S&W model 65, 4" HB

[Kentucky Rifle]

Well, it's been about three weeks since I've purchased a new firearm and I've got an "itch" for a .357 mag revolver. I mean, I "NEED" a .357 mag pistol because I have a new Marlin 1894C rifle in .357 mag. Right? So, does anyone have a model 65 and does it "hold up"? It'll be fired with .357's exclusively. It weighs 35 ounces, so it ought to hold up well~~right? I also like the LS65. That one has a three inch barrel and comes with good looking wood grips. Yeah, that could be the ticket. It would certainly fit a shoulder holster this winter better due to having a one inch shorter barrel. I'm secure in my masculinity, so the "LS" part doesn't bother me. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Thanks,
KR

 

[ruger357]

Had one with a three inch barrel, but I also shot .38's out of it along with the .357's. Held up pretty well, but if you are going to shoot all .357's you might want to look at a 686. I now have the PC 66 F-Comp and love it.

 

[JDSlack]

KR,
I agree with Ruger. If you are going to use a steady diet of .357's the L-frame is the way to go. But I agree that the 3" LS is a nice looking revolver...if I could get one without that d--m "Ladysmith" scrawl on the side.

 

[JDSlack]

FYI - I just noticed, in the classified section there is a 3" mod 65 for sale.

 

[Marko Kloos]

The M65 with the 3" heavy barrel, in either the shrouded "LadySmith" or unshrouded standard ejector rod version, is probably the finest fighting sixgun ever made (along with its blued counterpart, the M13).

To the uninitiated, a 3" Magnum K-frame looks like just any old wheelgun. To those in the know, they are a professional, no-nonsense fighting tool.

If you find one of these 3" M65s or M13s for sale anywhere: run, don't walk to that location, and buy the gun. You're not likely to find a better carry revolver, and a little bit of gunsmith TLC can turn them into top-notch hardware again.

The M65 pictured below was bought at a local cop shop for $225. It was scuffed, and the cylinder had developed a little bit of endshake. $100 worth of gunsmithing eliminated the endshake, added an orange front sight insert, and refinished the gun with a fine beadblast. Three and a quarter c-notes added a superb and good-looking carry gun to the collection.

 

[chaim]

Go for it.

I love my 65LS. Beautiful gun. The LS is certainly worth putting up with the name on the side of the gun. Rather dumb thing to get worked up about (you aren't but some people do) when you consider what you get. The 3" barrel is just about the perfect length for a carry gun (decent sight radius yet easier concealment) and it balances perfectly. The LS guns have lighter springs- i.e. lighter, smoother action and trigger pull. The beadblasted finish, in addition to being truely beautiful, have got to be a near perfect finish for a carry gun (stainless so corrosion resistant but not flashy like polished stainless would be). The wood grips are beautiful as well and fit my hand just about perfectly (they cost around $60 if you were to buy them separately from S&W). I really do think this is just about the perfect carry revolver- the only thing I'd change for carry is some nice wood boot grips (probably secret service boot grips).

As for durability, it is as durable as any other K-frame. Not as strong as an L-frame or Ruger but the conventional wisdom that they fall apart after a few dozen magnums is way overblown. I do shoot a lot of .38s out of mine but I also shoot quite a few magnums. I've had this gun for over 2 years and for about 4-6months it was my only revolver and one of only two guns I had (the Charles Daly 1911 being the other)- and this during a time that I was always at the range. I have a lot of rounds through mine. Other than a few scratches and a few areas where the finish is kind of "smoothing" out you really couldn't tell the difference between mine a new one (i.e. other than cosmetics mine is as good as new).

 

[Clemson]

Or if you like adjustable sights........

I own two Model 66's with 3" barrels. It is not a common length, but you can occasionally find them at a premium price. I owned a K-comp (Model 19, ported, 3" barrel from the Performance Center), and these Model 66's balance exactly the same.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

Thanks guys...

Marko~THAT is a GREAT picture! Did you take that photo? (Or Oleg?)

I thought about it last night. Difficult to eliminate the Ruger, but I *think I'm going to go for the 65LS. It has to be pretty strong with the full underlug. At least, the front end.

Boy! Am I ever glad I bought a safe! Well, not exactly me...I've not told you guys this part yet, since she just bought me a NIB Marlin 1894C ...but NANCY (My wife) went out and found a new Browning safe. It was supposed to be a scratch & dent "floor" model, and therefore a little less expensive. However the only "scratch or dent" I've ever found is a small rough place on the very bottom edge. And a bottle of touch up paint comes with new Browning safes, but I haven't even bothered to touch up the rough place. I can't see it so I'm not going to get down there and try to touch it up and possibly (or probably!) get black enamel paint on our white bedroom carpet! Hell with that!!!!! Then she might shoot ME!!

KR

 

[Old Fuff]

If the "Lady Smith" marking bothers anyone it can be quickly elinimated with a little hand polishing followed with a bead-blaster. I think S&W made a big mistake when they didn't offer the LS barrel on other revolvers. But I suppose they think they know best ....

 

[Brian Williams]

KR, you need also to look at a Mod 13 cause it will match the blue and wood of your 1894. I have one with a 3" barrel and it is my favorite gun and always goes to the range along with an occasional time spent on my hip. If the 65 flips your trigger go for it.

 

[Al Thompson]

K frame, 3 inch round butts are the berrys in a wheel gun. The only thing I've found close to that is the post '72 Colt Detective Specials.

 

[Marko Kloos]

Marko~THAT is a GREAT picture! Did you take that photo? (Or Oleg?)

Any picture I post that has cement & brick in it was taken at the side of my house. My camera isn't nowhere near the quality of Oleg's stuff, but it does take decent shots on occasion.

 

[Mannlicher]

I agree with a lot of others here, KR, if you find one, buy it.

My Mod 65 was purchased used, with a 4 inch barrel. A trip back to S&W made it almost perfect. Three inch HB, full lug, lockwork converted to DAO, factory bobbed hammer(pinned firing pin, thank you), all the endshake and cylinder play eliminated, timing is just perfect. I had a trigger stop added.

a set of Hogue LamoCamo grips, and golly does this darn thing shoot! I am still working up loads, but for factory fodder, I like the Winchester 145 gr silvertips.


Leather is a custom piece by Sam Andrews, I wear it cross draw.

 

[mikey357]

I LOVE three-inch barrels on revolvers...don't have NEAR enough of 'em, BUT...I DO have a Model 65 "LS" that is neater'n sliced bread!!! I agree with several of the earlier posters that there is something almost "Magical" about that barrel length, especially in a K-frame Smith...my advice would be to get a three-inch 65--or 13, if you prefer blue--and experience the "Specialness" of the three-inch "K" for yourself...it'll almost spoil ya' for other barrel lengths, I'm sure!!!....mikey357

 

[deuce20]

Purtn'ear perfection:

FBI issued revolver for many years.

 

[RUT]

>>My Mod 65 was purchased used, with a 4 inch barrel. A trip back to S&W made it almost perfect<<

I've noticed others referencing sending their weapons to S&W for modifications etc., but I see nothing on their website making mention of any "services" other than custom engraving. How does one go about finding out what they can do in this regard, such as barrel shortening etc.??

Thanks--RUT

 

[Preacherman]

The S&W Performance Center does their gunsmithing. See here for more details and contact information. I've had two revolvers (both Model 29-2's) re-done by them, and they do a SUPERB job. They even brought back the original "mirror-gloss" blue job with their refinishing... you could shave in the reflection from the gun! Amazing!

 

[RUT]

Preach,

Thanks so much for steering me in the right direction! While I don't have any immediate needs, one never knows.

Regards--RUT