the other two model 64's upon close inspection.

They look like a great trio! What does LEO trade refer to? Law Enforcement Office Trade ins? If so, they appear to be well taken care of! nice find.

Oh and I forgot, the +P means you can use .38 Special +P rounds which have a bit more powder charge and velocity than standard .38 Special rounds. It is a hot .38 load, but not quite as much as a .357 magnum. The firearms that dont have this stamp, you should take care NOT to fire +P rounds in them where it would be okay to fire +P rounds in the revolver with the +P designation. Shouldnt mix them up, I dont think.

 

[dillardrg]

Thanks Gold_P

All three 64s are 64-5s from 1994 and are indentical except for the barrel markings. All 3 are good for +P even though 2 are not marked for it.

I was just wondering why S&W would mark a barrel differently on the same model from the same year. And an earlier SN than the other 2 with the "standard" markings for that year.

I have a 1998 Model 10-10 that has the same markings as the 2 64s with the "standard" markings, so it wasn't a transition to "new" markings.

I expect it is one of those S&W mysteries.

Here is my Model 10-10 with her cousins(one of which is the oddball). All are former LEO(Law Enforcement Officer) trades;