S&W Stainless 65-5 DAO

[bigmike45]

I need some good information on a double action only, 3" stainless 65-5, in .357mag, I found in a local gunstore. It is used and very clean. I did the normal checks on the revolver to make sure it is in good mechanical condition and it seems to be in great shape. I have heard that this is a low to medium velocity, low to medium range bullet size revolver and strength is what it is NOT noted for. They want $275 for the gun. I would appreciate any info....especially from you S&W forum members. I really like the look, heavy barrel and great trigger this gun has....so what do you think????

I already have a 3" SP-101, so this is really an impulse buy!!!!

 

[Jim PHL]

3" K-frame magnums have a cult-like following and are considered by many to be the perfect balance of concealability with enough size and weight to aid accuracy and control. Personally, my 3" M65 is the last gun I would ever get rid of.

As far as their strength, there are almost as many threads on this topic as there are 9mm vs. 45 acp. Some say as long as you stick to heavier bullet weight magnums you are ok for as many as you like. The original idea was to practice mainly with .38's and carry magnums for 'serious social work'. That's pretty much what I do. Personally, I love the K magnums. When they are loaded for carry or home defense they have either 158 grain magnums or +P .38's. I usually shoot them at the range with standard pressure .38's with just a cylinder or two of magnums each time they go out.

Search "magnums in a k-frame" and make up your own mind. If you come down on the positive side, go grab it up because the price is right. Chances are, if that shop is a popular with S+W shoppers, it may be gone already.

 

[bpisler]

I doubt you'll find one in that condition for less
money,the last one i saw here in phoenix was
$400.00 bucks.

 

[o/u mike]

As bpisler said. That's what I just bought one for.

 

[Marko Kloos]

Three-inch K-frame Magnums are considered the bee's knees in defensive handguns by many, and are therefore a scarce and sought-after commodity. If you can get one in decent shape for less than $300, you should hit the ATM fast enough to leave contrails on the way.

 

[bigmike45]

Thanks for all the information. The place closed before I could get there and I called, to see if by chance, I could catch the owner in the building. He was there and he pulled it out of the case for me to look at on Monday. He said he won't sell it until I have looked at it.

 

[jdmb03]

That's a good price. I would buy it in a second.

 

[Brian Williams]

That would be one on plastic if I found one at that price.

 

[chaim]

A 3", DAO, S&W 65 for only $275?! If only I could get so lucky.

Buy that 3" and you'll be hooked. There is nothing else out there quite like those 3" K-frames. The best of the best.


edit:

Oh, as for strength...Don't worry too much about it. Do Jim Marsh's revolver checkout stickied on the revolver forum to check the gun out, then if it checks out, relax.

It is true that a large number of 125gr and lighter (the higher velocity) magnums will eventually erode the forcing cone, it usually isn't a problem. These guns were designed around the 158gr magnums and it can take the heavier rounds without trouble. Just limit your shooting of the lightweight magnums somewhat and you'll be fine. Most people shoot mostly .38s out of these (or any .357) anyway, they're easier on your hand and your wallet. Any magnum will be able to shoot a nearly unlimited number of .38spl and .38+P without a problem.

 

[bigmike45]

Wooo Hooo,

I am one happy new 65-5 owner. He wanted $275.00 and I talked him down to $250.00 out the door. It has Hogue grips and a super smooth trigger job. It also came with a slightly used Gould & Goodrich OWB Holster.

 

[dbarale]

You did good, reeeaaal good! Congratulations, I highly recommend that you try the Hogue "bantam" grips, they are great for carry.

 

[MK11]

Does Hogue make any grips that cover the backstrap?

 

[dbarale]

I do not know but Pachmayr does for sure...