Just picked up a new S&W Model 63-4 (J-frame, SS, 8 shot, .22lr, 5" barrel).
The attached picture is the S&W catalog one. Mine is no where near as pretty, in fact it looked like a used gun--dirty and dull. I've cleaned it up, but it still isn't as nicely polished as the one they show. I expected a new gun to look, well, new.
That's about the only negative thing I have to say about it. At 30 oz (according to the box), it feels light compared to a K or L frame. The balance is good. I didn't notice any barrel heaviness with the 5" barrel. The sights are decent, but I'd like to see if it can take a fiber optic sight like the Mod. 317. The grip is the standard hard rubber J frame grip. I like the grip. It fits me well single handed, but it feels a little short when shooting two handed.
Shooting? Nice. I had 150 rounds--50 Remington Thunderball, 50 Winchester Wildcat, and 50 PMC target pistol. Each load performed differently. PMC was best on accuracy, about 3" group at 10 yds, and hit a point of aim; Remington a little larger group, hit a little below poa; Winchester in the middle for accuracy, hit a little above poa. The trigger is crisp and feels light. There's a breakpoint that you can catch with practice that allows you shoot DA almost like SA. I'm working on that, and I'm sure groups will tighten up with practice. I really like the fact that I can shoot the .22 for a long time for the price of 1 box of .38 special or .375 magnum.
Overall? I'm pleased with it, and hope to enjoy it for years to come.
The attached picture is the S&W catalog one. Mine is no where near as pretty, in fact it looked like a used gun--dirty and dull. I've cleaned it up, but it still isn't as nicely polished as the one they show. I expected a new gun to look, well, new.
That's about the only negative thing I have to say about it. At 30 oz (according to the box), it feels light compared to a K or L frame. The balance is good. I didn't notice any barrel heaviness with the 5" barrel. The sights are decent, but I'd like to see if it can take a fiber optic sight like the Mod. 317. The grip is the standard hard rubber J frame grip. I like the grip. It fits me well single handed, but it feels a little short when shooting two handed.
Shooting? Nice. I had 150 rounds--50 Remington Thunderball, 50 Winchester Wildcat, and 50 PMC target pistol. Each load performed differently. PMC was best on accuracy, about 3" group at 10 yds, and hit a point of aim; Remington a little larger group, hit a little below poa; Winchester in the middle for accuracy, hit a little above poa. The trigger is crisp and feels light. There's a breakpoint that you can catch with practice that allows you shoot DA almost like SA. I'm working on that, and I'm sure groups will tighten up with practice. I really like the fact that I can shoot the .22 for a long time for the price of 1 box of .38 special or .375 magnum.
Overall? I'm pleased with it, and hope to enjoy it for years to come.
