Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 64-3 DAO Converted

Serial Number: 7D09581

Year of Manufacture: 1980 / Modern

Caliber: .38 Spl.

Action Type: Double Action Only Converted Revolver with a Fluted Swing-Out Cylinder and Bobbed Hammer

Barrel Length: 4". Pinned. The barrel has been replaced.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch cut into the trough in the top-strap. The top strap has three drilled, tapped, and empty holes for a previously installed adjustable rear sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one piece cobblestone textured rubber overmolded Hogue Monogrip with finger grooves. There are scattered handling marks. There are no rips or tears. Overall the grips rate in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless and Blued

Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The barrel is not original to the gun.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion in the bore. There is light fouling. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: The balance of the finish shows heavy handling and operational wear. The barrel is not correctly oriented, rotated about 5 degrees to the left. The front sideplate screw is missing, also allowing the crane to be removed from the frame. The backstrap and trigger guard have been heavily stippled. There are scratches scattered throughout. The flame cut is deep under the top strap. There is scattered finish loss on the barrel along with some mottled oxidation. The crane falls out of the frame when opened. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Poor condition.

Mechanics: The bobbed hammer has been short stroked. The action functions correctly. However, due to the missing sideplate screw, the crane falls out of the frame when opened and needs to be manually set in order to close the cylinder. The cylinder lockup has modest side-to-side play. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Smith and Wesson Model 64-3 dates to 1980 and reflects the utilitarian stainless K-frame revolvers widely adopted by American law enforcement during the late revolver service era. Originally chambered in .38 Special, the Model 64 was valued for corrosion resistance, durability, and straightforward fixed sight configuration. This example has been converted to double action only with a bobbed hammer, a modification commonly encountered on police trade-in revolvers intended to reduce snag risk and simplify manual operation in duty use. The barrel has been replaced, and was likely intended for use with an optic as it is not properly oriented for use of the front sight. Additionally, the front sideplate screw is missing, so the crane is not properly retained in the frame.

The .38 Special cartridge has long been associated with controllability and service reliability, making it a natural pairing for the Model 64 platform. This revolver shows extensive alterations and should still prove to be a good project gun.