sw model 64-7 357?

[totallycustom]

I have a smith and wesson 64 in 38 special, 4" hb,stainless, DAO. I have heard that early model 64-1s were produced in 357 mag.

Is my gun strong enough to be rechambered? If you say no what specifically is the weak point? What evidence?

I just can't possibly beleive that its weaker than the new little ruger poly frame 357 lcr.

How totally wrong am I ?

Thanks

[bhn22]

As I recall, .357 cylinders are heat-treated differently.

[9.3X62AL]

I can't say one way or the other as to chambering of Model 64s in any caliber other than 38 Special. There was the Model 65, S/S fixed-sight service model K-frame 357 with 3" or 4" barrel.

The Model 64 is a VERY tough and resilient 38 Special revolver. I sent many hundreds of #358156 from its 4" barrel at 1100-1150 FPS, without a bit of strain or loosening. My current service 357 loads (WIN 158 grain JHP) run 1225-1235 FPS from a 4" Model 686. Not a big difference in real-world effectiveness. Current SAAMI specs for the 357 Magnum are about a dead heat with a lot of the old 38-44 load levels. The line between the two calibers is blurred and indistinct to someone that knows his/her way around both chamberings.

With that in mind, I would leave that Model 64 in its original caliber. K-frame 357s shouldn't be loaded with 357 rounds surpassing current SAAMI specs anyway, so the net gain realized by rechambering is minscule.

[totallycustom]

http://www.lesjones.com/posts/004474.shtml

FYI- This is a link to an article on the .357 64-1 models pre model 65.

Would it be possible then to just get another cylinder in 357? What it time ok or would it have to be worked on?

I suppose according to your info that it doesnt really matter anyways then.

[machinisttx]

A revolver is not a plug and play device like most autoloaders. If you replace anything on a revolver it will require fitting, especially something like a cylinder.

[totallycustom]

Machinisttx thats what I thought. I will just leave it alone for now. Thanks

[9.3X62AL]

T-C......

Many thanks for sharing that information. That's the first documentation I've seen of such animals. Never say "never", and never say "always" when it comes to nomenclature or variants from standard factory offerings.

The 357 Magnum as originally loaded by Douglas Wesson is a great deal more powerful than 38 Specials, and should not be fired in any K-frame 357 Magnum revolver (my opinion only, I'm a little cautious about this). The 357 Magnum as loaded to current SAAMI specs is no problem for the K-frames. The two calibers--38 Special +P and 357 Magnum--are a lot closer pressure-wise than in the old days.

I don't currently load the K-frame 38 Specials as heavily as I once did. Having several 357 Magnums on board that can manage 1935-level loads quite capably, there is no real need to run them at red-line. I really enjoy Lyman #358429 at 950 FPS, which is a +P+ level load per SAAMI, but the Model 10 x 5" dotes on it. I also load 357s to similar speeds with that same boolit for the Model 19 x 2.5" and the 686 x 4". Herco gets the nod for that work.

[376Steyr]

I suggest you also ask this question at smith-wessonforum.com They have some expert opinions over there, and some "expert" opinions too. Seriously, they have some extremely knowlegable folks contributing there, mixed in with the usual internet chaff. My two cents worth is to leave it in .38 Special, as one of the common questions asked at the S&W forum is "I have a xx that has been rechambered to .357, is it safe to shoot?".

[signsrup]

The cylinders of the S&W K frame magnums are actually longer than the 38's. Although your cylinder is long enough to re-chamber, and actually fit a 357 cartridge in, the barrel actually extends farther from the frame (to reach the shorter cylinder), leaving the forcing cone with less support.

That being said, K-frames are plenty of gun for 38+p loads, and there are a bunch of trade-in 66's in the market right now if you're wanting a magnum K.

If I had my mind set on lots of magnum shooting, there are better choices out there. S&W L and N frames, or any of the Rugers.

Hope this helps,
Eric

[S.R.Custom]

I sold an S&W Model 10 earlier this year that was chambered in .357. It was apparently some kind of special run for the NY state police at one point, so anything is possible. Who can say for certain --aside from S&W that is-- what the difference, if any, is.

But this much is true-- there are a bazillion K-frame .357s out there to be had for cheap, so it makes no sense to throw time & money at a .38 to duplicate what's already available.

But if you have to know, try the Lyman 358156 mould. It has a second crimp groove that allows you to load .38 cases to .357M overall length, thus allowing published .357 magnum loads in .38 cases.