I've got a 65-3 3" and want to use it in competition this summer. There is IDPA, USPSA, and some local competitions that kind of do there own thing. What do you suggest for the "accessories"? Any other tips welcome.

Comp III speedloaders.

I use a Model 64 in most of my pistol matches. I have a lot of guns, including target pistols, but I shoot my 64 better then the others (maybe because I practice more, but still).

For a holster I use my old Hoyt Breakfront I wore when I was in LE. It works good, safe and fast.

But for speed loaders you'll do pretty well with the Comp IIIs.

That will put you in a class where you will be competitive.

Other then that, the only thing you need is a Shot Timer for practice.

I use a 3" model 10 for local competitions, and I can tell you this: use FMJ loads. Reloading with 130 grain FMJ ammo is MUCH faster (for me) than any other bullet type.

Thanks for the tips. I've got a bunch of HKS speedloaders. How much of a disadvantage will they be over the comp III's? I also have a Don Hume JIT holster, would I be able to use it?

The holster has to cover the trigger guard. The Don Hume models usually do this.
As for HKS speedloaders, I use them for my .44, and I have not had any trouble with them. A hair slower than the Safariland ones.
Best advice I ever got?
USE WHAT YOU HAVE!

I agree with squidsix....use what you have until it proves to be unsatisfactory. I still use HKS speedloaders and have no problem with them.
My bullet is sort of interesting to me anyway...using a 9mm 147 truncated cone projectile in .38 SPL casings and my oh my do they drop in nicely and are accurate in all of my revolvers.
Might work for you as well.........
Randy

Truncated cone is a great idea. I will look round...

I like Kraigwy am also running a 4" 64. Mine was a Police/Guard trade in 64-3 project gun. I bought this one planning on making it an IDPA SSR revolver.
I lucked out and got a mechanically very good one with a little pitting under the grips. I did some polishing on the internals and added a Wolfe Spring Kit. I also painted the upper 2/3 of the front sight with Green Sight Brite sight paint. I would try some very bright Green Finger Nail polish from the Dollar Store first. I then had Ron Power "Power Custom" give it a going over. Chamfeded Chambers, and adjusted everything for better than factory new function. It is now a K Frame Swiss Watch.

Grips: I am currently running Hogue rubber on it. I will probably change to some wood finger groove combats sooner or later. I have been slowly changing my S&W revolvers all back to nice wood grips. Considering you have a K Frame Round Butt, I would go with a good carry grip. I have Checkered Rosewood Finger Groove Combat S&W grips on my 66 Snub. I like them pretty well for a K Round Butt grip.

Speedloaders: I use Safariland Comp III Speed Loaders. Midway runs them on sale now and again. A good time to add a few more to the old collection. I am up to 8 Comp III's at the moment. Note: You can load at "Load and Make Ready" with HKS, or Comp II Speedloaders, (No need for speed). You only need the Comp III's for timed reloads.
Note: Mine are still bone stock. I have not done any tuning on them.

Speed Loader Carrier: You will need a speedloader carrier. North Mountain IDPA Compliant is one of the best. You will need atleast 2.

Holster: I use a Lobo Enhanced Pancake holster with Optional Inner Hammer Shield. This is my every day carry holster, as well as my match holster. I have 8 Lobo Pancake holsters at the moment, if that gives you an idea how well I like them.

Ammunition: For ammo I am running 158 Round Nose Lead reloads. My current load is 4.7 Unique. Reloading on the Dillon 550B using Dillon Dies. I store my match ammo in clear 2 pound plastic jugs that Nuts come in.

Your HKS speedloaders will work ok, however after using a Comp III for a very short while you will see an improvement in your reload time. Probably a question of how compedative you are going to be.

Practice/Training: If you conceal carry, and are using the match for practice & training by all means use the speedloaders, or speed strips you will carry to reload with. My brother reloads his 3" GP100 with speed strips some of the time in matches, because that is what he conceal carries to reload with. Another thing to consider Tuff Products Quick Strips come in Orange. They are handier to locate on the ground after a speed reload.


I have several HKS, as well as Comp II speedloaders. I keep buying used ones at gun shows. A while back I got a couple Comp I or II speedloaders that were for me a goofie size. I finally figured out they were for a Colt Trooper or Ruger Six series. I have a buddy down the road who Conceal Carries a Speed Six Snub who is now using them. I also have several Tuff Products Quick Strips in 5, 6, 7, and 8 shot versions.

Have fun shooting with your 3" Model 65. You have a great all round carry revolver.

Bob

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ICORE MO2908

Great post Bob. Thanks for your help.

I shoot almost entirely IDPA and will say:

Your M65 is fine. I would want to paint the sights for better contrast. Grips are very personal, I use Hogue rubber because I like the girth even though not the finger grooves.

Your JIT holster is legal, your HKS loaders will work.
As said: Start with what you have on hand, no point buying a lot of stuff and then finding out you don't like the game.

When you DO find out you like the game, a Kydex holster from Comp Tac, Ready Tac, or Blade Tech will help some, as will Comp III or JetLoader speedloaders. Keep your old HKS to load and make ready at the start when not under time pressure.

IDPA reduced the SSR power factor to 105,000 so you can shoot Cheapmart ammo like the 130 jacketed or plated bullet stuff. USPSA hasn't you will need real .38 Special, a 158 at 800 fps is minimal.