Tell me about the SW model 65

[jaholder1971]

Didn't get out today, but did get some photos.



That's an original Roy Baker holster TPD gave Dad when they issued him the 65.

 

[florida1098]

how do I clean?

Have'nt cleaned my M65 after firing at the range for about 4 yrs. Is there a way to get the black marks off the cylider/hammer ? specific products please..
If I could trade this for a new S&W for less than $300 ( out of pocket plus 65) is it worth it?
Thanks

 

[Oro]

Off topic, but what I do is just soak it in Hoppes - if it's bad I take it off the frame, remove the ejector and let it sit face down for a while - overnight if it's bad. If you don't have a tool to get the ejector rod off w/o marring it, or don't feel comfortable with that, then just wipe it down and let it set a while. Use some scotch brite to help remove it, but nothing harsher or you'll scratch the cylinder face. Repeat the process until you get it as clean as you want.

Part II -

Yes, you could sell the gun and add $300 and just squeak into a new 620 or 686 or other models if you wanted. I'd rather have an older pre-2000 gun myself. My only real complaint with the 65 is the fixed sights - practical and maintenance free, but harder to see to acquire a target at distance. As I get older my eyes like the rr/wo adjustable more and more, and the Hi-viz set up is just wonderful (have it on a 1911).

 

[Virginian]

Of all the guns I have bought and sold over the years, I have very few regrets. One was letting a 4" 65 go. 20 years later, still the most accurate centerfire handgun I have ever owned.

 

[colubrid]

My 65 has a 3" barrel on it with round butt grips. It is a very nice carry gun. The only problem I had was finding a good paddle holster.

What brand paddle holster did you go with?

 

[AStone]

A couple of years ago, I owned a 686 4". Loved it except that I couldn't get used to the 4" barrel.
Just didn't balance well and point quickly enough for me.

So I sold it, and replaced it with a 65 3". Perfect for me: balances great, points quickly.

First time to the range, it offered up a couple of failure to fire rnds.

Took it to my smith recently for an opinion.
"Trigger feels light to me", he said. "Somebody either tried to lighten the hammer spring, or replaced it."

I left it with him for repair.

I've been thinking that eventually, I'd want to replace it with a 3" 686.
But after reading this thread, I'm not so sure any more.

Now, if I can just find a holster for it.
Would like a drop holster suitable for wearing with a large belted backpack for the outback.

 

[Frank4711]

Great Smith!!

 

[Confederate]

As much as I like the S&W 65/66 revolvers, I'm partial to the Ruger Speed-Six. It has all the strength of a Security-Six packed in a small package that's every bit as nice as the 65.

I bought the model below in .38 Spc a number of years back. I took it to a very good gunsmith (Sandy Garrett of No. Virginia) and asked him if he could ream out the chambers to accept .357 cartridges. He did and he did so meticulously. The result is that the gun is so accurate that I wish I could get all my .357 cylinders in .38 so I could get that kind of consistency by having them rechambered!

Anyway, the gun has a fantastic action, has never malfunctioned and it feels every bit as good as a Smith 65, though it's much more durable.

 

[AStone]

Anyway, the [Ruger Speed Six] has a fantastic action, has never malfunctioned
and it feels every bit as good as a Smith 65, though it's much more durable.

Cite evidence, please, to support that assertion.

References?