I have a line on a Model 65-1 at a LGS I trust, going in to look at it next week. It dates to 1978 mfr, and does look from the pics like a pinned & recessed model, so 65-1 seems right.

They're asking 650 for it, so what should I look for specifically that would make it worth or not worth that? Holster wear, barrel condition, lockup, sights, ...?

I do want a 4" bbl Smith .357 (which this is, the length I mean), and like stainless, so the 65s are right up my alley in theory.

How is this pistol likely to compare to, say, more recent 686 or current 686+, or other poss alternatives?

Much to learn, have I. Yoda of the wheelgun must I find...

S/F,
Echo6mike


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To me, it seems to be on the high side. Hard to tell without more info, or pictures. Search Gun Broker for S&W 65's. It will give you some ideas of worth. Look at what like guns ACTUALLY SOLD FOR! Bob

Locally in FL that would be a bit high, even with box and docs and accessories. Now the 3" version is a premium gun, the last of the great police revolvers, at least according to the NYC Police and the Feds.
Geoff
Who remembers the controversies of the day.

1978 might be a little late for 65-1. Pinned and Recessed is nice.

I think they're a lot high. That's a 3" 65 price on a 4" gun.
A lot depends on location, of course. MD being a "less-gun-friendly" state might increase prices a little, but I think $500-550 is more in line. If they won't come down, then it's up to you if you want to pay their premium or keep looking. No one will give you grief if you choose to grab it at $650, though.
The 65 is a great firearm. The 686s serve their purpose for folks wishing to shoot a lot of .357 ammo, but they're a bit heavier, so if ounces count, the 65 is a better bet. The 65 will take .357 pounding, too, but there are differing opinions on a steady diet of magnum ammo in a K-frame, so you have to decide who's right. Personally, I don't bother with .357 because I'd rather buy cheap .38 and shoot more. Good luck and come back with some photos if you decide to pull the trigger!

Price seems high to me, that can depend on location as well. Fixed sight K and L frames seem to sell for lower prices than the adjustable sight models where I live.


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The model 65 is my favorite K frame revolver. I wish i still had mine.

I had a 65-2, paid $500 last year and sold it this year for $400. I also agree they are asking a little too much.
As far as shooting performance, it kind of reminds me of the model 19 with a bull barrel if that gives you any idea.

Hello, 65's are getting harder to come by for sure, I'm lucky to have 2' a 4" 65-1 and a 65-5 3". Check out the trigger on the 4"!

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Hi echo6mike:

Welcome to the Forum. GerSan69 nailed it - he's dead on in my opinion. A 3.0 inch barreled K-frame revolver is a wonderful thing. I'm lucky enough to have 3 in my collection- a Model 64.3, a 13-3, and a 65-3. No, I didn't plan it that way, that's just the way they came to me. The 3.0 inch barreled Model 13 was the last revolver issued by the FBI to its agents, and the stainless steel version (Model 65) was issued by the DEA. The price you were quoted is, in my opinion, about $150.00 - $250.00 too high. The price would be more in line with a Model 13 or 65 with the 3.0 inch barrel, in very good condition, and including the factory box, documents, etc. I would make an exception if the Model 65 was the Ladysmith version (shrouded ejector rod).

You didn't mention what you want to use the revolver for - plinking/target shooting, self defense, etc. A Model 65 is an excellent medium framed revolver, but if you want to shoot mostly .357 Magnum ammo, the Model 686 may be a better choice. The Model 686 is an L-framed revolver, which is one size up from the Model 65. As such, it is larger and heavier than the comparable K-framed revolver. I have a Model 686-2 with a 6.0 inch barrel, and it's a big revolver for me.

Good luck, please let us know how this turns out.

Regards,

Dave

Good info, all - thanks. I'll stop by and check this one out, but probably pass on it unless the owner (it's on consignment) gave the shop enough room for negotiation on the price.

What I'm looking for is mostly going to be a range gun, so it will eat mostly .38 loads, making the K frame a good option and the adjustable sights a must have. I do have a snubbie 686, which is surprisingly accurate to 15 and even 25 yards. It feels great in my hands (custom grips that I didn't put on it), but 4" is a good balance for me between weight and length to let me have much better 25 yard accuracy.

So we'll see. I think my 4" dream gun is still out there.

S/F,
Andy




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If adjustable rear sights are a "must have", then a Model 65 is not for you. Model 65s are fixed sight revolvers. A Model 66 or 67 - though the Model 67 is chambered in .38 Special are your choices in .38 Special and .357 Magnum in stainless steel, K-frame revolvers.

Regards,

Dave

D'oh! I've been saying model 65, but I checked my mail and pics, and the firearm in question *is* a model 66-1.

New thread coming, with less brain failure on this end I hope...

8-)