Smith & Wesson Model 63 Serial Number

[Lonestar38]

Hello All,
I am new to this forum, and I need some help. I have inherited two revolvers from my Father.
They are both Smith & Wesson Revolvers.
Model 63
Stainless Steel
4'' Barrel
6 shot
Original wood handles
Serial Numbers M1206XX
M1602XX
Both are Brand New and in original box and still wrapped in the original S&W paper.
I am looking for the date of production and if they are still in production.
From what I have read, these original production one's are no longer in production. However, S&W did start manufacturing a newer model 63 (8-shot, and 5'' barrell version).
I know that S&W wants $50.00 to tell me all of this, but I am sure there are enough seasoned gun enthusiasts out there who could help me.
Thank You all in advance for your help. Lonestar38

 

[Plan2Live]

Great guns (no pun intended). You are lucky to have them in your possession although you have my condolences for how that came to be. I am considering buying one of recent manufacture for a training platform for new shooters I encounter. Good luck on your quest. You will get the right response soon.

 

[msnden]

Lonestar, take one of the grips off, I have found that sometimes the date is stamped there.

 

[Shear_stress]

M1206xx: 1978-79
M1602xx: 1981

 

[sgtstryker]

Those are a couple of nice revolvers.. The M12XXXX is from 1978-1979 and the M16XXXX is from 1981, according to the Standard Catalog.. Sorry about that..

 

[sgtstryker]

Those particular models are no longer produced. S&W brought it back out in 2007, I think, as an eight shooter and has the safety lock. It is still produced but looks nothing like your two guns. They are keepers, for sure.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The current Model 63 has an 8 round cylinder, a 3" barrel and rubber grips.

Sorry about your Dad. Those are very nice revolvers. Don't sell them if you don't have to...

 

[Lonestar38]

Thanks To All for responding!!
I really appreciate all your help!!

 

[Fremmer]

Wow, those are beautiful revolvers! God bless your Father.

 

[Stainz]

The 5" 63 x8 production was 2007-2010, while the 3" 63 x8 came out 11/2010 and is still in production. My pair sport '60 Pro' style grips and the 5"-er got a HiViz sight; the 3"-er came so equipped and had a better trigger right out of the box. I'd like to find a good 4" 63 - it would fill a void, of sorts. I am sorry you had to lose your Dad to gain the revolvers - but happy he thought enough of you to pass them on.



Last fall I found an ANIB 4" 651 - same size and vintage as your 4" 63's, but a 6-shooter in .22 WMR. I got it a '60 Pro' grip, too:



Stainz