Unusual Model 64?

T

tomgow29

New member
I just aquired a 2" S&W model 64. I have an ongoing love affair with short barrelled K frames and this one really struck my fancy as it has an integral partridge style front sight as opposed to the usual ramp front sight. Have I aquired a rare jem or is this a common feature that I have just never seen before?

Any help from them members would be appreciated.
 
The Patridge sight isn't mentioned in the 2nd edition SCOS&W. What's the version number & the first few digits of the serial, if you don't mind? :confused:
 
Tamara,

This is a Model 64-2 and the serial # is 7D72***. There is a small serrated rib that extends for about 1", from the frame to the base of the front sight. Thanks for your help.
 
I'm with my friend Tamara on this one, as I cannot find a reference
to this particular weapon.

Source- Standard Catalog Of Smith & Wesson 2nd edition
by Supica & Nahas

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
We need a picture to give a definite opinion on this.

My best guess until then is:

1. Somebody modified the sight by re-cutting it.

2. This is a very early separate sight S&W. When S&W first went to the separate sight, they took some pains to conceal the fact that the sight was NOT part of the barrel forging.

If so, somebody likely replaced the sight with a Patridge.

On these early guns, the sight is such an excellent fit in the slot it requires a very close look to tell it's not part of the barrel
The pin holding it is finished off in such a manner that it's VERY difficult to detect the presence of the pin.

3. This is a Performance Center custom gun.

So, without a picture, that's the best we can do.
 
Here is a quick shot of the front sight. Sorry if the image quality is poor as I am still learning.
 
Last edited:
Okay, now.

It appears to me that someone has simply done a bit of grinder and/or file work on a standard front sight. The two-inch M64s I've seen have a front sight about identical to the M60, M36, and other J frames - - The front sight is a long serrated ramp, running pretty much from the front of the frame forward.

I agree with Dfariswheel's option 1. Apparently a former owner wanted a vertical post for a clearer sight picture, and simply re-cut the rear face of the standard front sight. I'd wager the sight was made integral with the barrel.

Best,
Johnny
 
Agreed, the sight was altered.

This kind of modification is not uncommon, especially on revolvers.

It's always kind of heart-breaking to come across a fine old gun like an early Colt 357 Model, only to see somebody cut up the front sight and converted it to a Patridge.

This does make for a better target sight, but ruins the value of the gun.
 
I know that it does not show up in the picture, however the rib on top of the barrell is perfectly serrated right up to the base of the front sight. If someone took a grinder to it, they sure did a nice job of finishing/not ruining the sight rib.

Hope that did not sound to snotty as it was not my intent. I am not so concerned about the value of the gun. To my eye if it was modified it appears to be very well done and I intend to keep it and put many hundreds of 140 grn bbwc down range with it.
 
never say never

One thing I've learned about Smith & Wesson and Colt is never say that they never made something. Your front sight was probably altered but it could be factory. Sometimes Police Departments or distrubutors would order a run of guns with some non-standard feature. I know that there were M&Ps with target sights and Model 58s that said 41 Special instead of 41 Magnum. There were 5 inch model 29s and at least one Model 27 made in 22 Long Rifle. Also the Model 27 was available special order in ANY barrel length between 3.5" and 8 3/8". That means in addition to the standard 3.5, 4, 5, 6.5 and 8 3/8, there could be a 4.5 or 5.5 or 7.5 out there somewhere.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top