During the last month I have bought two S&W 3" 65's from FFL's with integrity over the net.
1) In an auction, picture of one side only. I purchased the 65. First thing I do when I got an older S&W I take it appart and check the insides for alteration. If altered I restore to original factory spec's. Well, I took this 65 apart and WOW was it rusty inside. I took pictures sent them to seller and he offered a full refund.
BUT THE WIZARD I AM WITH STAINLESS....I wanted to discuss an alternative. We both agreed. He sent me some money back. I worked on the 65, it's still a tiny bit ruff but the internals are impeccable.
Plus I have handled Smiths for more than 35+yrs this 65 had the best lock up when cocked to fire: ABSOLUTELY NO CYLINDER END SHAKE OR MOVEMENT AND ALIGNMENT WAS DEAD ON.
OWNER MUST'A BEEN a dick-head who fired a bunch of lead wadcutters then put this 65 away and forgot about it...this 65 is a keeper. It's not a $550+ Smith but you'd have to show me more than 4-C notes for me to even consider selling this 65!!!!
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2)
Just yesterday I picked up a Ladysmith 3" 65 with a funny looking sideplated scope mount, which used existing factory holes to mount the scope mount and a Laseraim Red dot which looks almost new.
I took off the side-plate scope mount. Then I drove by http://www.cylinder-slide.com/ , a few blocks from my Dealr's place of business and happened to catch Bill, coming back to the shop. I want to buy the missing side plate screws and Bill helped me personally! I'm not Bill's drinking buddy but I've conversated with him at gun shows for more than 30 and whenever I have seen him we've always had cordial conversations and he laff's at my crummy jokes!!!!
At one gun show in Fremont, Nebraska, Bill gave me one of his cards, he said "Here my's card Mike and there's a note on the back".
On the back he wrote "this card is worth $100 in gunsmithing work"...and back then I figured I'd nver be able to afford a custom gun; I saved the card, for sentimental reasons because of his random act of kindness.
We moved to a new home and somewhere I lost the card but I can tell you right were his table was at the g-show when he wrote that card. I still might find that card but I'll never use it... it'll be a keepsake from one of the premier G-smiths of our time...
Did not mean to digress: Bill said the screw holes were "messed' up and they required work. I left the 65 with him.
I called the FFL I bought it from, and the FFL seems willing to pay for the repairs, of course I will send receipts and I will provide him with Bill's phone number should the seller want to call and see if I'm BS'ing....Bill will set him straight.
Point is: seller is willing to pays for repairs to this 65.
This Seller's willingness must be recognized and applauded...
1) In an auction, picture of one side only. I purchased the 65. First thing I do when I got an older S&W I take it appart and check the insides for alteration. If altered I restore to original factory spec's. Well, I took this 65 apart and WOW was it rusty inside. I took pictures sent them to seller and he offered a full refund.
BUT THE WIZARD I AM WITH STAINLESS....I wanted to discuss an alternative. We both agreed. He sent me some money back. I worked on the 65, it's still a tiny bit ruff but the internals are impeccable.
Plus I have handled Smiths for more than 35+yrs this 65 had the best lock up when cocked to fire: ABSOLUTELY NO CYLINDER END SHAKE OR MOVEMENT AND ALIGNMENT WAS DEAD ON.
OWNER MUST'A BEEN a dick-head who fired a bunch of lead wadcutters then put this 65 away and forgot about it...this 65 is a keeper. It's not a $550+ Smith but you'd have to show me more than 4-C notes for me to even consider selling this 65!!!!
---
2)
Just yesterday I picked up a Ladysmith 3" 65 with a funny looking sideplated scope mount, which used existing factory holes to mount the scope mount and a Laseraim Red dot which looks almost new.
I took off the side-plate scope mount. Then I drove by http://www.cylinder-slide.com/ , a few blocks from my Dealr's place of business and happened to catch Bill, coming back to the shop. I want to buy the missing side plate screws and Bill helped me personally! I'm not Bill's drinking buddy but I've conversated with him at gun shows for more than 30 and whenever I have seen him we've always had cordial conversations and he laff's at my crummy jokes!!!!
At one gun show in Fremont, Nebraska, Bill gave me one of his cards, he said "Here my's card Mike and there's a note on the back".
On the back he wrote "this card is worth $100 in gunsmithing work"...and back then I figured I'd nver be able to afford a custom gun; I saved the card, for sentimental reasons because of his random act of kindness.
We moved to a new home and somewhere I lost the card but I can tell you right were his table was at the g-show when he wrote that card. I still might find that card but I'll never use it... it'll be a keepsake from one of the premier G-smiths of our time...
Did not mean to digress: Bill said the screw holes were "messed' up and they required work. I left the 65 with him.
I called the FFL I bought it from, and the FFL seems willing to pay for the repairs, of course I will send receipts and I will provide him with Bill's phone number should the seller want to call and see if I'm BS'ing....Bill will set him straight.
Point is: seller is willing to pays for repairs to this 65.
This Seller's willingness must be recognized and applauded...