Substitute for my "grail gun"

[cgpd2515]

I really want a 3" M65 ( like most do ), but have found exactly one (!!) within about an hours drive. So I'm thinking of maybe going after something else.

I carry a service size weapon concealed ( duty weapon) from time to time, so I know I can conceal larger guns. Previous issue was a Glock21 and I carried it IWB without much issue.

Thoughts on just going with a standard 4" 66 ?? Should be alot easier to find and maybe cheaper. Should be as easy to hide since the butt is the hardest part to hide and it's the same as a 65.

Anyone out there have input on using a full size 66 for concealed carry ??

 

[GyMac]

Why not look for a Model 10 with a three inch barrel?

 

[cgpd2515]

I want a .357..simple as that. I like the option of the extra power if wanted.

 

[ColbyBruce]

My son carries this 4" #66 in my old Bianchi #8L Shadow high ride holster that I used for my #64. The combat stocks are rather large for concealed carry but he has huge hands.

 

[cgpd2515]

The used gun market in this area ( Central NC ) blows. I'm thinking Gunbroker is gonna be the way to go. I'm just nervous about buying a weapon sight unseen.

 

[Engine49guy]

What about a 2.5" Model 66?
Target sites are much more intimidating IMHO !

PS , have you tried any local gunshows?

 

[cgpd2515]

Thought about the 2.5....Wouldn't rule that out either ( or the 19 ).

 

[Engine49guy]

Florida weather is hot and susequent clothing is short and light,
I usually carry a 38 special Model 37 airweight with a CT laser grip in a Bianchi leather outside the waist strong side holster.
While I might occasionally carry an Airweight Model 12 the K magnum gets a bit heavy for my needs.

Another consideration since you want a 357 is the newer 357 J magnum.
I imagine the right grips will be important for controling that beast!
May have to go with rubber to hold that much force in a tiny gun.

 

[murphydog]

There are many 3" 65s on GB in the $350-400 range. The sellers with several hundred positive feedbacks (one with several 3" 65s has over 3300) probably have good products and customer service.

 

[august1410]

I carry a 5 inch barreled Model 27 in a high ride Tagua Gunleather holster.

 

[C Islander]

Your "Grail" gun is the same as mine. I finally got one. It was a very long waite but worth every second. My suggestion is, hang in there. I did however go through a lot of things during my search. I found that a 3" Ruger SP101 held me over until I got my 65. You should be able to find one for $400 or less. It would be a lot easier to conceal then 4" 65 or 66, although either can be done. It gets pretty hot in NC. I know, my son lives there. A smaller revolver can be concealed under an untucked t shirt.

 

[Nedroe]

So What.....

if it says "Lady Smith" on the side of it? They mostly see from the front

Like most girls, she has a bunch of shoes

Definitely worth the effort to obtain one. This is my second. My ex-wife got the first stolen in Va Beach.
Ned

 

[cgpd2515]

Funny that you mentioned the GP100. Already tried that. Ended up selling it to pay for a pre-LE day's traffic citation.

I have a 442 for off-duty carry. Just have a serious craving for a 3" 65 ( or 13 ).

 

[C Islander]

Funny that you mentioned the GP100. Already tried that. Ended up selling it to pay for a pre-LE day's traffic citation.

I have a 442 for off-duty carry. Just have a serious craving for a 3" 65 ( or 13 ).

I wasn't talking GP 100, I was talking SP101, two very different revolvers.

 

[gruntdeputy]

I also want a 3” Model 65 for concealed carry. I shot one today against a 4” pencil barrel Model 10. The Model 65 handled better! Even with a shorter barrel that heavy barrel out front just got us back on target a tad faster.

There is always the Model 13 3” to consider, but I am going to continue my own search for a 3” Model 65.

Frank

 

[P&R Fan]

I really want a 3" M65 ( like most do ), but have found exactly one (!!) within about an hours drive. So I'm thinking of maybe going after something else.

I carry a service size weapon concealed ( duty weapon) from time to time, so I know I can conceal larger guns. Previous issue was a Glock21 and I carried it IWB without much issue.

Thoughts on just going with a standard 4" 66 ?? Should be alot easier to find and maybe cheaper. Should be as easy to hide since the butt is the hardest part to hide and it's the same as a 65.

Anyone out there have input on using a full size 66 for concealed carry ??

Well, I have a 4" M19-3 on my right hip as I type this. It's in a black OWB holster, worn at the 4 o'clock position. I have on a sweatshirt, and it is very easy to conceal. I usually carry a 2 1/2" M66-1 in this rig, and have, on occasion, carried my 3" M13. It works just fine for all of them.
I too want a 3" M65, but it has to be a P&R model. I'm still looking after a very long time.
If you dress appropriately you can conceal almost anything, with the proper holster. I am going out in a few minutes on a surveillance assignment. Gonna keep the M19-3 right where it is, along with my BUG, a M340PD in my left pants pocket. Nobody but me will know they're there unless I have to draw one. I REALLY hope I don't have to do that.
Jim

 

[riverrat38]

My 3 inch 686 plus has just slightly more weight than a 4 inch K frame. With the shorter barrel, it has very nice balance. The full lug seems to make shooting more pleasant. And the extra round could come in handy for concealed carry.

rat

 

[papajohn428]

I say if the M-65 3" is what you want, keep looking for it, and maybe explore some new avenues. Auction sites, gun shows, keep at it and one will turn up. I spent five years trying to hunt one down, finally got mine back in '03. It was a PD trade-in and it had been rode hard and put up wet a few times, but when all the taxes and fees and tariffs were paid I was out a little over $300 and I finally had the off-duty gun I'd always wanted. (Well, one of them, anyway.........a 3" 36 was the other, and now I have one of those too!)

Seen here below my gun pusher's 696, my 65-2 looks a little rough but shoots like a dream, DAO pull is about six pounds and has made more than one gunsmith sit up and take notice. The stainless K-frames seem to take trigger jobs (if done properly) better than most other guns.

 

[18DAI]

I've carried my 4 inch 66 concealed many times using a pancake holster. Easily done. May require some grip selection though. You will have a harder time concealing the 66's grip than anything else.

That said, I prefer to conceal carry my shorter barrel 66's. Less weight, easily concealed round butt grips. My 2.5 inch 66 is probably my most carried gun these days. Regards 18DAI

 

[LOBO]

There are several 65's with 3", and no IL on GB.com right now.