S&W M65-3 in 38spl?

[allanschisel]

I recently picked up a S&W M65-3 that's in 38spl. The inside of the frame is stamped M65-3. The barrel is stamped 38spl. A 357 mag cartridge won't let the cylinder close, so I guess it's 38 spl. My S&W book doesn't mention the M65 in any caliber except 357, only the M64. Was the frame stamped incorrectly? A gunsmith conversion? Is this a valuable rare piece or a mutt?

TIA,

Allan Schisel

 

[gordy]

Sounds like you have a m65 that has had some work done to it.
You could call S&W, Give them the info on the gun and they will tell you what and were. They may tell you to ship it back and they will check it out.
It would be at your cost. $200 for a new 357 cylinder. Plus labor.
I would just shoot it as a 38 and have lots of fun.

 

[mmitch]

I suppose it's possible your 65 was manufactured for an export market where a magnum is illegal to own, but that begs the question: why not just export the model 64?

Mike

 

[Lucky Derby]

My guess would be that it is a mis-marked M64. Mis-marked S&Ws are not uncommon.
A friend of mine had an N frame .44 Magnum M19-2.

 

[SwampWolf]

My guess would be that it is a mis-marked M64.

Probably not, the Model 64 should be marked with the .38 Special designation. The Model 64 has a tapered barrel and is supposed to be chambered in .38 Special while the Model 65 has a heavy, untapered barrel and is supposed to be chambered in .357 Magnum.

 

[MMCSRET]

If you want it to be a 357, rechambering is an option.

 

[SwampWolf]

Actually, before you make any alterations on your odd Model 65, I'd do some serious research to determine if you have a rare revolver that some faction of the S&W collector's fraternity might be interested in.

 

[BossHogg]

Actually, before you make any alterations on your odd Model 65, I'd do some serious research to determine if you have a rare revolver that some faction of the S&W collector's fraternity might be interested in.

Yeah that. If it is 38 spl only you should have a less common Mod 65 . No way I'd try to make it a .357.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Could it have been made for a law enforcement agency that specified .38 Special only? Ruger has done this with some of their "-Six" series.

 

[dprice3844444]

cylinder heat treatment/metal type, might be diff for the 357 vs the 38.email smith,they might tell ya.if it is the 65 ss 3 inch heavy barrell round but,they are scarce as hen's teeth and a fantastic carry gun.coulda been owned by a cop/security guy who's employer would not allow 357 weapons

 

[waidmann]

Allan, as both a customer (of yours) and a salesman as well, I think this is one for gunbroker. Let the market decide. I tend toward the Haranguer's thoughts. S&W did generate a number of non-cataloged options/orders. As well as building guns on mismarked frames etc.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Probably not, the Model 64 should be marked with the .38 Special designation. The Model 64 has a tapered barrel and is supposed to be chambered in .38 Special while the Model 65 has a heavy, untapered barrel and is supposed to be chambered in .357 Magnum.

Mis-marked S&Ws have nothing to do with what a model should be, just someone at the factory used the wrong stamp.
BTW there are many more heavy barrel 64's than tappered barrels.
I am guessing the gun is a M64 that got marked as a 65, not a M65 that got marked as a .38 Special.

 

[Deaf Smith]

I strongly recommend talking to the S&W forum gang.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/forum.php

I have no doubt they will have the answers.

Deaf

 

[sixguns4fighting]

Get the Lyman #358429 bullet mold and some Alliant 2400 to produce the Keith .38 Special loads. You get magnum performance in a .38 Special.

 

[SwampWolf]

allanschisel: Answers to these questions might help in determining why your revolver is marked and configured the way it is: what is the length and configuration of the barrel (three or four inch; tapered or heavy) and is the butt square or round shaped?