seabeesbob
US Veteran
I have a 65-4 and reading these post the 4 means something. please explain. I want to buy the S&W book as I am sure it is in there, but it's not in the buget.
65 Thread - Post Yours
- Thread starter Snapping Twig
- Start date
papajohn428
Member
Two of my first 3-inch guns, my 65-2 shown below a Rossi 44 Special I also really enjoy carrying and shooting. The 65 has a trigger that defies description, as slick and light as it gets on a K-frame, which is pretty darned good.
Senor Chisme
Member
Back in June, 1978 when I reported to the Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, GA. we were issued Colt .38 Spls., 4” blue, with “U.S. Border Patrol” stamped on the backstrap. It might have been an Official Police model. The revolver that you trained with was the gun you took back to your duty station.
About halfway through the academy (8 or 9 weeks), they took back all the Colts and issued brand new S&W Model 66s. The qualification course was the old PPC course. We fired left side and right side barricade from the 25 and the 50 yard line (strong hand from the strong side, and weak hand from the weak side of the barricade at both distances). Most of the course was fired using wadcutters except for the 15 yard line where we had a timed reload (fire 6, reload, fire 6, strong hand supported by weak hand, all in 20 seconds) using magnum ammo. Also we had to reload from our belt loops. Speedloaders were expressly forbidden.
When I got back to my duty station at Laredo, I decided that I didn’t like the profile of that 66 as much as I liked the look of that fat barrel on the Model 65. I called some outfit in California (might have been named Wilson) and ordered a 4” Model 65 but I had them add a blued S&W adjustable rear sight with white outline and a blued Patridge front sight pinned into the barrel. I just loved that gun and it shot like a laser. I carried it in a Rodgers holster that was made from kydex, lined with suede leather, and split up the front so that the draw was just break the thumb break and a forward sweep. Rodgers later sold out to Safariland I think and that is where their plastic lined holsters evolved from.
In 1984 when I transferred to investigations in Chicago, I sent my 65 back to California and had them cut the barrel back to 3” (I was working in plain clothes then) and reset the front sight. I also had them round the butt and bead blast the entire gun. Still shot like a laser. In 1987, when I transferred to Dallas, I still carried it until the entire Immigration Service switched over to autos. Then I retired the 65 to be used as a house gun.
I still take the gun to the range periodically, just for nostalgia. Recently, I had the forcing cone split at 6 o’clock. I tried for a long time to find another pinned barrel to replace it. I finally found a 3” Ladysmith barrel from Numrich Arms that was already bead blasted. I had a gunsmith fit it and even pinned the barrel. Although I now carry a double stack .45 here at the Sheriff’s Office, I still qualify with my 65 twice a year. I still love this old gun and will pass it down to my grandson one of these days as I tell him about its rich history
About halfway through the academy (8 or 9 weeks), they took back all the Colts and issued brand new S&W Model 66s. The qualification course was the old PPC course. We fired left side and right side barricade from the 25 and the 50 yard line (strong hand from the strong side, and weak hand from the weak side of the barricade at both distances). Most of the course was fired using wadcutters except for the 15 yard line where we had a timed reload (fire 6, reload, fire 6, strong hand supported by weak hand, all in 20 seconds) using magnum ammo. Also we had to reload from our belt loops. Speedloaders were expressly forbidden.
When I got back to my duty station at Laredo, I decided that I didn’t like the profile of that 66 as much as I liked the look of that fat barrel on the Model 65. I called some outfit in California (might have been named Wilson) and ordered a 4” Model 65 but I had them add a blued S&W adjustable rear sight with white outline and a blued Patridge front sight pinned into the barrel. I just loved that gun and it shot like a laser. I carried it in a Rodgers holster that was made from kydex, lined with suede leather, and split up the front so that the draw was just break the thumb break and a forward sweep. Rodgers later sold out to Safariland I think and that is where their plastic lined holsters evolved from.
In 1984 when I transferred to investigations in Chicago, I sent my 65 back to California and had them cut the barrel back to 3” (I was working in plain clothes then) and reset the front sight. I also had them round the butt and bead blast the entire gun. Still shot like a laser. In 1987, when I transferred to Dallas, I still carried it until the entire Immigration Service switched over to autos. Then I retired the 65 to be used as a house gun.
I still take the gun to the range periodically, just for nostalgia. Recently, I had the forcing cone split at 6 o’clock. I tried for a long time to find another pinned barrel to replace it. I finally found a 3” Ladysmith barrel from Numrich Arms that was already bead blasted. I had a gunsmith fit it and even pinned the barrel. Although I now carry a double stack .45 here at the Sheriff’s Office, I still qualify with my 65 twice a year. I still love this old gun and will pass it down to my grandson one of these days as I tell him about its rich history
Attachments
bronco45
Member
Senor Chisme: Thanks for your story and photo. Nice to see a person who loves Smith and builds one the way they should have been built. Then smart enough to keep the weapon.
I bought my Model 19 back from the state when we transitioned to Glocks.
I bought my Model 19 back from the state when we transitioned to Glocks.
dbracin
Member
I found this LNIB 65 this past summer in a local store. It's one of my favorites now.
johnny3
Member
m65-3, 3"
C Islander
Member
Since I got my 3" 65, I look at this thread every day!! Gotta love 65's.
Maximumbob54
Member
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Let's not let the 65 love thread die!!!!!
I know, it's the same gun but it's the only 65 I have still... So I added a knife!
I know, it's the same gun but it's the only 65 I have still... So I added a knife!
jimmyjoe
Member
65-3
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Old Corp
Member
Got one off of GB last week and should be seeing it this coming week.
All because of you guys!
No, actually I sold a 3" M66 some years back for $375 when I was on a M1911 kick. Have always regretted it. I'm friends with the current owner and he wouldn't let it go for more than twice that now.
The 3" M65 is my 'consolation prize' (and birthday gift) to myself.
Pics coming when it does.
All because of you guys!
No, actually I sold a 3" M66 some years back for $375 when I was on a M1911 kick. Have always regretted it. I'm friends with the current owner and he wouldn't let it go for more than twice that now.
The 3" M65 is my 'consolation prize' (and birthday gift) to myself.
Pics coming when it does.
Here is my 65 3" I had to bead blast it the finish was rough.
Before
After
Before
After
Last edited:
C Islander
Member
Here is my 65 3" I had to bead blast it the finish was rough.
Before
After
Looks great!!!
Beach-Hunter
Member
diamonback68
US Veteran
Truer words were never spoken my friend. Mine will be the one they will have to pry from my cold..........................
perfectcircle1
Member
<3
luangtom
US Veteran
fletre
Member
This one stays on my nightstand.
SW_shooter
Member
Dog gone it, now you gentlemen made me want one.
My name is SW shooter and I am a Smithaholic.
My name is SW shooter and I am a Smithaholic.
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