I have the opportunity to pick up a 65-2 P&R that is cherry, but I'm normally a No Dash collector, so I'm wondering if I should sit this one out and wait for a no dash or if there's an instance where maybe the 0 and -1 models were flawed and the -2 is the one to do?

There is no "no-dash" 65. It was introduced as a 65-1 (my guess is that S&W wanted to sync it with the Model 64). The "-2" for both the 64 and 65 was to move gas ring from yoke to cylinder.

Many model 65s saw hard use as duty guns, so if this -2 is at a good price it might be a good one to have for your collection.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I'm interested in the $ of this gem. Collection? For me, it's a house gun!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

There's plenty of used Model 65s out there that would cost a lot less.

$650

Great deal, in Seattle anyways.

There's another recent thread about a boxed Model 65 in excellent condition where someone made an great point:

The 65 was service revolver and there's probably a lot less of them excellent in box than other models.