This Model 65-1 dates back to the 1970s, and was originally a Lubbock Police Department gun. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of it as it looked when I first got it, but it had, as we say, a fair amount of honest wear.
I think the 4" M65 is a great all around gun. Everything you need and nothing you don't. Nothing fancy. About as utilitarian in its rugged simplicity as you can get.
So, back around 2008 or so, I decided it would be a fun, if spendthrift, project to spiff it up.
I had Dan Collins carve the elephant ivory grips for it. Dan Love put the inlaid gold bands on the cylinder and bbl, as well as the gold on the front sight ramp. I had yet another craftsman gold inlay the logo, the Made in USA, and the .357 Magnum bbl lettering, polish the gun, and further refine the fit of the grips to the frame.
Grant Cunningham, the well-known revolversmith, trainer and author, tuned the revolver with his super action job, and smoothed the trigger face, increased the firing pin protrusion, and removed, set back and reinstalled the barrel.
The holster is Mitch Rosen's 5JR.
No point to it all, other than it is beautiful, and that it is about as mechanically perfect as it is possible to make it. Some folks might say this project was a waste of money. An M65 as it comes from the factory is a fine revolver.
But... I had a good time with the process, and enjoy the end result.
I think the 4" M65 is a great all around gun. Everything you need and nothing you don't. Nothing fancy. About as utilitarian in its rugged simplicity as you can get.
So, back around 2008 or so, I decided it would be a fun, if spendthrift, project to spiff it up.
I had Dan Collins carve the elephant ivory grips for it. Dan Love put the inlaid gold bands on the cylinder and bbl, as well as the gold on the front sight ramp. I had yet another craftsman gold inlay the logo, the Made in USA, and the .357 Magnum bbl lettering, polish the gun, and further refine the fit of the grips to the frame.
Grant Cunningham, the well-known revolversmith, trainer and author, tuned the revolver with his super action job, and smoothed the trigger face, increased the firing pin protrusion, and removed, set back and reinstalled the barrel.
The holster is Mitch Rosen's 5JR.
No point to it all, other than it is beautiful, and that it is about as mechanically perfect as it is possible to make it. Some folks might say this project was a waste of money. An M65 as it comes from the factory is a fine revolver.
But... I had a good time with the process, and enjoy the end result.
Last edited:
It is perfect as is... or if ever desired, it is primed and ready for some engraver to do a little more cutting on that beauty.
