K-Frame Snub: 65-3 Three Inch

[SLT223]

I never thought I'd fall in love with this ugly little bugger. I understand beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it's not a polished, deep blue, P&R'ed N frame.

Nonetheless, it balances and points so well that it's just a natural shooter. My pet load has been 4.0gr of Clays under an Xtreme 158 plated SWC and 50 rounds produces a group about the size of baseball at 10 yards. None of the internals appear to have received work, and the double action pull is simply outstanding.

I've had this gun for almost a year, and never really shot it before this week. The only reason I bought it is because it was marked under $300. I will purchase any excellent condition S&W for less than $300 on principle.

I built confidence with this gun extremely quickly, and would not think twice about carrying it. I guess that's a testament to the concept and engineering of the K frame snub.










I completely forgot I have the original grips!

 

[markeb]

WOW. That's better than half price. One of my favorite K frames. I'm with you, it's hard to pass on one under $300.

 

[murphydog]

Ugly is as ugly does .

 

[haywood]

Your killing me. Under $300. ? That's a sweet gun for a sweeter buy. I couldn't get the money out of my wallet fast enough if offered that deal.

 

[S&W Rover]

I've got one of these -- a 65-5 -- and it is an excellent gun. I'm sure you got a great buy at that price. It amazes me that S&W does not produce a "Classic" retro gun with a 3" barrel -- a K frame in 3" would be popular.

 

[DFrame]

Your superb revolver is exactly what a "bare bones" 38 should be. The K frame S&W is just about the most perfect balance of size and weight for 36 calibre to be had. Add in the excellent handling of a 3 inch barrel and you have a wonderful gun. Congratulations on finding one at a bargain price.

 

[CA Escapee]

I'd have to agree with all of the above. I found an ANIB 65-5 earlier this year for $500. I really believe someone bought it, fired a cylinder full of Magnums, cleaned it, and put it away for all these years.

Bill

 

[Ashlander]

My 65-3 looks like it came out of the same batch. I paid $385 for it 3 years ago. Great little gun.

 

[imakmst]

wow, one of my grail guns, and $300???, that'd be larceny around here

 

[C Islander]

Under $300......wow!

 

[opaul]

Great price and nice firearm. Here is it's cousin.

 

[KLYDE]

Doesn't look bad to me and you got it for less than half price of normal market. Over the last couple of months I moved a few guns to raise some cash for an AR. The 3" 65 is one of the ones that will never leave.

65-3

 

[Blackbarry]

I have an ugly cat. She has huge ears and a wrinkled face:. She is what she is:



But you can improve the looks of that 65-3 with new grips and polish. Start with the cylinder only. Keep going if you think it will be more appealing. Grips are like women and must look sexy to you. I can't help you there. But ugly does not have to be not a permanent fact of life.

 

[629shooter]

That was well bought.

Congratulations on a great revolver!

 

[dscampbell]

I really like my model 65-5

 

[j38]

I couldn't agree with you more. The balance, accuracy, and utility of the 3" Model 65 is hard to beat.

Jerry

 

[Model39]

Model 65-5 (Again)

 

[ContinentalOp]

I see nothing ugly about your 65. The fact that it's a great shooter for under $300 is just icing on the cake.

I had a 3" 65-3. It was one of the best balanced handguns I've ever owned. I still think they're one of the best, if not the best, all-around revolvers.

Just my opinion, but I think some Ahrends grips would be a great addition if you wanted to put some nice wooden grips on it.

 

[KEN L]

I never thought I'd fall in love with this ugly little bugger. I understand beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it's not a polished, deep blue, P&R'ed N frame.

Nonetheless, it balances and points so well that it's just a natural shooter. My pet load has been 4.0gr of Clays under an Xtreme 158 plated SWC and 50 rounds produces a group about the size of baseball at 10 yards. None of the internals appear to have received work, and the double action pull is simply outstanding.

I've had this gun for almost a year, and never really shot it before this week. The only reason I bought it is because it was marked under $300. I will purchase any excellent condition S&W for less than $300 on principle.

I built confidence with this gun extremely quickly, and would not think twice about carrying it. I guess that's a testament to the concept and engineering of the K frame snub.

Hmmmmm, looks familiar........

Although this is what it looked like when I first got it.

Abused & mistreated would be an understatement. I gave it a loving & caring home!

 

[chief38]

IMHO one of the finest and most practical Revolvers they ever made! While I do NOT agree about it being ugly, I will admit it is not as "sexy" as the 2.5" M66 - but way more practical! Fantastic gun and you stole it!