Best Model 65

[markeb]

I ordered this gun new from a LGS back around 1997 for a very special Lady. That's the way I received it along with blue plastic box, LS bag, and a Master trigger lock.

 

[ikor]

I would look for a -2 , they would be pinned and recessed. They are all built about the same and you can't pinpoint operation and accuracy of one over the other, that may vary from gun to gun.

As has been mentioned so many times here, S&W was in the 'gun sales' business, so they used up every part they had. I own a recessed but not pinned, model marked 65-2, as well as a M28-2 in the same configuration. For me, I will always prefer a P&R magnum revolver, but I do really like the Ladysmith M65-5's as well.

 

[Hapworth]

I ordered this gun new from a LGS back around 1997 for a very special Lady. That's the way I received it along with blue plastic box, LS bag, and a Master trigger lock.

'97 was a transition year and 65s started showing up with small changes and new parts, to include the current-style thumb release you have on yours.

 

[KEN L]

Hello All,

New to forum. Looking at the Model 65 with a 3" barrel. Can anyone tell me which is the most desireable or "best" dash number? I'm asking in terms of operation, acuracy, build quality, etc. I don't care about collectability and such.

Thanks!

Scoid

Opinions are like......well you know, everybody has one. I would say the most desireable or "best" dash number is any one you can find available at a decent price. Any of them will meet your other criteria. I would have preferred a -2 but was happy to find this -3 when it came along. It was badly abused and needed a LOT of TLC when I got it but through a labor of love I was able to restore it to its proper state of beauty.

Before - doesn't really show the extent of the damage.

After - not pristine, but beautiful compared to what it was.

Eventually I would like to find one of the Lady Smith versions, but for now I am happy with what I have. You just don't see a lot of them available these days. Good Luck in your search!

 

[gjohnson]

Best 65

Mine, because it's mine! 65-3.