Mod 65 + S&W custom job or 686+?

[wooderson]

Given the choice would you prefer a service-issues Mod 65 (from Summit) + the S&W "combat revolver package" (glass-bead finish, action/trigger job, etc.), or a new 686? (686 comes out about $100-125 more, any custom job on it would have to wait a while)

Primarily a range gun, 38Spl FMJ and wadcutters. I'd shoot a box of .357 once in a blue moon with the 686.

 

[xring]

Tough call. If the new 686 has the lock, go with the 65. What are the barrel lengths?

 

[wooderson]

4" on the M65 - probably 4" on the 686. I had considered a 6", but the longer barrel doesn't seem as well balanced in my hand.

 

[hexidismal]

Primarily a range gun, 38Spl FMJ and wadcutters. I'd shoot a box of .357 once in a blue moon with the 686.

Well, I thought the same thing when I got my nice worked 66 .. but just recently after I caught myself running a lot more boxes of 357 than 38s through it, I decided to buy a 686. Actually, I decided to buy a 686 or a King Cobra.. but I wound up going with a mildly used pre-lock 686 I found with a fair price tag. It's nice to have a worked gun, but I would suggest from those two that you go with the 686.

 

[earplug]

Model 65

I have a M-65 4 inch square butt next to my bed.
Last year I used it several times at a local steel plate shoot.
Have been thinking about getting a 9mm for a fun gun.
Shot the M-65 again Sat. and I really don't need another pistol.
If your think you need a action job, do it.
I did the spring kit and some polishing, its a fine pistol.
I'm considering some sort of dark finish, black chome or ?

 

[Majic]

As a range gun I would go with the M686 because of the adjustable sights and you wanting to shoot various ammo.

 

[Jim Watson]

Agree with Majic, the adjustable sights of the 686 would be essential for me on a target gun. Friend of mine struggled to shoot a 13 at IDPA with the small fixed sights he could not see well and could not zero for the ammo.