Hi Glynn863:

If I'm not mistaken, the Model 65 only came in with one of two barrel lengths - 3.0 inches and 4.0 inches. The 3.0 inch barreled revolvers were once issued by the DEA to their agents, and is the more desirable of the two. Assuming the condition is good, $400.00 for a Model 65 in either barrel length is good in my opinion. If it's the 3.0 inch barreled revolver, then he got it for a song. If it's the Model 65 Ladysmith (with shrouded ejector rod), then he made the deal of the year.

By the way, "crane" is the term used by Colt for the same part S&W refers to as the "yoke". Eh, maybe a small thing, but when was the last time you loaded a "clip" into your semiauto? Just sayin'.

Regards,

Dave