Which one would you keep?

[bill larry]

I have a Smith model 65 with a 4 inch barrel that is mint, and a Smith model 581 with a 4 inch barrel that was probably carried by somebody for a decade or more, and it shows. I gotta get rid of one, but I'm torn.

Which would you keep and why?

 

[PT1911]

If I had to choose, I would keep the 65... IF I HAD TO CHOOSE!

 

[MrBorland]

What are you going to do with it ?

Carry? Keep the M65.

Range only? And/or for shooting IDPA, ICORE, etc? Keep the 581.

 

[bill larry]

This would be mainly for a house gun and range toy, occasionally riding in the console of my truck, and even more rarely being carried around some property my family has in south east Texas.

 

[collector rob]

Keep the 65.

 

[shockwave]

This is a hard choice - the 65 is half lug and the 581 is full. If both were in the same condition it'd be the 581 for sure. So the easy answer is keep the 65 because it's in better shape. The harder answer is to do whatever is necessary to keep both. I would sell my own blood before letting one of my S&Ws go. And a common thing you read here, almost every day, is that those who let a Smith & Wesson revolver go always regret that decision later.

To put it another way, nobody ever says, "Boy, am I ever glad I sold that Smith & Wesson!"

Like good swords, these guns have a soul, a character to them, and over time they become trusted and faithful companions. It's no accident that even used these guns hold their value ferociously.

 

[Jim PHL]

When faced with a similar decision I usually try to figure out which would be easier to replace. (Assuming you have to get rid of one and really like both.) I actually think a 4" M65 might be easier to find - and certainly cheaper to purchase when found - than the 581. Flip side of that is assuming you need to get rid of one now to generate cash, the 581 will likely bring more than the M65.

 

[Ateam-3]

I would try to keep the 65. If it is mint, you should have less worries about its past and the lack of care given to it (this might be more comforting to you as a house gun).

If, however, neither revolver means much to you and you had a longing for only one 357 magnum revolver, I suggest selling both to get the one you were looking for. If this scenario allows you to acquire a model 19, 66, 586, 686, etc. that you do want, you will be better off because you will be more satisfied with the one.

 

[bill larry]

Ahh.... good points everyone. I have a feeling the 581 will be harder to replace down the road. If the 581 were minty I would keep it hands down over the 65...

Unfortunately, I've had to take a lotta time off from work as of late as my wife suffered a prolapsed cervix and I am being Mr Mom to our kids ages 3, 17 months, and a week old.