Model 65-5 Rare or not?

[bobsleatherworks]

Hello,

I discovered a 3" Model 65-5 in a NC pawn shop last weekend priced at $430 and after doing some research I'm curious to learn if anyone knows how rare this great looking carry/concealment .357 is now that S&W replaced it with the 7 round model 619 but not with a 3" variation.

I'm still on the fence about whether to keep using my model 457 .45ACP for concealed carry...which happens to be on its way to S&W for a repair, OR go to a revolver like the 65-5 with no snagable rear sight like on a model 66.

Also, any thoughts about .357 stopping power compared to .45ACP? I know what would be said on the semi-auto pistol forum, but curious to hear what the revolver folks have to say!

Thanks!

 

[Combat_Diver]

A 3" HB, RB .357 in either 13/65 is a premier combat revolver. The FBI use to issue the blue model of the same gun. I've owned several (along with its other chambering in .38 10/64). The 3" has the advantage over 2/2.5" bbls as you get full extraction on the fired cases. The .357 has a great reputation as a stopper with the 125gr JHP.

 

[murphydog]

3" model 65s are not rare but are in demand - good balance, no-snag sights as you noted. If it is in nice condition it is not a bad price. Look at the forcing cone and surrounding area for blast damage.

In published statistical reports, the .357 125 gr JHP/JSP has the best stopping power of any handgun cartridge. Practice with lighter loads and use this one sparingly in a K frame.

 

[SWAT Lt.]

That is a good price if it is in good shape. The 3 inch 65s are great guns. The 65-5 has MIM parts (mine had a MIM trigger and MIM cylinder release) and may not collectible, but it is a great carry gun/shooter.

All the "statistical reports" about "stopping power" that everyone loves to quote and talk about should not be believed or relied upon when considering calibers or ammunition. Believing that stuff can get you killed. Do a search on it and you'll see what I'm talking about.

We carried a "97% one shot stop" rated round and we never saw a one shot stop in about 10 shootings. Most OISs were mutliple round affairs, some in double digits, even with good hits.

 

[murphydog]

I completely agree on not relying on statistics - they tell what happened in groups, not what one individual will do in a given situation when hit. However, I think they might be useful for comparing one caliber vs. another, or perhaps one load vs. another in the same caliber?

Lt, thank you for what you do!

 

[j38]

I think that's a pretty good price for a very handy revolver.

Regarding the Model 65-5 and MIM parts, ... per the SCS&W, the 65-5 was introduced in 1988 - well before the introduction of MIM parts ... which, I believe, was around 1997.

Regards,

Jerry

 

[rz625-8]

I have a 65-2 with pinned barrel in 4 inch that was beadblasted. I shoot 158 grain .357 or .38 rz625-8

 

[SWAT Lt.]

j38, SCSW indicates the 65-5 ran from 1988-1997 and had the thumbpiece change and the MIM trigger in 1997 (at the end of the 65-5, just before the 65-6). I had one of the last 65-5s.

 

[j38]

SWAT Lt.,

Not to hijack this thread - but it sounds like you did indeed have a late 65-5. What is your 3 digit, serial number prefix? It would be neat to establish the introduction of MIM parts on a specific model.

Thanks,

Jerry

 

[ENGINE18]

I think that's a good price. While they are not rare, when you find them, they seem to cost more than the one you are looking at. I paid a bit more for mine, but less than what I see them listed for on the auction sites. Love that 3-inch barrel!

 

[SWAT Lt.]

Jerry, CCR08XX.

 

[ENGINE18]

Well...did you buy it?

 

[W.Sch.]

I have a 65-5 in stainless with checker trigger top and cylinder release w/ stag grips ans Tyler ss grip extender serial # BDY6151 looks to be rarely fired, any of this stuff mean any thing? Was a gift from a friend.

 

[32sgteot]

You need to buy that today

 

[ENGINE18]

I saw a few offered by dealers on other sites yesterday. Most of them were more $$. Some were not much more and others were crazy high-priced. There are even a couple below $400.00. I keep wanting to aquire another one to customize, but so far, I've resisted the temptation!

 

[tck]

I have a 65-3 with Eagle secret service grips and enjoy shooting it very much. You can not go wrong with the purchase.

 

[batex]

I'm in NC and about 2-3 years ago, 3" model 65s started showing up in droves. One local shop had about 6 at one time while a number of other shops had 2-4 in stock around this time. This lasted about 6 months and then they were all gone. I managed to acquire two of them...I think I paid on average about $280 a piece. One is a 65-3 while the other is a 65-5 I believe. They are great guns. I'm told that some NC law enforecement department or the NC correctional system sold their revolvers off after they got a good deal on new M&P autos. I certainly wouldn't sell mine for $400 today.