Date on a model 65-3?

[Benjamin9]

Hey guys Benjamin here. I recently acquired this sweet 4 inch model 65 to compliment my beloved 3 inch model 13-2. I have a soft spot for k frame magnums. Supposedly it was a state trooper’s issue revolver but I’m not sure Virginia issued the model 65. The original square butt stocks are in surprisingly good shape. Wondering when it was produced if anyone can give a date I would appreciate it.

S/N: BAR1760

Thanks as always!

 

[L-2]

My "book" says probably 1988 or 1989.

1988 – AFZ, AWP, AYC, AYE, AYM, AYR, AYU, AYY, AWD, AZA, AZH, AZJ, AZE, AZL, BAF, BAN, BAP, BAR, BAS, BBA, BBF, BBH, BBN, BBT

1989 – AZJ, BAR, BBD, BBY, BCA, BDC, BDN, BDR, BDS, BDV, BDY, BDZ, BEA, BEC, BED, BEE, BEF, BEH, BEK, BEN, BEP BEZ, BFE, BEK,

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (p. 491). Gun Digest Media. Kindle Edition.

 

[L-2]

Here an excerpt of some Mod. 65 history:

65-1 1972 Introduction

65-2 1977 Change to put gas ring from yoke to cylinder

65-3 1982 Eliminate cylinder counterbore and pinned barrel Slight change in cylinder length to 1.62"

65-4 1988 New yoke retention system/ Floating hand /hammer nose bushing radius stud package on 4" square butt

65-5 1988 New yoke retention system/ Floating hand /hammer nose bushing- radius stud package on 3" round butt

1991 Introduction of “LadySmith” variation w/ 3-inch barrel, round butt frame, smooth Rosewood grips

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (p. 267). Gun Digest Media. Kindle Edition.
===========
I wouldn't know anything about Virginia law enforcement issued handguns.

 

[Benjamin9]

My "book" says probably 1988 or 1989.

1988 – AFZ, AWP, AYC, AYE, AYM, AYR, AYU, AYY, AWD, AZA, AZH, AZJ, AZE, AZL, BAF, BAN, BAP, BAR, BAS, BBA, BBF, BBH, BBN, BBT

1989 – AZJ, BAR, BBD, BBY, BCA, BDC, BDN, BDR, BDS, BDV, BDY, BDZ, BEA, BEC, BED, BEE, BEF, BEH, BEK, BEN, BEP BEZ, BFE, BEK,

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (p. 491). Gun Digest Media. Kindle Edition.

Thanks that is extremely helpful! Looks to be the last year or two for the -3 design change.

 

[Doublelab]

65-3 DOM

Hello, Daryl from Maryland here and I'm not meaning to hijack this thread but could not see how to post a new thread. I have a 65-3, s/n ADN6999 and could not bring anything up on a search to find previous posts. This is one of my favorite EDC guns. Thanks in advance.

 

[Benjamin9]

After a good thorough cleaning and some oil she's looking better. Finish isn't in perfect condition. I'm thinking of a light polish with some mothers mag. What do you guys think?

 

[Green Frog]

Hello, Daryl from Maryland here and I'm not meaning to hijack this thread but could not see how to post a new thread. I have a 65-3, s/n ADN6999 and could not bring anything up on a search to find previous posts. This is one of my favorite EDC guns. Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the S&W Forum. I just checked my SCSW 4th and there was no listing tor ADN serials, but the ADM serials came from 1984 and the serials starting with AD- were used in 1983 and 1985 as well, so you can narrow it down that much.
If you are signed in and go to the start page for your group of guns, you should see an orange tab to start a “New Topic”.
Regards,
Green Frog

 

[Benjamin9]

Alright guys a few questions,

After thorough comparison with my 3 inch Model 13-2 the Model 65-3 seems to have a little more endshake. Slight back and forth movement in the yoke with the cylinder open and not completely flush with the frame when closed. Lock up is still tight and I'm sure within spec but I think the issue is the yoke screw above the trigger. Both the side-plate screw and the one above the trigger seem to be the same length. Which should be longer? Can I fit one myself? Can I buy an original length yoke retention screw?

Or does the model 13 being a -2 make the fitment slightly better than the 65-3?

AFinally how bad are hot 357s like most 125 grain cartridges for this gun? I know older k frames have the shaved forcing cone and stick to mostly 38 special in my model 13. The 4 inch 65 has slightly more weight to make magnums feel more comfortable and asking for more.

Thanks,
Benjamin

 

[Benjamin9]

Anyone? Insight would be appreciated greatly.

 

[LtBob]

VSP only issued Model 64's, 4" barrel, no M65's.