M65-3 enters rehab

[Rex Goliath]

Before getting into this; a quick reader survey question(s): Do you consider revolvers (new or used) as routine candidates for action jobs? If so, would you have it done professionally or DIY (what I call tooth paste jobs)?

Pictured in this post is a new acquisition. It is a M65-3 M&P which is about 25 y/o, so one expects some honest (or dishonest) wear. This specimen displayed checkered wood medallion grips (S/N #AHW18xx).

The photos start with grips. It is typically what I look at first an work my way through the rest of my inspection. This gal did not make a good first impression.

The markings were mostly good. Bore is very good. The action is crisp. She locked up tight with slight end shake. I could barely get my smallest gauge into the barrel/cylinder gap.

Back to the grips show considerable marring. The stainless surface of the gun shows scattered scratches and nicks from carry and use; which is a bit of an understatement.

2 big dents in the back strap, a dent in the trigger guard, many small dents in the side plate and lots of lovely patina ...rust blooms in every nook and cranny.

More to the story follows


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[Rex Goliath]

When I set out to look for a new acquisition, I bring along some implements to take the closest look a seller will allow.

On this M65-3, I tested the barrel & cylinder with minus/plus pins. But, not before having to clear the barrel and cylinders with a dry swab to clean out what looked like dried/caked on Johnson's furniture wax. The pins produced results of good tolerances. A good sign given her age.

Taking off the grips for further inspection, revealed that previously mentioned rust bloom had spread to outright rust on the frame where those banged up grips had rested... apparently for a long time. Illuminating the recess where the mainspring meets the hammer was found clean and dry with no sign of bloom or outright rust.

At the end of the inspection, I was questioning if it was worthy of buying as a shooter. Obviously, I decided yes; I wanted the gun more than the money in my wallet.

More to follow.


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[dbarale]

I must be pretty easy. She looks fine to me...

 

[FPrice]

I hope you didn't spend TOO much on her.

 

[GerSan69]

Wow, Rex, that is a beater! I hope they paid you to take it!!!

 

[markeb]

I like the gun but would find some different grips for it. Is the lower rear sideplate screw mixed up with the upper screw underneath the grip?

 

[Rex Goliath]

Very good observation about the side plate screw. Correct, and there are ...dents in the side plate.

The inspection could not proceed further. I forced myself to get past the telltale signs of poor stewardship and decided to buy it using the decencies to work on the price.

You know; there is going to be more to this story. No spoiler alert too soon in the saga of a 65-3 beater...rode hard, put up wet. Are there any merits for ownership?

More to be revealed.


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[Rex Goliath]

I inadvertently neglected to reply to other posts, "... payed me to take it ...or not paying too much..."

Oh, I have paid a high price alright; but this gun was... free. Well, sort of free.

My wife bought it for me! A gift in celebration of our 25th anniversary. She is a shrewd one...give him a project gun. Keeps me out of places of disrepute.


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[FPrice]

Honey! It's wonderful!

Just like you.

 

[Rex Goliath]

This orphan was just one of many up for adoption. It was my choice and mine alone. The necessary time passes and some buyers remorse set in; but I remind myself "...this is my gun. There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is useless without me. I will master it just as I master life..."

So, eventually M65-3 is released from jail and comes home to meet the rest of the family. Of course Dr Nevr Dull, the renowned cosmetologist, and Senior Frog Lube are there for the homecoming.

By now I am still unsure if this is going to be a full on adoption; or just another catch-and-release fishing trip. Dr Nevr Dull is smitten with her and they spend a lot of time together getting well acquainted.

Miss M65-3 does not need to spend the night in the vinegar bath after all. Her blemishes become more apparent after some time spent with Senior Frog Lube at his triple ought 3M pad.

In the next episode of reality rehab; the stunning results will be made public of what Mr Chapman Tools finds under her side plate! We know from the buggered screws and dents in her side, something dark and sinister could be revealed.

More to follow.


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[Green Frog]

Hey RG, take a little extra care removing and replacing that side plate. From the roughness at the upper extension, someone in the past didn't. You might want to take a fine stone and dress out those little burrs a bit (with the side plate in place) to clean up the appearance there. The divots are there to stay, but it will be a shooter, so you may even add another one or two yourself, depending on what kind of duties it is assigned. Looks like a good solid shooter to me, though.

Froggie

 

[ColbyBruce]

My S&W 64-2, a former LE evidence gun, it was covered in rust and had a case number written in Sharpie marker, the PC magna stocks were scratched and weathered. It cost me around $30.00 in 2011.

I soaked it in Kano Kroil for days to loosen up the rust. Most of the rust was from it being stored in a cardboard box with other guns, which dripped all over this one. Mine had no pits or dings in the metal. I buffed it with a Scotchbrite pad until all the rust was gone and the finish looked the same all around. I ran across the Grashorn stag stocks and could not resist. I like this gun a whole lot. So does everyone who lays eyes on it.

I think once you rehab that 65 it will become a favorite of yours.

 

[Rex Goliath]

Yes Colby, you put some life back into yours as well and some tasteful grips too. And will keep in mind your gun's history too.

Froggie, you have a god eye Amigo! The side plate does rest a little proud. Your points are well taken. Although, at the moment, saying whats under the hood right now will spoil the next episode of "65-3, Reality Rehab".

From the PPT sale record; M65-3's foster mother is a middle aged woman. Oh the intrigue... Why did she sell? Why did she me a 357 heavy barrel? We may never know.

The questions about her past are explored in future segments. Stay tuned. It is going to get either exciting, complicated or really boring.


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[ColbyBruce]

Some others I got that day, in a better box.

 

[Rex Goliath]

What a find Colby. Nice pic. Appropriate to remind myself there a Commandment about coveting.

For me, going radio silent for awhile


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[mc5aw]

That poor revolver has had a difficult life. Being stainless, it should buff out nicely. But those dents and dings?! What did the previous owner do, take an ice pick to it? I think with some innerds oil, a bit of polish, a replacement sideplate screw, and a set of new grips, it will make a fine shooter. Abused guns like this are similar to abused dogs ... both are simply waiting for the right owner to reciprocate their love and loyalty.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
The grips ,back strap and side plate show what I would expect
from an LE gun.
When worn in a border patrol holster, the gun is out there
for all the rain, door jams, car doors, chair arms etc to hit.
And let us not forget the skate down the Blacktop or gravel road!!!

 

[Rex Goliath]

MC5AW, some preliminary pics of my idea for grips.

Groo, Oops. My error Detective Groo, I think you are spot on as this 65-3 being a LE gun.

I really must go radio silent for a time.
Now, just to hold the readers interest; some grip concept pics. That Parkerized hunk of metal in the pic is a Victory K-frame which I use as a fixture for the wood working preparation.

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[mc5aw]

Rex ... I like those grip panels to cut back and make true to the square butt frame. Since the screw channel is already present, it may be off center once the panels are shaped to the frame. I think you have a great project gun that will turn out beautifully once it receives the TLC it deserves.

A few years back, I bought a vintage S&W K-22 that had been in a flood. The damage wasn't nearly what you're facing, but there was some surface corrosion, and the innerds were all gummed up. The aftermarket wood grip panels were amazingly intact, so those stayed. I popped the side plate and gutted the revolver, soaking every internal organ for several days in some Gun Scrubber-type concoction. After soaking, a thorough cleaning and reassembly (with necessary lube), the revolver was returned to fairly nice operational and aesthetic conditions. I look forward to seeing what your own diamond in the rough becomes!

PS: Once the metalwork is finished, a nice carry holster is in order.

 

[old bear]

My wife bought it for me! A gift in celebration of our 25th anniversary.

Well Rex, I'm going to have to advise you that your new revolver is priceless, and I hope you know what a lucky guy you are.