how come?

[peterinwa]

Hi Forum Folks,

Pictured here is my S&W Model 65-2. I always thought that the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder went together, but this one doesn't. Am I mistaken, or is this some sort of exception? Also, I'd really like to know about how old the gun is. I've only had it about 5 years, but it didn't take long for her to become my favorite. Thanks in advance for any info and for being such a great resource. Peter

PS: S/N is 7D655xx

 

[66snub]

I can't make a guess on the age of your gun, but from what I've been told, the guns that are either pinned or recessed but not both, are a transitional piece. Those guns are built during the time of a number change after the dash next to your model number.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

S/N is 7D655xx

1981.

S&W doesn't like to waste parts, so when they do a production change there's often a transition period were the old parts are used up. When you study the older guns you see it all the time. Nowadays, it's not as common, since, like all successful manufacturing companies, I'm sure S&W has tighter inventory control measures.

 

[mojave30cal]

Man, a nice set of wood PC service grips would look nice on that
nickel gun!

 

[PeteMitchell]

Man, a nice set of wood PC service grips would look nice on that
nickel gun!

Couldn't agree more... she's begging for some nice walnut to make that nickel pop!

Regardless, that's a great looking revolver! The finish is almost TOO good to be true for a 1981... was it re-plated? (not calling you out if it was... I just think it's beautiful!)

 

[rettxpo]

Boy!!!!!! Somebody sure used some Mother's polish on that one. Looks good.

 

[peterinwa]

Thanks a million for all the info on my model 65. I'm assuming the transition is from model 65-1 to 65-2, not model 65-2 to 65-3? Thanks for all the compliments on the gun's finish. I have spent a fair amount of time with Mother's. The gun is all stainless steel, no nickel although I'm flattered that you thought maybe.

I would like to get the correct S&W grips for the gun. It's always had the pachmayr's but I'd really like to get it back to the original type. How do I go about getting the right grips. I hear people talking about "black washer", "diamond", targets, and the like. Is any Smith & Wesson grip appropriate for the 65-2? Hope you're not tiring from all the questions. Peter

 

[g8rb8]

In regards to your serial # and dating your revolver:
S/N is 7D655xx
1981 would be the date.
1981 7D10001 - 9D44500
Original grips would have been checked walnut service grips.
65-3 (1982) Eliminate cylinder counterbore and pinned barrel with slight change in cylinder length from 1.67" to 1.62".

 

[peterinwa]

Thanks a lot for the feedback. I really appreciate it. Peter

 

[old bear]

I have spent a fair amount of time with Mother's. The gun is all stainless steel, no nickel although I'm flattered that you thought maybe.

Thanks for clearing up the finish issues. I was starting to think you may have had a miss-marked nickel M-13.