Just picked up a Model 65-5 from a private sale. Original owner states he bought it early/mid 90's. Gun is 3 inch barrel and round butt, not an LS. S/N BNZ7559. Looking for date of mfg. for my own knowledge. Anybody want to venture a value I'd be interested in what you think. Gun is excellent except for a light "v" scratch on the side plate showing someone not knowing how to remove. Will probably buff out. Appears to have been shot very little, stocks appear original to gun. Any help in dating most appreciated. Thanks in advance..............

Probably April-May of 1993. That's the shipping date, but close to the manufacturing date. The scratch is of some concern, as who knows what the guy did after he got the side plate off. I paid $700 for a similar model 65-5 but it came with the original box, paperwork, and accessories. Apparently unfired after factory testing and no blemishes. The 3" L frames are desirable handguns.

Thanks for the reply. Dating approx. what the seller said. As far as the scratch goes - I've had the sideplate off and see nothing suspect in the internal workings. Just one of those things......I paid five and he threw in the holster. He was firm on the price, take it or leave it. From what I've seen for the 3 inch models the price was fair and I don't feel like it was too bad a deal.