VG S&W model 65 LEO trade-ins

[Snowdog]

As some as you may have seen, last week I posted a thread in General Handguns asking what handguns were typically carried by LEOs in the early to mid 80's.
The S&W model 65s and 66's came up quite a bit. Now I have a chance to buy a police trade-in model 65 from Centerfire Systems for $209.

Even though I really dislike the idea of purchasing a used handgun sight unseen (unless we're talking C&R), I think this might be worth the risk.

Does $209 seem far for a used 65 in NRA VG condition?

 

[farscott]

If the revolver passes the test pinned to the top of this forum, that is a good deal. Usually police revolvers have lots of holster/carry wear and pristine internals. They make good shooters.

 

[clarkg1124]

I believe these revolvers are Puerto Rican trade-ins,imported by Aztec Guns.I have two of the M65s,a 3" and a 4".While both show very minor handling marks and holster wear,the are in excellent mechanical condition.Both are good shooters.From the same batch,I also bought a M28,M60,M66,and a M686.They were all in excellent condition.
Clark

 

[Bullet]

Model 65

There is a Model 65 for sale at Auction Arms that was made in the 80's. The auction says it is factory new never fired. You might want to check it out. I think there is only 4 hours left on this item. The reserve price wasn't met the last time I looked. Item # 5742014

 

[Al Thompson]

SD, consider the worst case. If the M65 is out of time and needs new parts, what will the factory charge to fix it? IIRC, it's something more than $150 to get the M65 back to factory standard.

IMHO, the odds are good that the M65 will be OK except for something minor. If it is, your good. If not, you may be out what a non-police trade in or used one would cost you here.

I'd take that bet.

 

[Stainz]

I bought a 3" 65 from them about two months ago. It came in looking as though it had been thrown at the bg's! Seriously, it had some scratches & dings. The guys at the range saw me open the package when it arrived - and seriously ribbed me re it's physical condition (The worn rubber boot grips were immediately round-filed.). I took it home and inspected it... it's cylinder and barrel bores were pristine - looked new! I removed the sideplate - to find no wear - or lubricant. I oiled, reassembled, and dry-fired it 1,000+ times. Subsequent dissassembly, more cleaning, and a lite lube, and I went to the buffer with red & white rouge, followed by some Flitz. Unreal transformation - I even 'borrowed' the goncalo alves Hoque wood monogrips from my nearly new 6" 66. I took it back to the range and 'shocked' my friends... and myself, when I shot it. It was/is a great value. Just don't expect a 'looker' as delivered...

Stainz

 

[Tamara]

Get one of the 3" 65's and have it bead blasted. Odds are good that the thing's hardly been shot, so it's a cheap route into what many consider nearly the perfect carry revolver.

Don't believe me? Price a new 65LS...