Model 65 Questions

[OK Hog Shooter]

I was at a gunshow today in OKC and saw two Model 65s with 3 inch barrels. Neither have papers, tools or boxes, although the 65-1 had CO elk horn grips and looked really really sharp. It was priced at $850 and a 65-3 was priced at $750. Both prices seem high, although I recognize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My questions are as follow.

1) What's the most desirable 65 "dash" number and why?

2) What's a reasonable price for a 65 without papers, tools or box?

and 3) What are good sources for stag grips?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[Sgt 127]

I have a few 65's. I would take anything before the lock and be happy. Those prices are awfully high in my opinion.

 

[panamajack310]

Hi those prices seem really high to me.. The model 65 is a great revolver. any of the dash numbers are good. For me I prefer pre lock and pre MIM parts. If you are looking for some stag grips we have a member on the forum here named Patrick Grasshorn that makes awsome stag grips. I have several sets myself.

 

[luangtom]

Prices do seem mighty high. I paid $500 for a pristine Model 65-3 this past Fall. I think that I would pass at those prices......that's just my opinion.

 

[Jack Flash]

Those prices sound way too high to me too. Did either one sell?

To answer your questions:

1) What dash number?
I would agree that probably any dash number M65 should be fine. I personally would rate them like this:
Most desirable: -1 or -2
OK to Buy: -3, -4, -5 and -6
To be avoided: -7 .

1a) Why?
I prefer one that is Pinned and Recessed (P&R) which means -1 or -2. At -7 S&W put an Internal Lock on the M65, a feature which I personally don't like. Others may rank them differently.

2) Reasonable price?
I would think $500 to $600 is reasonable. If I had to pay more, I would probably look for something else.

3) Source for stag grips?
Patrick Grashorn (who goes by "Executioner" on this Forum) is known for making quality stocks from Elk antlers.
Here is a link to one of his Classifieds. You can PM him for more information. http://smith-wessonforum.com/access.../162588-stag-grips-k-l-round-square-colo.html

 

[ken158]

Those prices are way high. Often see them over priced at gun shows but they never sell until they get around $400. I wont buy any S&W with a lock.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

Thanks to all for the input. All valuable information. I was aware the prices were way high and out of line. Hence the question. The Smith & Wesson 3rd Edition shows the model 65 in the $400 - $450 range (thanks to the Barnes & Noble "library"). I was more interested in which model changes were most desirable, why and where to get good antler type grips. All my questions have been answered. I'm off to find my M65 now! I have to admit, though, that the 65-1, 3" barrel and stag grips looked mighty fine!

 

[stiab]

Opinions vary, and that is appropriate, but my opinion is that the M65-5 Lady Smith with the shrouded ejection rod is the most valuable. There was a thread here a couple weeks ago where a buyer sought price advice on one, and the concensus was that $500-$525 was a good price w/o box or papers. The prices in the OP are definitely out of bounds.

 

[moxie]

If you're intending to use one of these as a carry piece, keep in mind that recessed chambers on the older models, although neater than all get out, can be problematic for fast reloads. The slightest little piece of crud in the recessed area, or the slightest nick or deformation in the cartridge case rim, might make it difficult to fully chamber a round. Etc.

 

[sourdough44]

$380 for a 4" model 65 here, I bought it not to long ago.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

moxie... thanks for the heads up on the recessed chamber - I hadn't thought of that issue and it's a good point! Is the -3 the first model without the recess?

sourdough44... thanks for the recent price check - that gives me a much better idea of the current market.

 

[mswatson]

a little high

The old phrase comes to mind. Spit in one hand and want in the other....which gets fuller. way too high. But the 65's are some of the best smith's out there. jmop.
Mike

 

[LC '92]

Bear in mind, the 3" round butts bring a disproportionally higher price than the 4". I was at the Houston Gun Show today and their was exactly one 65 3". I bought it for $425.00. Better get one while you can.

 

[MajorD]

key in this discussion is the neat hard to find 3 inch barrel- this adds about 150 bucks to the value in my experience over a 4 inch

 

[jack the toad]

I have a 3" M65-3 w/ factory magnas (no box, papers, etc) that I paid $400 for. Not pristine in looks but working condition is excellent. It was an old unmarked DOC gun. Appears to be carried a lot but shot little.
You can find 3" versions in like condition for $400-450. I saw several at the last big Tulsa show.
One was marked $375 and had pachmyer grips. I thought about it but passed. Kinda wish I'd bought it. Also saw 3" LS w/ factory pouch for $495 but passed on it too. Point is, they're out there.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

I was at another gun show in OKC today and saw several 66s with 4 inch bbls... there's just something that I find more attractive in a 3 inch. Guess I'll just keep looking, that is, unless someone on the forum wants to shed one...