3-inch 65-2 reveals surprise, takes bath

[PatriotX]

Hi folks,

I stumbled across two grainy pics of a 3-inch Model 65 for sale with a pinned barrel and challenged finish, and rolled the dice.

The gun arrived smelling of soured grease, and covered in gunk and freckles from stem to stern.







Wait…Pinned AND Recessed? That means it's a…….




Mass State Police gun. The finish is unlike the NY-1 guns, and much more akin to a CS-1 finish.


The action was very sticky, and here's why.



Yuk. Time to get to work.

 

[PatriotX]

After a full strip down and pass through the ultrasonic cleaner, she looked better inside.




After reassembly and testing, action was smooth and reliable. Some vintage Eagle grips really complimented the look!









Besides the bath, a bit of oil and a bronze brush did most of the heavy lifting. It's nice to see a good gun under the funk!

Thanks for looking!

 

[Baxter6551]

Absolutely cool gun. Congrats ! Excellent job restoring!!
I carried a 65-2 as duty revolver for around 8 years and we were allowed to buy them for $100 when they were traded in on Sigs. Mine has been done over similar to the factory "combat revolver package" which I took my three inch 65-3 to the factory for. Well worth it. I've had my gunsmith replicate it on other revolvers - really like the look and yours is perfect IMO.

 

[scout II]

That cleaned up very nice. What solution did you use in the ultra-sonic cleaner?

 

[ImDrRich]

Absolutely great cleanup job - congratulations!

 

[VictorLouis]

Nice work!

 

[CH4]

Great acquisition!
I'd be proud to own that piece! The stag grips look great!

 

[PatriotX]

That cleaned up very nice. What solution did you use in the ultra-sonic cleaner?

I use hot water and Dawn, and stainless guns get a pinch of citric acid (Lemi Shine)

Parts are rinsed in very hot water, then dried with compressed air, then immediately oiled.

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun and restoration! As I recall MA State Police destroys their surplus/deauthorized guns so seeing one is unusual. Perhaps one sold by a retiree?

 

[PatriotX]

Cool gun and restoration! As I recall MA State Police destroys their surplus/deauthorized guns so seeing one is unusual. Perhaps one sold by a retiree?

As someone who enjoys agency-marked guns, this was a serious bonus!

 

[kaaskop49]

OP: Now Pigpen has a stablemate, or at least, someone to discuss world affairs with. BTW, how is Pigpen?

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Club Gun Fan]

If you ever get tired of it, I'm interested. I've been looking for a MSP Model 65 for a while.

 

[PatriotX]

OP: Now Pigpen has a stablemate, or at least, someone to discuss world affairs with. BTW, how is Pigpen?

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Ha! Pigpen is currently wearing a set of Mexican Nightmare stocks and feasting on a steady diet of 148gr Wadcutters and 130gr round nose !

 

[stanmerrell]

Very cool. Looks like my 64. I have almost the same grips. Love the MA ST Police markings. Enjoy. These shoot unbelievably well.

 

[Bill In Texas]

I love the 65's! Very cool looking with the stags. Congratulations!

 

[kaaskop49]

Ha! Pigpen is currently wearing a set of Mexican Nightmare stocks and feasting on a steady diet of 148gr Wadcutters and 130gr round nose !

Tragic. That steady diet IS a diet, sorta like the old glass of water, toothpick and a napkin.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103