S&W model 64 chambered in .357?

[psh]

A friend is offering to sell me his old S&W model 64 (stainless, fixed sights, 4-inch barrel). What's interesting is that it says ".357 magnum" on the barrel, and the cylinder accepts .357 cartridges without a problem, yet when I open the cylinder, the model number is clearly engraved as a "64-3". I'm now a bit confused, since I thought the model 64 was chambered for .38 special only, whereas the .357 equivalent would be a model 65.

Is the engraved "64-3" a typo? Or were there model 64's that were manufactured to handle .357 magnum? Would it be safe to fire .357's through this as if it were a model 65?

If it helps, the serial number is 7D84xxx.

He's offering to sell it for $325 -- is that a fair price?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Mike Irwin]

There's something off here, but the 64 WAS chambered in .357 Magnum at one point early in its life.

The 64 was introduced in 1970, and the Model 65, the .357 Magnum with fixed sights, in 1972.

In those two years SOME 64s were chambered in .357 Mag., and sold, as a test bed for the Model 65.

Here's the problem, though. The 64-3 wasn't introduced until 1977, so there shouldn't be any 64-3s chambered in .357 Mag., it should be either a straight 64 (not even sure if any 64s were made as .357s) or a 64-1, which is listed as the origin, for the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol.

The serial number puts it as being produced in 1980 to 1981, which would make it WAY too late for a 64 in .357 Mag.

The 64-3 was introduced in 1977, the 65-3 wasn't introduced until 1982...

I'm thinking that yes, it is a 65, but it was simply mismarked at the factory, which believe it or not is fairly common with S&W.

 

[RON in PA]

If that was a 64-1 it would make more sense as some were made for the Oklahoma State police as prototypes for the M65. Just paid $250 for a used M64, the price you quote might be worth it to an advanced collector.

 

[FPrice]

psh...

The serial number makes it a 1981 gun, right in the 64-3 range. $325 may be a bit high, but if it is in good shape it may be worth it.

In cases like this i strongly suggest that you contact S&W for a history of this gun to see what was up with it. You can contact them at:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/CustSupport/faq.htm#4

to print out a history request. It costs $30 IIRC but in mnay cases it can be worth it.

Good luck.

 

[sm]

Mike, Tamara, and where is Sam when you need him?

I have a mod 64 3" HB, mine is naturally .38 spl . I have heard said a limited number went to the OK State Police at one point in time, in .357 . Rumor, truth,...I have no idea. I have never heard confirmation, and have no resources. I just recall so many years ago this being said, more than once and always referenced OK SP.

Figured you people had sources,and would know.

edit: oops, missed reading the post about prototype above, sorry.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Already covered the Oklahoma State Police guns, 1973.

You're snoozing on the job...

Those guns were produced as 64-1s about 1972.

This gun is showing both an engineering change and a serial number that is far too late for it to have been one of those guns.

 

[sm]

Mike, yeah yeah yeah I know, I was reading, jelly dribbling, from my PB&J, my tongue was still hurting from coffee being too hot, and trying to open the papertowels at the same time...dang mulitasking

I think my glasses now have jelly on them...sheesh...

 

[Mike Irwin]

"I think my glasses now have jelly on them...sheesh..."

BBBBBWWWWWWWWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

 

[C.R.Sam]

Jelly glasses no big deal.
Just got peanut butter on kkkey board and kkkksticks.

Sam

 

[Johnny Guest]

Just out of curiousity - - -

I've seen model 64s - - Standard .38 Spl - - with both heavy and thin ("pencil") barrels. Does the .357 variant of the 64 have the heavy bbl?

Johnny

 

[Mike Irwin]

I BELIEVE they only had the heavy barrels, Johnny, but I'm not sure.