Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns S&W 63 is it an essential 22lr?

Yes, there are indeed:

I bought one for use as a pocket beer can shooter. And with the idea that my wife might actually shoot it a little and kinda learn the ropes of a handgun.

Sam,

I tried that in 1984 when I met my wife to be with my M63 and she just had zero interest in shooting it or anything else since. She sews and golfs, I shoot and tinker with cars. We're good.

I have a 6” 617 10 shot that shoots very well with ammo it likes. I also have, for when I just want a .22 handy for close-range work that doesn’t require extreme accuracy, a 317 3”. You can learn a lot about grip and trigger control from a 12 oz., 3” revolver.

My 63 in it's current dress. The adjustable sight 317 is a step above the shorter fixed sight 317 but doubt I'll ever shoot it as well as he 63...spent a few years on that. The two on the right are just a part of the J frame battery.

My 63 made a visit to the local former LEO gunsmith for the local PD and has the smoothest double action pull I have ever felt since. It must have close to 10,000 rounds though it as it was also used by 4 sons during their teenage years and loved by all of them. It was incredibly accurate, due to the trigger I think, and was a constant companion when out fishing or bird hunting.

I gave it to one of our sons when he went away to college as he did not have any handguns at the time. It is a favorite shooter for him also now that he has many handguns and long guns.

I have warned him to never never never sell that shooter.....but gave permission for him to pass it on to his oldest son at the proper time.

I have been keepin an eye on another 63 and also hoping that I could find another gunsmith like that older LEO one who has since passed on.

I've got the 317 AirLite 3" barrel already. I was thinking 63 might be about the easiest to use but it seems the consensus is the 17/617 K-frame. Maybe it's better, I have larger hands. I did lift and put an 617 in my hands once that was 22mag and it seemed quite heavy. I need to look more into these model 63, 17 and maybe even the SP101.

In auto packing pistols already got the ruger 22/45 and an old S&W 442. The 442 is pretty good but I'll look more into these l frame d e

I love the 63 for an easy to carry hiking gun, but it wouldn't be my pick for a hunting gun. I prefer a larger framed S&W or even a Ruger Single Six as a hunting 22LR. Or even a good automatic for their normally better accuracy.

It would be nice if Colt could actually get some of these out to the public. They introduced it last summer but it's not even on their website yet. I had a King Cobra Target .357 briefly and overall it was a good firearm with a great DA trigger.

Similar deal here Ed, my wife has never been into guns.


That Colt looks nice, I want one!

OldPineCreeker,

The 63 will be easier to shoot accurately, than the 317.

The 63 will be easier to pack, while with 17 will be easier to shoot accurately.

Try the Model 17, as opposed to the 617. Still heavy (relative to a Mod. 63) but much lighter than the 617 (no heavy underlug).

Better yet, for weight, packability, and ease of shooting... look for a Mod. 18. Which is on the K-frame like the 17/617, but has the shorter 4-inch barrel and no underlug.
Model 17, Model 18 & Model 63;


Jerry

Theoldpinecricker: In my experience and opinion the Smith & Wesson Model 63 is an absolute essential handgun for an outdoorsman to own!
I bought my first Model 63 45 years ago and have been an avid user, proponent and fan ever since. I currently own four of them in both 4" and 2" versions.
So easy to carry, so reliable, so resistant to wear - and in my mind, so accurate, for a "kit gun" - I would highly recommend you find one.
And as another plus they are appreciating in value at a very pleasing rate for those of us that already own them!
I also have the Model 63's "big brother" (the 22 Magnum version Model 651) and also hold it in very high esteem!
Best of luck to you if you decide to try one.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I've had a 317, and an older 63. Handy to pack but hard for me to shoot accurately. The 17 is heavier and longer, but packs nicely and I can definitely shoot it much more accurately.

Regards,
Manny

"Essential"?
No.

I would consider a K22, Outdoorsman, or M17/18 essential.

I would agree with this, but after you get the above a model 63 would be a great addition. I have a lot of .22’s, they are cheap to shoot and give you an excellent chance to improve your shooting without any recoil fatigue.
My M17-3 made in 1971 is great revolver. Get one before the prices get way to high

The market for various S&W revolvers has gone soft recently so there are definitely some buys out there now, "buys" being relative to prices asked and paid over the previous two years.

Just did a quick check on completed gunbroker auctions and Model 17's in decent shape actually have a "6" as the first digit in their selling price. Last year folks were asking 800, 900, over $1000 for one. Same with Model 63's, the real ones with 6 shots and a 4" barrel - they are going for a bit more but the ones that actually sell are going for somewhere in the 700's, those priced in the 800's sit there until the auction ends.

Lots of folks on our local Zidaho classified site, especially dealers, still think any Smith revolver in any kind of shape is worth north of $800 but most of those sit for two months until the ad expires.

How about a model 35 Smith?

That is not one you see every day.

Looks like one that is in shooter condition too. I like those kind myself.

I found one those on gunbroker recently. I put a stupid high bid on it. The second I hit the bid button that little voice popped in my head "you're an idiot." My high bid lasted about 15 minutes before a bigger idiot than me came along. Whew 🥴

I think it's at $1550 at now.

I have a 34 and a 17. The 34's are nice to carry. The 17 is easier to get small groups. The first 34 I had was stolen, at the time, I didn't have many revolvers. I really missed that 34 and had to have another when I could afford it.