Model 65 - what happened to them?

[cmansguns]

So as I have posted before, my Model 28 HP N frame 4" is my go to shooter for full load (158 grain) factory rounds. I am not a re-loader and do not shoot any re-loaded ammo as I don't want my guns being R & D labs for someone else's "try this hot load".

But with the above said I used to shoot 158 grain factory out of my 6" Model 19, and my Model 65-3, but after hearing about and seeing all the hoopla about forcing cone cracks on K frame 357 Magnums I kind of keep the Maggie action to the Model 28 and shoot 38 Specials out of the 65 (the 19 was sold some time back).

But....now both on the Forum, and at the range, I'm seeing guys having a ball putting magnum rounds through their Model 66, and I again wonder about the 65 (which has the smoothest double action trigger of any of my S & W's). I thought the only difference between 65 and 66 was the 66 has red ramp front, adjustable rear and shrouded ejector rod, but other than that are they not the same K frame gun, innards, barrel and flat bottom forcing cone as any K frame?

Why did the Model 65 disappear into oblivion while the 66 seems to have grabbed on and stayed?

Same caveats as before.....no light weight magnum bullets?

On another tact: I was given 3 boxes of vintage 38 Special ammo, 1 box factory Remington circa 1974, 158 grain LRN, 1 box factory Remington also circa 1974, + P, 95 grain SJHP and 1 additional box that is simply hand written (ball point pen)- " 38 Special - 158 gr LRN, 5.1 gr Bullseye, CCI SP primer, 1400 fps"

Last question(s): have any of you re-loaders ever heard of 38 Special at 1400 fps? From what I see on the reloading posts this seems way out of line as being too high, and not knowing anything about powders would 5.1 gr of Bullseye really get you out that far pushing Lead Round Nose?

I'm thinking shoot the 1 box factory stuff (158 gr LRN) in Model 15, WWII Victory, and the 1 box factory 95 gr +P in the 637-2 or the 65-3 and dump/trash the hand - loads.

As always......I appreciate any thoughts and opinions

 

[diyj98]

I'd say that since most police agencies went to automatics, the demand for a fixed sighted K frame died off. I love mine, but I doubt the big market demand is there.

As a general rule, I toss any handloads given to me in the trash. I've made mistakes with my own handloads, but some mistakes can cost you a hand/eye/or other assorted body parts. I know a guy that thought he was loading 5.3 grains of bullseye once, but ended up loading 5 + 3 grains for a total of 8 grains! It only took a few shots before it was obvious that something was bad wrong!

 

[KSDeputy]

I would much rather have a fixed sight revolver. All of mine are.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

After starting off shooting fixed sight and adjustable sight revolvers I was good either way but after years of cowboy action shooting fixed sight revolvers just seem natural now. I don't have a 65 but I might add one someday.

And I never shoot anyone's handloads. in 1997 I blew up my Model 19, purchased in 1980 or 81, using someone's handloads. Nobody got hurt but that was the end of that for me.

 

[bananaman]

I do not shoot any one else's hand loads. I do not trust them. I trust myself in loading properly. If I was given hand loads, I would disassemble them, and reuse the bullets & brass. (shouldn't be able to screw them up) Bob

 

[jtcarm]

The sure would sell a bunch if they’d bring back a 3”.

FS are fine so long as the front can be changed out. The 1/8 ramp is too wide for my old eyes.

 

[Oregon45]

I agree, they should bring back the 3" Model 65. I like my 65-5:

 

[oldman10mm]

To OP,I would love to buy the 95gr ammo,I'm a collector of the no longer available ammo.

 

[Blueinterceptor]

I’d love a 3” model 13. I prefer blues to stainless but I am partial to fs revolvers

 

[WuzzFuzz]

I like my 65-3 3". Fits the CC with most of my attire. For messing around, I go with the 38 + P. For my serious carry I go with the Hornady Critical Duty 135 FTX. I'm not too concerned about shooting a hot load from the 65, because I don't do it on a everyday basis.

This is what I use to qualify my LEOSA with.



WuzzFuzz

 

[Mehutch]

My S&W 65 is the second gun I ever bought, still have it, still shoot it.

 

[gunnails]

Well they don't make the 65 any longer but they do the 66.

The new redesigned 66 is said to have no problems with hot magnum loads.

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

My S&W 65 is the second gun I ever bought, still have it, still shoot it.

Beautiful grain pattern on them there shoes!

 

[loc n load]

M-65

I will not shoot anybody’s hand loads.....I will not shoot any ammo that I am unsure of it’s origins.

I am a huge fan of the M-65, bought my first one in 1976 and shot thousands of magnum rounds through it over the span of the next ten years. I still own it and still shoot it.
I am not going to get into the 125 gr or lighter bullet debate, other than to say that I spent two years as a firearms instructor at FLETC back in the 80’s and every agency was running revolvers back then. I have seen bunches of K frame training guns that had thousands of full throttle 125 gr loads through them.
That being said, I shoot cast 158 grainers through my K frame magnums nowadays for practice. My carry load is the old tried and true Federal 125 gr JHP 357 magnum load and 125 gr Golden Saber.
In the latter part of the 80’s law enforcement agencies throughout the country transitioned to pistols and the revolver market dwindled. Sales dictate production, so some models faded away.
The M-65 is IMO “best of breed” as far as a defensive revolver goes. To quote one of our forum members it “ has everything you need and nothing that you don’t”. Nowadays if I am carrying a revolver for defense it is a 3” 65 or it’s big brother the model 58.

 

[cmansguns]

To all who replied you have my thanks for the comments and opinions. I really enjoy the Model 65 trigger...it is so smooth in double action that recovery and basic sight picture seems to super quickly be right back where it belongs for follow up rounds.

I really don't think it would have been FBI issue for 1986/1987 (read that in SCSW 4th) if it wasn't designed to handle everything, so I am loading up mine with 158 gr maggies and take a couple boxes of 38 Spl along for some fun next range trip.

I am trashing the hand loads, and for Oldman10mm I have sent you a PM regarding the vintage stuff.

Again thanks to all, and regarding the pics with Targets....WOW...now more ideas for extra grip and more fun...even maybe a carry piece (current is 637-2) after more practice with Magnum loads.

 

[iPac]

There was a 3" model 65 listed on a local to me board for about $500. It was in great condition, but I just went back to find it again and it's gone.