M65-6 Question

[Soren]

I don't see much info on these versions. Is the 65-6 worth owning?

 

[murphydog]

It is the last no-lock model 65 made. A 3" would be nice but it would not be a bad one in 4" either. Probably not made in large numbers due to the transition to semi-autos in the LE community at that time (late 1990s).

 

[Soren]

I picked one up that's was a bit scratched up. The return on the trigger sometimes gets hung up. Otherwise the action is smooth. I plan on installing a new spring set and with a little polishing it should be gtg. The lock-up, end shake and everything else looks good.

 

[Blackshirt]

I have a 4" M65. Outside of Grizzly Country, it is a perfect field gun. It is very accurate and fairly light at about 33 ounces. I use it with a cross-draw flap holster from El Paso Saddlery and Underwood .38 Special +P hard cast Keith cartridges (1250fps/555 ft/lbs KE). I consider 3" and 4" M65s to be superb revolvers; great triggers, resists corrosion, a simple manual of arms, and great accuracy. Highly recommended.

 

[pmosley]

I have a 3" 65-6 - one of the best factory triggers of my K frames.


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[Brian in Oregon]

I have a 4" M65. Outside of Grizzly Country, it is a perfect field gun. It is very accurate and fairly light at about 33 ounces. I use it with a cross-draw flap holster from El Paso Saddlery and Underwood .38 Special +P hard cast Keith cartridges (1250fps/555 ft/lbs KE). I consider 3" and 4" M65s to be superb revolvers; great triggers, resists corrosion, a simple manual of arms, and great accuracy. Highly recommended.

There is merit in that. Had a friend who pointed out the best woods gun, at that time period (1980s) that the Model 58 .41 Magnum was the best overall woods gun. It had fixed sights that would not snag on a holster or large jacket pocket, the sights would not break or fall off, the barrel weight was in the barrel, not in a heavy underlug, and it weighed no more than was necessary.

Thought about that, and started packing a 58 with target hammer, trigger and grips in the woods as well. For whatever reason I traded it off, which was a mistake. At the time there were 58s going begging for sale. Also, the 58 is not a dual cartridge gun like the .44 and .357/.38 Magnum/Specials. True, light practice lead bullet ammo was made at one time, but was very pricey, not easy to find and was discontinued.

So, coming to the point, I've always thought that the 65, especially in a 3", would be the ideal woods carry gun where you did not have large bears or moose. Stainless, fixed sights, no extra weight, relatively compact, powerful. A 3" 65 is on my impulse buy list.