65-2 Change or Not

[xfarfuldog]

I have three 3 inch model 65's. One is a LS, the second is LNIB and the third has a barrel cut from 4 to 3 inches. Whoever cut it down did an excellent job. The only way you can tell that it was cut down is of course the non centered S&W on left side of barrel and 357 magnum on the right. It bothers me to look at it. But it is probably my best Smith shooter. I have several other Smiths but I have not shot most of them.

As a - 2 it is pinned and recessed. I have thought of just polishing off the lettering on the barrel. I don't know if re-lettering the barrel is possible or cost prohibitive.

Anyone have this done? Or should I just keep it as an excellent shooter? My friend is using it right now to teach his daughter in law to shoot so no pics.

 

[jscheck]

Just my personal opinion of course, but I'd leave it as is. You've got two more and you've already said it's a good shooter.

 

[mikerjf]

Dunno what you think of slab-siding the barrel, but there's that option too. I kinda like the look.

 

[Pine_Worker]

It's a shooter, just shoot it.

 

[stansdds]

I would leave the roll marks as-is and shoot/carry it.

 

[SAFireman]

Ford's in Florida can polish them off and re-apply them if they bother you. It shoots well, so there is not a mechanical issue to 'repair' just your vanity in play. Do, or do not, it is your gun, and your money.

Personally, it would bug the heck out of me. I made a 3.5" model 58 and had Fords re-mark the barrel when they polished and re-blued it, and I feel all better now.

 

[F224]

Dunno what you think of slab-siding the barrel, but there's that option too. I kinda like the look.

I had that done to a 65-5 of mine that was cut down to 3". It was the best handling M65 I have yet owned and shot.

 

[davsel]

Slab It

Another vote to slab-side.
I recently picked up a 65-3 that had been previously cut down and customized by Hellfire Custom Guns out of PA. Here's a pic of his work.

 

[S&W Fan]

Here's another pic of a slab sided 65, only photo I have after selling it lol, in order from top a 17-2, 686 no dash and the 65.

 

[Pantherclass2004]

It can be done without slabbing. Not cheap, but a good smith and engraver can do it nicely.

 

[ken158]

You know what it is regardless if you spend $$$ trying to make it something it isn't. You will never see the off center markings when carrying or shooting it... If it bothers you that much, list it here and one of the members will take it off your hands!

 

[xfarfuldog]

I appreciate all the replies. I am not a fan of the slab side look. However I really like the posted pics of the slab sides. But I am more of a traditionalist. When I said this gun is a shooter, I didn't mean it was scratched up or marred. It looks as good as the other 65's except for the non centered engraving.

I will check out Fords for pricing. I would consider selling it but I get sellers remorse. You wind up without the gun and soon the money is gone too. I have done that way to many times.