A while back, we featured the work of a French gunsmith, Cedric, on TFB’s Wheelgun Wednesday, in which he had worked his magic on a Smith & Wesson 617. Well, for one of his latest projects, he souped up a Smith & Wesson 64 revolver for a retired police officer that carried this revolver for years. Cedric said that this project involved a lot of polishing, adding a single gas port to the barrel, and replacing the rubber grips with the ever-beautiful Nill wood grips.

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NEW LIFE FOR A Smith & Wesson 64 REVOLVER

The S&W 64 is a stainless steel, six-shot .38 Special revolver built on the K Frame, essentially a stainless version of the Model 10. The Smith & Wesson 64 was introduced in 1970 and was only recently discontinued, giving it a 50-year run, and was also known for its service with the New York Police Department. The Model 64 features a basic integrated, serrated ramp front sight, and a fixed gutter rear sight milled into the top strap. This combination of the nonadjustable rear sight and unswappable front sight means that it was truly built for defensive use and could withstand a bit of abuse.

Image credit: Smith & Wesson

Cedric’s work on this particular Smith & Wesson 64 really accentuates the no-nonsense purpose-built revolver, while making it pleasant to look at as well. Cedric said that the single port he added to the barrel works great, which also enhances its role and aesthetic as a defensive carry piece, even if the owner no longer carries it. Another great addition in this vein is the Nill grips. If you’ve seen some of their more elaborate grips (see the link in the first paragraph), they can certainly increase the “shock and awe” value, however, the stocks chosen for this refurbish are much more subdued, while still working to keep the shooter’s hand where it needs to be.

As for the polishing, you can see hints of Cedric’s work on the trigger and hammer, which are the only indicators this Model 64 has been tenderly cared for on the inside as well. I recommend that you check out the rest of Cedric’s photos of this beautiful S&W Model 64 on his Instagram page, including a before picture, this post which you can view directly HERE, or visit his profile page @cedric_armurier, where he always posts lots of detailed photos of his work. I believe you should be able to view his Model 64 post even if you don’t have your own Instagram account (someone correct me if I’m wrong), but if you do have an account, I highly recommend you start following Cedric, you won’t be disappointed!

What do you think about Cedric’s work on this S&W 64? If you have your own Model 64, let us know how you like it.