I'm looking to fill a "gliche"in my collection of Smith's with a model 65. I have a few in mind, but was wondering, for future resale if it came about, what model would be more desireable-the 3" RB or the 4" SB? I guess for concealment purposes the 3", but what do you all think?

3" 65s seem to command a premium in prices, so even though all smiths it seems rise in value, the 3" will probably be worth a bit more than a 4" years down the line.

Do what I did, get both!

What he said.

If you are unable to get both at this time I would recommend you get the 3" RB now and the 4" later. I find myself carrying my 3" RB 65-3 more and more when off-duty. It feels better to me than my personal Beretta 92 (near copy of what I am issued on the job but can't take home).

The 3" 65 is all I carry anymore. Best in the carry class.

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Dick

3" 65's are a LOT more desirable than 4" models. I've seen PD trade-in beaters selling for $400+ on GunBroker. The 3" 13's are in the same category.

65's in general will bring more than the 64's, because they are .357's. Especially the pinned and recessed 65's, which bring more than the post-82 models.

There are 4" 64's all over the place right now, but 3" 65's are getting harder to find.

The prices on these are blowing up, and it's even spilling over into the Ruger world as prices for 2 3/4" Speed and Service Six .357's are going up.

Or, you can do like I did. I bought a 4" (I had adjustable sights put on it). Then later I wanted a 3" so I had the barrel chopped and the front sight re-set. Later when the forcing cone split, I had the barrel replaced with a 3" Ladysmith barrel.

Attached Images

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Senor Chisme,

Where did you find the LadySmith barrel? Any problems doing the conversion? I have thought about the same thing, only using an XS Big dot front sight.

Thanks for any info you can share.

S/F,

RAS

Model 13 and 65 with three inch barrel are VERY popular for peopel who carry.Same goes for three inch model 10's and 64's)

MORE than three inch 66's and 686's ( incl.CS-1's)

I just picked up a nice 3" HB RB Mod 65 from a LGS for $350. It is a very nice gun and the Hogue rubber grip fills my hand well. The only thing I don't like is the the PO had the hammer bobbed. It still has the full cock notch intact though. The chambers have also been slightly chamfered. Anybody have a hammer they want to donate? I like the 3" 65 better than my 2 1/2" 19 or 66 now.

As I've said many times, the 3" 65 with a couple speed strips is everything you need in a carry gun and nothing you don't.

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Dick

Amen to that!!

You got that right Dick.

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Sure you did

RAS,
I got the barrel from Numrich Arms. I don't think they have any more. The swap was very smooth. Drive pin out, unscrew barrel and screw in new barrel. I know clocking the front sight is a bit more involved but that's the general idea. The new barrel was not set up for a pin but once my 'smith had the new barrel on, I had him put a pin in it anyway. The adjustable sights were originally put on in 1979 when I bought the gun new. I think it was Wilson in California.

I just looked on the Numrich Arms site. They have heavy .38 Spl. barrels that have been cut-off at least at 3". These are new, factory take-offs. The item number is 1163900. They need to be crowned and a front sight installed. But they are only $15-$20.

Thanks for the info.

S/F,

RAS

What? Why can't you take your issued pistol home?

ECS

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

I am quite interested in hearing the reasoning on that one myself.

Unless he works for a private company or DOD, that I can understand.

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Take your time..quickly.

I own 3 Model 65's, a 4-inch with a pinned barrel and recessed cylinder, 3-inch and a Ladysmith 3-inch. I also own a beautiful Model 13 3-inch. They will be in my estate someday for I will never sell them. Here's the 13 with a special set of grips:

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Loyalty Above All.. but Honor

My Model 13-3 with the same "special grips," Bianchi Lightnings.


I see you have the J-frame Lightnings, too. I could use those for my Model 37!

ECS

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

If I could only choose one ... it would be the 65, HB RB with 3" bbl. Come to think about it, I have two and woulda had three but took pity on a buddy who couldn't keep his slobber off my first one with the Executioner crafted Colorado elk grips, no bark... and he now has the audacity to ask me what else I "want" to sell!

Hog

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Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13