Question about 653

[chris-lux]

Hi,

i've just inherted a 653 from my dad who passed away 3 months ago. He used it very rarely at the shooting range of the gun club.

As i'm completely new into revolvers i would like to ask if this is a 3 or 4" barrel, eventually the year of production or something else i should know about this model?

What are numbers on the second pic standing for?


Thanks in advance for your help
Chris

 

[twodog max]

First you have a Model 65-3 not a 653. Without a picture of the entire revolver it is hard to tell what the barrel length is.
Other more savvy S&W experts can help with approximate production dates with the correct information.

 

[CH4]

The 65-3 is a great piece, especially the 3" RB.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Barrel length is measured from the cylinder face to the muzzel on all S&W revolvers.

The 8936X numbers are just assembley numbers and don't mean anything outside the factory.

BTW, your dad had good taste!

Welcome to the greatest gun forum on the internet.

Ivan

 

[Bastogne71]

You have a model 65 chambered for 357 magnum in stainless steel with fixed sights. It's also known as the 357 Military & Police. It was available with either a 3" or 4" barrel. It was a very popular model for police, sherif, and other agencies. The dash 3 version was produced between 1982 & 1988.

Again, pictures would be very helpful.

 

[Bastogne71]

You have a model 65 chambered for 357 magnum in stainless steel with fixed sights. It's also known as the 357 Military & Police. It was available with either a 3" or 4" barrel. It was a very popular model for police, sheriff, and other agencies. The dash 3 version was produced between 1982 & 1988.

Again, pictures would be very helpful.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He left you a nice revolver, regardless of barrel length.

 

[chris-lux]

Thanks already for your help, guys.

Here are some pics from the whole gun:

 

[Messer]

Welcome to the forum!

You have a nice looking S&W model 65-3 with a 4" barrel and aftermarket rubber grip made by Pachmayr.

It probably was originally shipped with Service Stocks as seen in the picture below on a model 66-1 - same basic revolver as yours but with adjustable sights and a shrouded ejector rod. (mine also has a Tyler T-Grip to make the grip fit me better)

Enjoy it - it's a great gun.

 

[upcountry]

Treat it well.
Every time you touch it, you're touching your dad.

 

[twodog max]

You have a fine revolver that will be a pleasure to own and shoot.