Time for a model 65 project. 4in. to 3 and round butt. No LadySmith.

[Mannlicher]

My old Model 65 started life much like the one posted. I sent it to S&W's custom shop back in 2000, and they modified it for me.
Three inch LadySmith barrel, trigger stop, DAO lockwork and bobbed hammer.
This is wonderful carry revolver, and I carry it often. It is a great shooter as well.

 

[robotoid]

I did the same, but mine was a factory RB 4" 65 to start.

I have a 4" skinny barrel SB 64 I'd like to turn into a RB someday.

 

[Allen-frame]

Mannlicher, I see we Floridians think alike.
Now I know what mine would look like if I'd left it a square butt.

Robotoid, round butting a Stainless K frame is relatively simple.
You just need to make sure it will not interfere with the serial number.


Regards
Allen

 

[captainjohnsofd]

The barrel is "crush-fit" into the frame on these guns. You will need the proper jig to hold the frame while loosening the barrel. You may need to heat the frame. This process is super complicated without the old style barrel retaining pin. Be very careful removing the barrel; in my youth I twisted the you-know-what out of a perfectly good Model 28 frame trying to remove the barrel. Take your time and good luck.

 

[lawandorder]

Great job Allen and thank you for sharing your neat project.

 

[robotoid]

The barrel is "crush-fit" into the frame on these guns. You will need the proper jig to hold the frame while loosening the barrel. You may need to heat the frame. This process is super complicated without the old style barrel retaining pin. Be very careful removing the barrel; in my youth I twisted the you-know-what out of a perfectly good Model 28 frame trying to remove the barrel. Take your time and good luck.

Yes, I paid a gunsmith to do mine. He had a heck of time finding his jigs, said he used to do revolver barrel swaps all the time for pin guns, but not so much anymore.

 

[Dogmann]

This is an old thread - but I recently acquired a model 65-5 4inch.
I called a friend at the S&W PC and he had a 3inch mod65 lady smith barrel.
I sent him my gun and said have at it.
Installed the 3inch barrel
Installed a trigger stop screw
Chamfered the cylinder holes and went thru the entire gun.
He wanted to DAO the revolver- bobbing the hammer but
I said no. I have a PC13'so I'll wait.

Got it yesterday. Beautiful.

 

[KLYDE]

Dogman, start a new thread and post some pics if you get a chance. I have my 2" M10-7 at the Factory as we speak. Requested the DAO and hammer bob treatment for carry. Been about 2 months. Figure I have about 2 more to go.

 

[kaaskop49]

A propos of nothing, my understanding is that swapping a bbl requires the action to be re-timed. Two 'smiths have told me this.

 

[Senor Chisme]

This is my Model 65-2 that was round-butted, chopped to 3 inches, and bead blasted back in 1984 or 1985. When I originally purchased it about 1978 or 1979 I had them put an adjustable rear sight and a patridge front sight on it. I added the target trigger and target hammer because that is what I liked. Several years ago I split the forcing cone and replaced the barrel with a LadySmith barrel.

 

[tekarra]

Dogmann, we sure need to see photos of your revolver. I rounded the butt on a 4" 65 and it feels much better.

 

[Dogmann]

I have no way to post them. I can email them...

 

[dfariswheel]

A propos of nothing, my understanding is that swapping a bbl requires the action to be re-timed. Two 'smiths have told me this.

While more complicated than thought and needing special tooling to do a barrel switch without risking the frame, switching a barrel has absolutely nothing at all to do with the action.

 

[Ndbackroad]

Does anyone know if a M-66 barrel will fit the M-65? Or is the Ladysmith barrel the only possible change?