I have a 65-5.
Will a barrel from a 65-5 fit on a 65-2? I want to switch barrles, but I'm not sure if I can make this switch.
Thanks.

The 65-2 was pinned, and the 65-5 was not. I'm not a gunsmith, but believe the 65-5 would fit the 65-2 but without a pin, or if the barrel were cut to accept the pin that would work also. The 65-2 barrel should go on the 65-5 with no problems, if that is the direction you are going. I believe I'm correct about this, if not somebody more knowledgable please jump in.

Thanks. I'm sorry, I made a mistake.

I own the 65-2 which is pinned.
I want to put a 3" 65-5 barrel on it.

I've been looking at photos & schematics, but I don't have enough technical knowledge to see if the threads are the same.

Do you think it will work that way?????

In order to remove the barrel from the 65-2 the pin will have to first be removed. The 65-5 should then screw in with no thread problems, but you would not be able to put the pin back (because that barrel is not cut to allow for the pin). Then you would have the 65-5 barrel, and the pin hole in the frame would be empty. To get around this, the 65-5 barrel could first be cut to look like the 65-2, then the pin would go in and fill up the hole.

Why not take the money you would spend on changing
that barrel and buy another gun. The more guns you
have the better off you are. Don

__________________
"Don't worry be happy"

Be sure to ask this in the "Smithing" section. I think I have seen that the thread pitch and size on the newer "crush fit" barrels is different than the older "pinned" barrels.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

That's an excellent suggestion, you would get good info there for sure.

I have a 65-3, great gun.

I agree.

I have a stainless Ruger Security Six with the barrel cut back to 3" and the butt rounded. Why the previous owner didn't just buy a 2-3/4" Speed Six to begin with is beyond me.

It should be possible to have a 'smith cut an inch off your M65-5, but, you are going to:
A. Spend money AND put an excellent gun out of commission while a 'smith finally gets around to working on your gun - all over removing 1" of barrel.

B. Ruin the collector's value of the 65-5. And that 65-2 barrel you have might prove VERY valuable by itself someday - S&W does not make them anymore.

I'd get a 2-3/4 inch Ruger Service or Speed Six (or SP101) if you want a short barrel CC revolver. Or just keep checking Gunbroker, pawnshops or gun shows until you find a 3" K-frame.

M-65-3, circa Jan-Oct. 1983. Not P&R.

Thanks so much. I'm going to just leave the barrel alone.
I polished it with Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish. It looks fantastic. I think that satisfied my need to tinker. I cannot believe how shiny this old beater looks.