65-3 identification.

[AATW]

I just picked up a 65-3 and the yoke markings just don't look right. Serial #: 7D7xxx. I'd appreciate any information especially date of manufacturing. Thank you very much.

 

[Pocketrocket]

65-3

I don't think that's the correct #. My 65-3 has a three letter #.
That may be an assembly number. Look at the # on the butt of frame. You may need to remove the grips.

 

[AATW]

The serial # on the butt is 7D781xx

 

[Pocketrocket]

65-3

Ok I'm going to assume it's not a pinned barrel and its approx date is 82 or
83. Seems like an early -3 number. I bet someone will have better info.
These are nice guns I have a couple.

Oh yeah a picture of whole gun would be nice.
Pictures good!

 

[murphydog]

All the visible stampings near the yoke appear factory original/standard. What about them doesn't look right to you?

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congrats and welcome to the Neighborhood!

 

[AATW]

Here's the full pic. I just thought it was weird that the -3 was a different font than the 65.

 

[KEN L]

Here's the full pic. I just thought it was weird that the -3 was a different font than the 65.

I agree, the dash number appears to be an overstamp of another number, possibly a leftover -2 frame that was used later. Here is mine, #ANB81xx, and you'll notice the font is different than yours and obviously does not overstamp another number.

Your gun is probably from Nov/Dec 1982, mine is from June 1986.

It would be interesting to see other 65-3's in the 7D range to see how they are marked. Good eye!

 

[Ashlander]

A 7D7xxx serial number is supposed to be on blued or nickel version (a Model 13), so that's unusual in addition to the over-stamp "-3". Another unusual feature on your gun appears to be the target trigger and hammer. They were available, but most model 65 revolvers were set up as service guns. Very neat package you got.

 

[AATW]

Thanks for the information. Are the target hammer and trigger add ons or would they be original?

 

[lhump1961]

Smith never throws anything out so you could see about anything...especially during a transition. Enjoy a very nice gun and don't sweat it.

 

[Ashlander]

Thanks for the information. Are the target hammer and trigger add ons or would they be original?

They could be original. A factory letter could tell you for sure. Costs $75. I have never been tempted to "letter" any of my guns, but yours is another matter with the serial number not really fitting the gun and all. I'd be curious.

I have at least one gun where a previous owner traded out a service trigger for a wide target trigger that he had ground the serrations off and polished smooth. It's a doozy.

 

[Gripgrabber]

Kinda like my 65-1! Wide smooth target trigger.

 

[KEN L]

Kinda like my 65-1! Wide smooth target trigger.

That's actually a combat trigger. I don't believe it shipped from Smith that way, but it could have. More comfortable for double action shooting and doesn't protrude beyond the width of the trigger guard. I much prefer a standard trigger that's been smoothed & radiused.