NYSP 653 Numbers question/help

NYSP686 · Nov 8, 2012

I acquired what I thought was a 686 but upon further examination turns out to be a 653(3" barrel). From some reading here I understand this is a detectives gun and it does not look like it's been fired...much.

The SN is in the 57xxx range and has a C2 lightly stamped over the factory looking S marking right above the factory SN. Can anyone shed some light on this gun and its markings?

The gun is in good/fair condition with the possible exception of some holster wear and the fact that the firing pin seems loose but in an intentional way(should it move at all?). It moves slightly up and down perpendicular to the roll pin that holds it in the hammer. There is no significant lateral movement of the pin. The pin does not catch and it dry fires perfectly. Once staged, the trigger is LIGHT. Is this normal, or indicative of a trigger job? I've neve owned/fired a S&W wheel gun.

I'll try and get some real pictures of it up soon, until then this picture is almost identical.

Mine has aftermarket rubber "gripper" grips on it, and the aforementioned NYSP marking on the left side of the frame below the cylinder.

Thanks for any info and current value!

s&wchad · Nov 8, 2012

To the best of my knowledge, Smith & Wesson didn't make a Model 653. What you show appears to be a Model 65-3 with a 3" barrel, which is a desirable configuration. It's chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. The numbers that you listed from the yoke area are assembly numbers and inspectors marks. You'll have to remove the grips and get the serial number off the butt. It probably starts with three letters.

The firing pin play is normal and required for the gun to function. It's difficult to tell if the action has been worked on from your description, but if you mean "cocked" instead of staged - yes, a light pull is typical.

In another thread, you thought the gun was a 686 and showed a photo of a 681. Rather than speculating, swing open the cylinder and read the model number that's located in the frame cut under the yoke.

Edit: The model number stamp will look something like this, although it may not have "MOD" in front of the number and the serial number may not be stamped above it like on this gun.

murphydog · Nov 8, 2012

The S, C2 and (likely) the five-digit number you mention are factory internal codes. The true SN is on the bottom of the grip frame and likely has three letters and four digits; it probably isn't stamped in the location Chad pictured.

03clyde · Nov 8, 2012

The 65-3 was issued to NY State Police investigators, circa 1981. They were carrying mostly Detective Specials at the time. A sizable number of them yipped and moaned about the size of the new Smith so the agency relented and let those who wanted to continue carrying the DS to do so. The agency also permitted carrying of personal weapons as long as they were equal or better than the issue weapon. I swapped my DS and really liked the accuracy of the 65-3, I kept it until my retirement in 1987. I have a nice, clean, marked version in the safe.

NYSP686 · Nov 8, 2012

Thank you all for the input and I'm sorry for the speculation and confusion. Those original posts were from when the collection was first acquired and I had only done a cursory inspection. I did think it was a 686(hence my screen name that I'll have to change now ;-). I believe that you are correct in believing that it is a 65-3. Clearly marked in the yoke area is "MOD 653" but no "-" . When I get home tonight I'll pull the grips and take some photos of the yoke numbers and the actual serial number.

I am a complete hand gun novice(shotguns I know) and am still learning all the different aspects of S&W revolvers let alone semi's. A 1006 came in the collection too but I'll post questions about that over in semi...lol.

I looked on GB but only saw one ad for a 65-3 with the 3" barrel for $725. Is that the going rate? There are two 3" barrels only for $250 a pop. Any speculation on why it is not legal for sale in CA? I've noticed that in a few different ads.

Thanks again for info.

valkyriekl · Nov 8, 2012

NYSP686 said:
Any speculation on why it is not legal for sale in CA? I've noticed that in a few different ads.

With a few exceptions (I believe), if a gun is not on the California Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale, it cannot be transferred by an FFL to a California resident. The Model 65-6 and earlier are NOT on the list, thus they are not "CA legal" (though the Model 65-7 and later ARE on the list, and can be transferred in CA).

murphydog · Nov 8, 2012

There are a fair number of 3" model 65s currently on the market in the $400-450 range, not quite as nice as the one in the photo. Many are ex-LE guns that were carried a lot and shot relatively little.

NYSP686 · Nov 9, 2012

valkyriekl said:
With a few exceptions (I believe), if a gun is not on the California Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale, it cannot be transferred by an FFL to a California resident. The Model 65-6 and earlier are NOT on the list, thus they are not "CA legal" (though the Model 65-7 and later ARE on the list, and can be transferred in CA).

I don't believe that is true. The list is for selling of currently made guns. The 65-3 is discontinued. Not sure how the state handles that. It is not specifically notated as banned, so if it was imported prior to the list being made, I believe it is ok. I'm now DOJ lawyer obviously so I may be incorrect. CA law is fraught with switchbacks and pot holes.

murphydog · Nov 9, 2012

NYSP686 said:
I don't believe that is true. The list is for selling of currently made guns. The 65-3 is discontinued. Not sure how the state handles that. It is not specifically notated as banned, so if it was imported prior to the list being made, I believe it is ok. I'm now DOJ lawyer obviously so I may be incorrect. CA law is fraught with switchbacks and pot holes.

Sadly, he is correct. If a handgun not on the list is in CA and less than 50 years old, it can only be sold (via a dealer) to another individual, to someone out of state, or to a LE officer. Unless someone moves to CA with their less than 50 year old handgun collection and decides to sell them (excepting certain loopholes, like converting guns to single action) you cannot legally import and sell them in the state.

You didn't mention where you live, so this may be a purely academic discussion.

NYSP 653 Numbers question/help

NYSP686

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s&wchad

murphydog

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03clyde

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NYSP686

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valkyriekl

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murphydog

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NYSP686

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murphydog

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