My next project....The perfect 3" 65 (updated 07/07-DONE! w/pics)

robotoid · Feb 1, 2009

All I need is the barrel installed and I may have the perfect carry gun. The only thing more perfect would be if S&W made this gun with a TI cylinder and SC frame and no IL. The M65 Ladysmith without the frosted finish and engraving. I took this picture before I polished the barrel, it now matchs the frame very well. It was advertised as the glass bead finish, but I think it was just never finished from the factory and it polished up excellently.

4 months later, finally done! Just needs alot of polishing and a semi bob on the hammer.

diamonback68 · Feb 1, 2009

Not sure what you are trying to do here, but why don't you just buy a 3" 65?

robotoid · Feb 1, 2009

I thought I explained it clearly, this will be similar to a M65 Ladysmith, without the frosted finish and un-manly "Ladysmith" etched on the side. The barrel here has the ejector rod shroud, unlike the standard 3" M65. When the gun is assembled, I will continue polishing it to a high shine. It will be a one of kind.

SmithNut · Feb 1, 2009

Interesting project, sounds like the gun will be just to your liking when complete.

The RB 4" M65 is kinda neat all by itself, you don't see them all that often.

Good luck on the project.

Where did you find the LadySmith barrel? Would be fun to get one or two of those for future projects...

Wyatt Earp · Feb 1, 2009

Originally posted by robotoid:
I thought I explained it clearly, this will be similar to a M65 Ladysmith, without the frosted finish and un-manly "Ladysmith" etched on the side. The barrel here has the ejector rod shroud, unlike the standard 3" M65. When the gun is assembled, I will continue polishing it to a high shine. It will be a one of kind.

I agree that will be an awesome combat revolver and something S&W should be building right now.

Cap it off with some excellent wood stocks (I vote for Ahrends) and you are good to go.

qballwill · Feb 1, 2009

My off duty and sometimes on duty carry gun is a 3 inch 65. It does make an ideal carry revolver. 6 shots of hard hitting 357, comfortable grip size and accurate fixed sights.

ladder13 · Feb 1, 2009

Ahhh..3 inch M65..no argument here. Here's the left side.

squidsix · Feb 12, 2009

You could get a 65LS and sand off the Ladysmith from the side, then refinish with bead blast.
I like the project. The shroud adds about 1.5 ounces to the barrel, which is a nice touch for follow-up shots.

Bullseye Smith · Feb 12, 2009

When you build one the way you want it makes you happy, I have a few that I'm proud of. Build it and enjoy it.

Messer · Feb 12, 2009

I think you're project is great - the 3" 65 with shroud is a great looking & feeling handgun.

I just picked up a 65-5 Lady Smith (I like the frosted look, and I don't mind the name) for the same reasons.

All I need are a set of Ahrend stocks and a good holster, and I'll be all set.

Good luck with the project - let us know how it works out.

Bob S.

squidsix · Feb 12, 2009

A while back, I was building a .40 HiPower with a custom 9mm barrel. People were telling me to get the 9mm one and be done with it, the .40 is heavier/less balanced, etc. I endured, and it's done, and one of the most accurate, durable, reliable HiPowers out there, and people offer to buy it from me all the time, for much less than I paid to build it.
I'm just saying that I really like the custom guns. People want what they want, and when they get it, it's always a thing of beauty.
I sold a 4" 29-2 here a few years ago, and the buyer turned it into a 3" .45 Colt. It's awesome now!!

Seaforth · Feb 12, 2009

Where did you get the new barrel?
[email protected]

robotoid · Feb 12, 2009

Actually, I got this one through Brownells. I think I looked at the one Midway had but it was the 2 piece design and the shroud only.
edit: Just clicked the above link, which is no pic and special order only, so probably not the same I looked at. Again, Brownells had this in stock. It has the large roll markings, I presume it was leftover inventory sold off when they changed to 2 piece barrel. Barrel was received what I would call "semi-finished", not frosted, not brushed, not polished.

rundownfid · Feb 12, 2009

Robotoid;
Congratulations on your revolver; it sounds like you know what you want and are willing to make the effort required to get it.

shawn mccarver · Feb 12, 2009

Originally posted by SmithNut:
Interesting project, sounds like the gun will be just to your liking when complete.

The RB 4" M65 is kinda neat all by itself, you don't see them all that often.

Good luck on the project.

Where did you find the LadySmith barrel? Would be fun to get one or two of those for future projects...

SmithNut:

I picked up a new Model 65 LadySmith barrel last year from Brownells. I do not know if they still have any.

robotoid · Mar 16, 2009

Update...dropped gun off to the gunsmith today for barrel swap. He says about 2 weeks to get done. Quite reasonable at $45.

Bwilli88 · Mar 17, 2009

I went the other way, I found a 4" pencil barrel and then found a 3" 65 and had the pencil on it.

ENH · Mar 17, 2009

Sound perfect to me. I like 3" steel shooters.

mr.magnum · Mar 18, 2009

robotoid. what model 65- do you have?

DrDremel · Mar 19, 2009

Who is going to put the barrel on? I'm ordering a barrel today from Brownells if they have any left. I'm in MI as well and would be interested in your finished product as I would like to build a clone on a 2" M64 that I have,

My next project....The perfect 3" 65 (updated 07/07-DONE! w/pics)

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