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Why so few 65s?
- Thread starter guesser
- Start date
tom turner
US Veteran
IIRC, the 4" versions were SB and the 3" versions had round butt. Then again, someone could have put a 4" tube on a 3" RB, ya never know.
I love my Model 65 3" and will buy 'em when I find 'em in nice shape. They are highly regarded for many of the best reasons . . .
1. Fast from the holster
2. Amazingly accurate
3. Very fast recoil recovery time to the next target when firing double action handgun matches
4. Fantastic LOOKING
5. Fast pointing
6. Great balance and handling
7. Relatively easy to conceal and carry!
8. Mine shoots dead-on to correct point of aim!!! Most of 'em do too!!!
I'll never get rid of mine . . . and have won many a handgun match with it.
I love my Model 65 3" and will buy 'em when I find 'em in nice shape. They are highly regarded for many of the best reasons . . .
1. Fast from the holster
2. Amazingly accurate
3. Very fast recoil recovery time to the next target when firing double action handgun matches
4. Fantastic LOOKING
5. Fast pointing
6. Great balance and handling
7. Relatively easy to conceal and carry!
8. Mine shoots dead-on to correct point of aim!!! Most of 'em do too!!!
I'll never get rid of mine . . . and have won many a handgun match with it.
I recently had my M-65 4" Square butt altered to a round butt (I do like them round butts on my Smiths and women) Using the old PPC baracade position I was able to hit a 4" gong one shot out of six at 115 yards, the other five were close enough to make the target think about a cover position. I have a 3' M-13 that is my carry gun on my place here. It can put all shots in the chest area at any range I have tried, up to 125 yards, double action over the hood of my pickup. Great guns........great guns. Keep shootin'
Senor Chisme
Member
Back in June, 1978 when I reported to the Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, GA. we were issued Colt .38 Spls., 4” blue) with “U.S. Border Patrol” stamped on the backstrap. It might have been an Official Police model. The issued revolver that you trained with was the gun you took back to your duty station.
About halfway through the academy (8 or 9 weeks), they took back all the Colts and issued brand new S&W Model 66s. The qualification course was the old PPC course. We fired left side and right side barricade from the 25 and the 50 yard line (strong hand from the strong side, and weak hand from the weak side of the barricade at both distances). Most of the course was fired using wadcutters except for the 15 yard line where we had a timed reload (fire 6, reload, fire 6, strong hand supported by weak hand, all in 20 seconds) using magnum ammo. Also we had to reload from our belt loops. Speedloaders were expressly forbidden.
When I got back to my duty station at Laredo, I decided that I didn’t like the profile of that 66 as much as I liked the look of that fat barrel on the Model 65. I called some outfit in California (might have been named Wilson) and ordered a 4” Model 65 but I had them add a blued S&W adjustable rear sight with white outline and a blued Patridge front sight pinned into the barrel. I just loved that gun and it shot like a laser. I carried it in a Rodgers holster that was made from kydex, lined with suede leather, and split up the front so that the draw was just break the thumb break and a forward sweep. Rodgers later sold out to Safariland I think and that is where their plastic lined holsters evolved from.
In 1984 when I transferred to investigations in Chicago, I sent my 65 back to California and had them cut the barrel back to 3” (I was working in plain clothes then) and reset the front sight. I also had them round the butt and bead blast the entire gun. Still shot like a laser. In 1987, when I transferred to Dallas, I still carried it until the entire Immigration Service switched over to autos. Then I retired the 65 to be used as a house gun.
I still take the gun to the range periodically, just for nostalgia. Recently, I had the forcing cone split at 6 o’clock. I tried for a long time to find another pinned barrel to replace it. I finally found a 3” Ladysmith barrel from Numrich Arms that was already bead blasted. I had a gunsmith fit it and even pinned the barrel. Although I now carry a double stack .45 here at the Sheriff’s Office, I still qualify with my 65 twice a year. I still love this old gun and will pass it down to my grandson one of these days as I tell him about its rich history.
About halfway through the academy (8 or 9 weeks), they took back all the Colts and issued brand new S&W Model 66s. The qualification course was the old PPC course. We fired left side and right side barricade from the 25 and the 50 yard line (strong hand from the strong side, and weak hand from the weak side of the barricade at both distances). Most of the course was fired using wadcutters except for the 15 yard line where we had a timed reload (fire 6, reload, fire 6, strong hand supported by weak hand, all in 20 seconds) using magnum ammo. Also we had to reload from our belt loops. Speedloaders were expressly forbidden.
When I got back to my duty station at Laredo, I decided that I didn’t like the profile of that 66 as much as I liked the look of that fat barrel on the Model 65. I called some outfit in California (might have been named Wilson) and ordered a 4” Model 65 but I had them add a blued S&W adjustable rear sight with white outline and a blued Patridge front sight pinned into the barrel. I just loved that gun and it shot like a laser. I carried it in a Rodgers holster that was made from kydex, lined with suede leather, and split up the front so that the draw was just break the thumb break and a forward sweep. Rodgers later sold out to Safariland I think and that is where their plastic lined holsters evolved from.
In 1984 when I transferred to investigations in Chicago, I sent my 65 back to California and had them cut the barrel back to 3” (I was working in plain clothes then) and reset the front sight. I also had them round the butt and bead blast the entire gun. Still shot like a laser. In 1987, when I transferred to Dallas, I still carried it until the entire Immigration Service switched over to autos. Then I retired the 65 to be used as a house gun.
I still take the gun to the range periodically, just for nostalgia. Recently, I had the forcing cone split at 6 o’clock. I tried for a long time to find another pinned barrel to replace it. I finally found a 3” Ladysmith barrel from Numrich Arms that was already bead blasted. I had a gunsmith fit it and even pinned the barrel. Although I now carry a double stack .45 here at the Sheriff’s Office, I still qualify with my 65 twice a year. I still love this old gun and will pass it down to my grandson one of these days as I tell him about its rich history.
moonshine44
Member
I just got my 65-2 a couple of weeks ago, and I'm just now getting acquainted with it. I got it with the factory grips and a Hogue Monogrip, which was installed and has been replaced with a set of Collins "Fancy Walnut" boot grips. I finally made it to my reloading room tonight, and managed enough daylight to put about 25 rounds down-range. This is one sweet shooter that is going to become a carry gun as soon as I shoot it a little more and get a good concealment holster for it. So far, I love my 65!
Nframe_is_no1
Member
I love my 3" RB model 65-3. They are definitely loved. However, I agree with the original poster that for whatever reason, they are not seen for sale that often. My 3" RB is the only one I have encountered in person, which is why I bought it. I have seen only one other a 4" SB. I also have a 3" RB 13-4 in blue as well. Like the 65, it is the only 3" RB I have seen in person. Like the 65, I have seen only one other 13 as well, a 4" SB blue. Here's a pic of the 3" twins:
edw794
Member
model 65 that i paid $300 for from a gun shop about 5 years ago.
with spegel grips:
with spegel grips:
G.T. Smith
US Veteran
I love my 65 as I said earlier. The reason you don't see many or hear a lot of discussions about them is the simple fact that the "K" in K frame stands for "keeper". At least that's what I believe.
Peace,
gordon
Peace,
gordon
smith revolver cop
Member
The number after the dash designates which 'modification' it is. Each subsequent number indicates some sort of engineering or production change. So, first was the 65, then the 65-1, 65-2, etc. There may be a "sticky" somewhere on the forum to explain them more fully. The dashes have nothing to do with the barrel length.
valkyriekl
Member
The S&W Model 65 ".357 Military & Police Heavy Barrel Stainless":
Apparently, there was no "no-dash" variant, according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition.
65-1 (1972): model introduced
65-2 (1977): move gas ring from yoke to cylinder
65-3 (1982): delete pinned barrel, delete recessed cylinder
65-4 (1988): new yoke retention system, floating hand, hammer nose bushing, radius stud package for the 4" square-butt
65-5 (1988): new yoke retention system, floating hand, hammer nose bushing, radius stud package for the 3" round-butt
1991: Model 65 "LadySmith" introduced with 3" barrel and shrouded ejector rod
1994: change extractor
1995-6: round-butt only, limited run of grooved grip-frame backstrap and frontstrap
1997: MIM trigger and thumb-piece
65-6 (1997): MIM hammer, frame-mounted firing pin
65-7 (2002): internal lock
65-8 (2005): Model 65 LadySmith with two-piece barrel
2005: Model 65 discontinued
I shoulda read this thread first and posted here, with all you 65 lovers, but here's my thread on my gussified 65: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/164466-plain-jane-gets-gussified.html It's a work in progress.
I like the 4" and the square butt, m'self. I'm a tall guy so concealment is not an issue with a 4", and I just like the square butt feel in my hand better.
I like the 4" and the square butt, m'self. I'm a tall guy so concealment is not an issue with a 4", and I just like the square butt feel in my hand better.
johnny3
Member
Best carry .357 ever!
I prefer a SB also, but my 65-1 has been rounded, I have a set of grips the squares it for me. I keep the wood grips and a set of grippers in the drawer, out of sight, consequently, out of mind. I'm warming to the 65-1, 4" HB since it was a bequest. Can't say the same of the 66-5 that came with it. Just put it in the back and leave it, until?
Sgt Neutron
Member
I have (2) M-65's, a -2 & a -4, both of them being 4" police trades. The -2 was a Texas Dept. of Corrections gun, and the -4 was a training gun of some sort (had the nasty orange Pachmyar's on it, since replaced). These are the ones that get the nod when I need a good, dependable, no-nonsense sidearm. Plenty of power, no worry when in the weather, no adjustable sights to get knocked around and damaged. My constant companions when hiking & fishing. The Fobus paddle holster for the 4" K-frame is excellent, as it doesn't retain moisture. 145 gr. Winchester Silvertips work as a good all-around load on the river or in the woods.
The 65-2:
The 65-4:
The 65-2:
The 65-4:
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JES517
Member
I picked up a pinned & recessed 65 with 3" barrel and round butt this summer. Like the previous posters have stated, the accuracy and balance of this revolver is amazing. It can outshoot my 66 all day long. The 65 is currently pulling duty on the nightstand.
Desantis makes a nice holster for these 3" 65/13's.
Desantis makes a nice holster for these 3" 65/13's.
gkitch
SWCA Member
I believe that the 3" 65 is one of the most perfect carry revolver ever, and many savvy shooters seem to agree. Since they have little collector value so far, the vast majority of those of us who own them would much rather have the gun than the money it would bring...hence few on the market.
Interestingly, the 3" 65 was the DEA's last issue revolver, ending in about 1988 if memory serves. At the time, the FBI (training next door at Quantico, no less) was also on its final issue of the wheelgun with the identical gun ecept in blue: the M-13.
Interestingly, the 3" 65 was the DEA's last issue revolver, ending in about 1988 if memory serves. At the time, the FBI (training next door at Quantico, no less) was also on its final issue of the wheelgun with the identical gun ecept in blue: the M-13.
