I don't seem to see a lot of discussion about model 65's.............

[therick]

A friend brought me this model 65-4 (4 inch barrel) today and he wants me to sell it for him. It's a dirty pig right now and I'd say it's about 85% because it seems to have quite a few of very small scratches on it like it may have been kept under the seat of his car or something like that. I don't know much about the gun but I understand that a lot of police Departments used them as standard issue for their patrolmen. I haven't taken off the grips as of yet but I believe them to be original to the gun. I will try to sell it locally here in the Tampa area, preferring not to ship, but I was needing some guidance as to a fair market value for the gun. Also, what does the "U" stand for above the model number? Thanks for any information that you guys can supply me with.

Rick
Plant City, Florida

 

[Hearsedriver]

Those are Uncle Mikes' grips and they are original to the gun. If you do a search, you will find lots of 65 fans here. My 4" 65-2 is my favorite shooter! They are incredibly accurate and respond well to some minor action work.

 

[mikelain]

I have one also. It is the revolver I shoot the most. Clean up the scratches with a greenie, gotta love stainless. Don't sell it keep it for your self (if the price is right).

 

[Dragon88]

No one talk about 65s because they're too busy shooting them. Great guns.

 

[TAROMAN]

Great revolvers. Seem to have been underappreciated in their day, but their virtues have now been discovered.

Agree with the others. Grab this one for yourself, or regret it later. In my area, this one would easily be=ring 4375-400 and likely more.

Don't sweat the scratches if the mechanicals are tight.

A bit of judicious polishing works wonders on these. Mine was scratched and a bit pitted.

 

[Ashlander]

I have 2 65-3s. One 4" and one 3". Love them. I had a 19-3 that was technically a "better" gun, but I traded that one away. I kept my 65s!

 

[therick]

I have one also. It is the revolver I shoot the most. Clean up the scratches with a greenie, gotta love stainless. Don't sell it keep it for your self (if the price is right).

I would love to keep it but I'm looking for a 65-5 lady smith with a 3 inch barrel for my primary carry piece. I'll have to hold out until I come across one.

 

[Robinett_11B]

I've been trying to trade a M28 for one for some time now I appreciate everything the 3" M65 brings to the CC table. The 4" wouldn't make a bad gun either. That one would sell for $450-$500 around here.

 

[therick]

I've been trying to trade a M28 for one for some time now I appreciate everything the 3" M65 brings to the CC table. The 4" wouldn't make a bad gun either. That one would sell for $450-$500 around here.

I think when I get her cleaned up and get the "range crud" off of her I'll expect to get about $500 for her here in the Tampa area as well. I'll post more pics when I get her cleaned up.

 

[chief38]

IMHO the 3" M65 is the BEST CCW .357 you could own! Not fancy, but has everything you need and nothing you don't - in a self defense weapon. I have many guns, but only carry two of them One is a M60-7 and the other is a 3" M65.

Chief38

 

[papajohn428]

Everybody needs a 65, in whatever barrel length. I have a 3-inch I worked over that has the best trigger of ANY gun I've ever shot, bar none. And that includes 35 years of PD training and shooting every Smith I could get my hands on.

I kinda have a soft spot (it's called a "Skull") for stainless revolvers...........three AND four inch.

 

[Leatherneck6468]

IMHO the 3" M65 is the BEST CCW .357 you could own! Not fancy, but has everything you need and nothing you don't - in a self defense weapon. I have many guns, but only carry two of them One is a M60-7 and the other is a 3" M65.

Chief38

Plus 1 !! If I was limited to owning only one handgun it would be my Model 65, 3" with Pachmayer Pro Compac Grips.
Practice with inexpensive 38 Spcl target loads or Plus P's and carry a great stopping power round in the .357.

 

[oldafsp]

65-3

Nothing bad about these guns...

 

[18DAI]

Great revolvers. Custom Combat Handguns this month, has an article on a 3" 65 that Heirloom Precision customized.

Great shooting revolvers. The 3" is one of the best CCW revolvers made, by anyone. Regards 18DAI

 

[therick]

Anyone have any idea what the "U" signifies above the 65-4 stamp?

 

[squidsix]

My 3" 65 gets toted a lot. Shot a lot, too, but toted more.

 

[diamonback68]

Anyone have any idea what the "U" signifies above the 65-4 stamp?

Means nothing to us, probably an inspectors stamp. Look under the grips there's a lot more of them there.

 

[C Islander]

My 65-2 is a fantastic gun. Accurate, well balanced, and the best trigger I've ever used.

 

[j38]

therick,

I was told by a S&W service rep that the "U" signifies that the gun was returned to the factory, usually in an agency trade-in situation, checked out for correct function, and stamped with the "U" to signify that it was used, not new. My 65-5 from 1994 exhibits this mark.

Jerry

 

[S&W-Keeper]

therick,

I was told by a S&W service rep that the "U" signifies that the gun was returned to the factory, usually in an agency trade-in situation, checked out for correct function, and stamped with the "U" to signify that it was used, not new. My 65-5 from 1994 exhibits this mark.

Jerry

I agree, my -5 also has the U above the model number.