Suggestions for a k frame 3"
- Thread starter sdustin
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SAFireman
Member
The only gun that fits that bill is a model 65 (stainless) or a model 13 (blued steel)
Try placing a WTB add here on the forum. These are great guns, so don't expect anyone to give them up for free
Try placing a WTB add here on the forum. These are great guns, so don't expect anyone to give them up for free
Welcome to the Forum -
I believe a Model 13/65 would fit the bill. Good luck on that cheap part as they are very desireable!
I believe a Model 13/65 would fit the bill. Good luck on that cheap part as they are very desireable!
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If you watch the major gun auction sites, there have been a few model 13s/65s for sale with importer's stamps, probably reimports from a foreign law enforcement agency. They range from appearing nearly new to being used as hammers, so pick a good one!
Dave T
Member
My "suggestion" would be to give up on finding a cheep one. I sure haven't been able to! (LOL)
Dave
Dave
JeepinSoldier
Member
As others have stated, you are looking for a 3" Model 13 in Blue or a Model 65 in stainless. They are very popular right now so they tend to be expensive. Those that have them usually hold on to them.
I got bitten by the 3" bug when I found my first 3" 65 in a pawnshop, then started reading about them here. Within 2 years I found 4 3" revolvers, all shooter grade without box or papers. Fine with me because I carry and shoot them.
The 65's were found in pawnshops, the 13 was traded for here on the forum, and the Model 10 .38 was one of the Bud's reimports from the Victoria, Australia PD. The 3" 10's and 13's seem a little harder to find than the 65's.
Prices seem all over the place. I paid $375 and $450 for mine at the pawnshops, but I have seen examples here on the forum and on Gunbroker go for from $550 to over a $1,000.
For me, the fun is in the hunt. Prowl the gun/pawnshops. Watch the for sale section on this forum, Armslist, and Gunbroker closely, and have the money ready to pounce when you see a good deal because they go fast when available at reasonable prices. They are great guns!
I got bitten by the 3" bug when I found my first 3" 65 in a pawnshop, then started reading about them here. Within 2 years I found 4 3" revolvers, all shooter grade without box or papers. Fine with me because I carry and shoot them.
The 65's were found in pawnshops, the 13 was traded for here on the forum, and the Model 10 .38 was one of the Bud's reimports from the Victoria, Australia PD. The 3" 10's and 13's seem a little harder to find than the 65's.
Prices seem all over the place. I paid $375 and $450 for mine at the pawnshops, but I have seen examples here on the forum and on Gunbroker go for from $550 to over a $1,000.
For me, the fun is in the hunt. Prowl the gun/pawnshops. Watch the for sale section on this forum, Armslist, and Gunbroker closely, and have the money ready to pounce when you see a good deal because they go fast when available at reasonable prices. They are great guns!
THE PILGRIM
Member
Me too! I don't have a K in 3 inch but wished that I did.
flagman1776
Member
I bought my then GF a 3" M13... back when they were FBI issue. When we broke up, I offered to buy it back from her. (Yeah, buy the same gun twice.) She refused. I had to console myself with a 3" M66-2. I still own it.
Sorry... I didn't get a better photo... right out of the safe.
As long as I had it out of the safe, snapped a shot of the hand made holster I made for it. Almost a copy of the Bianchi 5BHL which was not offered at that time for the 3".
As long as I had it out of the safe, snapped a shot of the hand made holster I made for it. Almost a copy of the Bianchi 5BHL which was not offered at that time for the 3".
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KLYDE
Member
Took a trip to Cape Cod this morning. Stopped at a LGS on the way there. Walked up to the revolver counter and the owner asked me what I was looking for. I replied a 3" M13 or M65. The guy cracked up laughing. Guess I have a better chance of seeing Santa Claus.
JeepinSoldier
Member
You don't have to look too hard to fine one in the age of the Internet.
Here is one right here in the for sale section of the Forum: http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-s...-625-3-spf-3-65-5-575-shipped-pics-added.html
There are several 3" 65's and a few 3" 13's on Gunbroker right now. Average price? $700.
You just have to look hard to find an inexpensive one.
I think expense is also relative. $500 - $700 for an uncommon, pre lock, well made, do all revolver as compared to $800 + for a new lock gun is a bargain!
Here is one right here in the for sale section of the Forum: http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-s...-625-3-spf-3-65-5-575-shipped-pics-added.html
There are several 3" 65's and a few 3" 13's on Gunbroker right now. Average price? $700.
You just have to look hard to find an inexpensive one.
I think expense is also relative. $500 - $700 for an uncommon, pre lock, well made, do all revolver as compared to $800 + for a new lock gun is a bargain!
JeepinSoldier
Member
I bought my then GF a 3" M13... back when they were FBI issue. When we broke up, I offered to buy it back from her. (Yeah, buy the same gun twice.) She refused. I had to console myself with a 3" M66-2. I still own it.
Sorry... I didn't get a better photo... right out of the safe.
As long as I had it out of the safe, snapped a shot of the hand made holster I made for it. Almost a copy of the Bianchi 5BHL which was not offered at that time for the 3".
This gun is drool worthy! However every one I have ever seen for sale is $1,000 or more.
M3Stuart
Member
They also made 3" model 10's - but they're not .357.
+1 on the 3" 66; you won't notice the 'mini-lug'.
+1 on the 3" 66; you won't notice the 'mini-lug'.
IIRC, this one cost me about $350 back in the 90's when I bought it for Dad. Due to sentimental value I would not sell it. Like others have said, they are so popular when you do see one the price is high. Worth it though, IMO.
sac-gunslinger
Member
Yes, grasshopper, the Model 13/Model 65 3" with fixed sights is the perfect zen of revolvers. Ultimate balance, ultimate utility, ultimate carryability. I just wish I had one of the several I owned over the years.
papajohn428
Member
Options for 3" 357's are pretty limited, as noted above.......but if you're willing to step down a notch to a hot 38 load, your options get somewhat better with the various Model Tens floating around, there are some M-64's to be had, and you could always have a 4" gun cut down. I managed to snag a 3" barrel off GunBreaker last week, it should be here any day, and I'm going to have my 'smith swap the barrels. Total cost will be about $450 all told, a lot better than what most folks are asking these days.
I do have a Model 65 3", but it doesn't get shot much these days. It was (literally) the last one out the door back in about 2002 when a batch of police turn-ins were offered by one of the brokers, I think it cost me $313 with tax. It's seen some hard use but the trigger cleaned up nicely, and the cosmetic flaws don't bother me, I bought it to carry off-duty.
I do have a Model 65 3", but it doesn't get shot much these days. It was (literally) the last one out the door back in about 2002 when a batch of police turn-ins were offered by one of the brokers, I think it cost me $313 with tax. It's seen some hard use but the trigger cleaned up nicely, and the cosmetic flaws don't bother me, I bought it to carry off-duty.
BJoe
Member
I would just get a 64 loaded with Buffalo Bore Ammo. Darn near magnum specs and hundreds cheaper.
OP
sdustin
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I would look at the new model 619 thats a 7 shot replacement of the 65 I think. Its an L frame but for the fact that I cant get safariland speedloaders in 7 shot. Papajohn428 thats very nice and exactly what I want. I can definitely can get the barrel shortened ive got a machinist in the family.
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JCS&W
US Veteran
As others have stated, the M13, M65, fits what you are looking for. For me, I like the M66, 3".
