Help Identifying S&W .357

[Calhoun.22]

Hello all, I am new to the forum and in need of a little assistance. I recently acquired a new to me S&W .357 magnum. I have wanted one for a long time and finely got an opportunity from a co-worker whose wife requires him to sell one to buy one (poor guy).

I have looked through the "To IDENTIFY you Gun" thread and am hoping that a picture is indeed worth a thousand words so I can keep this post short.

What I am hoping to determine is the model and frame type and, if possible, the year of manufacture. The previous owner did not know this information as that he was not the original owner.

Hopefully the provided pictures will be helpful.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Ashlander]

Welcome to the forum. That is a 3" (length of barrel) Model 65-3 for late 1984 or early 1985. The 3" version is very sought after!

Your photo of the open crane shows a production number which is meaningless once the gun leaves the production line, but just above that hinge, on the frame, is the model number.

 

[murphydog]

It is a K or medium frame gun. It is considered to be one of the best carry revolvers and is pretty nice even if you can't carry it . Enjoy!

 

[Calhoun.22]

Welcome to the forum. That is a 3" (length of barrel) Model 65-3 for late 1984 or early 1985. The 3" version is very sought after!

Your photo of the open crane shows a production number which is meaningless once the gun leaves the production line, but just above that hinge, on the frame, is the model number.

Thank you very much for that information! I will take a look at the frame, above the hinge, when I get home.

I often see S&W revolvers referred to as "J-frame" "K-frame", etc... Which is this one?

 

[Ashlander]

You must have missed Murphydog's post (he is super knowledgeable in all things S&W revolver). The Model 65 is a K-frame (medium frame). The J-frames are small, K medium, L large, N larger, and X total beast.

 

[Calhoun.22]

You must have missed Murphydog's post (he is super knowledgeable in all things S&W revolver). The Model 65 is a K-frame (medium frame). The J-frames are small, K medium, L large, N larger, and X total beast.

Yep, Murphydog was reading my mind as I was typing.

Thank you all for the quick replies, I look forward to exploring the forum.

 

[BC38]

FWIW, my 3" 65-5 would be the one I kept if I could only keep one. It is my avatar photo.
Love those stag grips on yours too. Those are probably worth one to two bills all by themselves.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

Hmmm... let's take a look at your recent acquisition... a 3" bbl 65-3 with what appears to be stag grips... I would call that a real deal! Great carry wheel gun and very desirable! Congratulations and enjoy!


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[Ashlander]

BTW, the 3" 65 was the last revolver carried by federal DEA agents before they switched to semi-automatic pistols (the FBI used Model 13s - the blued version of a Model 65).

 

[gkitch]

Yes, you have one of the best carry revolvers of all time. Here is a list of things you may want to consider as you move forward:
-The stag grips are very nice. A Tyler T-grip adapter can be added to increase the feel and grip-ability of your gun. Most of us prefer them with those style of stocks.
-The K-frame was designed for 38 Specials and adapted to work with the much more powerful 357 magnums much later. Shoot 38s in it for the most part. If you carry it or use it for defense, run a few 357s through it one in a while so you know what to expect. The 357 is one of the best handgun defense rounds of all time.
-I like the Bianchi Speedstrip for carrying backup rounds. They lay flat in your pocket and are almost as fast as an HKS Speedloader with just a little practice. I found myself leaving the big, round HKS at home while the speedstrips are easy and quiet.
-A good leather belt holster would be my preference. Many good options here but most require a wait.

 

[Calhoun.22]

Yes, you have one of the best carry revolvers of all time. Here is a list of things you may want to consider as you move forward:
-The stag grips are very nice. A Tyler T-grip adapter can be added to increase the feel and grip-ability of your gun. Most of us prefer them with those style of stocks.
-The K-frame was designed for 38 Specials and adapted to work with the much more powerful 357 magnums much later. Shoot 38s in it for the most part. If you carry it or use it for defense, run a few 357s through it one in a while so you know what to expect. The 357 is one of the best handgun defense rounds of all time.
-I like the Bianchi Speedstrip for carrying backup rounds. They lay flat in your pocket and are almost as fast as an HKS Speedloader with just a little practice. I found myself leaving the big, round HKS at home while the speedstrips are easy and quiet.
-A good leather belt holster would be my preference. Many good options here but most require a wait.

Thank you gkitch. When not carrying my S&W Shield I often carry a S&W body guard (.38+p). I practice with .38 saving the +p cartridges for carry duty. I will do the same with this beauty. I also like the Bianchi Speed strips. With the Body Guard I get a little extra purchase on the strip due to it only holding five rounds, it will take some getting used to reloading six from the strip.

Also thank you for the tip on the grips, changing them out for something a little more comfortable was one reason for wanting to identify the model.

 

[Calhoun.22]

BTW, the 3" 65 was the last revolver carried by federal DEA agents before they switched to semi-automatic pistols (the FBI used Model 13s - the blued version of a Model 65).

I love getting the history, thank you! This thing is so much more interesting than most of my other hand guns.

 

[Calhoun.22]

FWIW, my 3" 65-5 would be the one I kept if I could only keep one. It is my avatar photo.
Love those stag grips on yours too. Those are probably worth one to two bills all by themselves.

Interesting, I am starting to feel a little guilty thinking the guy didn't realize what he was parting with. I got this for three and a half bills

The worst part is that he sold it to get a used glock 27. Not that I have problem with glock but they are a dime a dozen.

 

[murphydog]

Interesting, I am starting to feel a little guilty thinking the guy didn't realize what he was parting with. I got this for three and a half bills

The worst part is that he sold it to get a used glock 27. Not that I have problem with glock but they are a dime a dozen.

You are learning well, young grasshopper. Hopefully the Glock owner will also, eventually .

 

[Mehutch]

Hell of a deal. Great gun that 65-3 with 3" barrel. Take real good care of it, they don't make em like that anymore.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

I'm telling ya brother... that was a real deal! It's one of my all time favorite wheel guns, especially with a rounded butt... and that wasn't meant as a wise crack!
Blessings, Hog


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[gkitch]

Interesting, I am starting to feel a little guilty thinking the guy didn't realize what he was parting with. I got this for three and a half bills

The worst part is that he sold it to get a used glock 27. Not that I have problem with glock but they are a dime a dozen.

Most here on the forum would consider $600 a good deal on a clean 3" pre-lock 65 with factory grips and no box. There is a premium on the 3" 357s....about $150 to $200 over 4" versions.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Hi Calhoun.22:

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on a great deal on a highly desirable, and sought after revolver. FYI - as a general rule of thumb, the shorter the barrel length, the higher the sales price.

Regards,

Dave

 

[BC38]

$350 for THAT GUN?!?

Not only yes but HALE YES! All day any day and twice on Sunday.

I thought I got a bargain on mine at $495 before tax - and mine came with the factory rubber grips!

I'd definitely feel good about buying that one with those stags at anything under 6 bills around here.