Why so few 65s?

[guesser]

Scrolling thru and using the search, I find fewer references to Model 65 than most any other . Are they unloved, not needed, scarce, or what?

 

[ken158]

Model 64's were the stainless version of the model 10 which many LE agencies used back in the day. By the time the model 65 came out, the model 66 was also on the scene. The small increase in expense provided adjustible sights and target stocks with the purchase of the 66. This was my experience with my dept and I would expect many others.

 

[Barker45]

The 3" RB HB 65 is very loved! It is one of the best carry revolvers ever and I'm not alone in thinking so. I have a 65LS and will never part with it. I'm looking for a standard 3" 65 RB to buy just in case my wife claims my 65 Lady Smith because it says "Lady" on it.

 

[SAFireman]

...Don't believe old Ken there ....there are plenty of us that absolutely love the 65's. Here is one of mine

 

[valkyriekl]

The S&W 65 was one of my grail guns. No reason it should have been, since I think they're pretty common and they 'only' have fixed sights, but nevertheless I had my eye out for one for quite a while.

I traded a Model 10-9 for this Model 65-2. Its original finish was pretty bad, as was its lock-up; a trip back to S&W (and some $$) for some bead-blasting and some gunsmith attention and it was good to go:

 

[guesser]

Great response! I'm a new owner of a 65-1, all original except it has had the grip frame modified to round butt. I have a set of Uncle Mikes square butt adapter grips on it, as I prefer SB. I say all this because I'm assuming that a 4"HB 65-1 was originally a SB.
Is the 65-1 in the same category as 19s in that they should not be subjected to a steady diet of full power 357 ammunition?

 

[smith revolver cop]

My first duty gun (1981) was a Model 65. It's always been one of my favorites, and I do not ever plan to part with it. It's a basic workhorse, and I've never been particularly fond of adjustable sights on a duty gun. A few years ago, I picked up one of the coveted 3" RB 65s from a fellow forum member, just because I wanted it! The 65 is not necessarily 'glamorous' and may not generate a lot of discussion, but it is certainly not unappreciated or unloved. I think it has a pretty devoted (but apparently quiet!) following.

 

[smith revolver cop]

"Is the 65-1 in the same category as 19s in that they should not be subjected to a steady diet of full power 357 ammunition?"

My understanding from previous threads is that the high velocity 125 grain stuff is what tends to cause problems. While there has been some debate about the K frame and .357s, it was pretty much designed (or at least intended at the time) for the 158 grain magnum round. Or, some departments (like Cincinnati PD) used it to carry the then-new .38 special +P+. (They avoided the social and political stigma of carrying a "magnum" load, but selected the stainless .357 guns figuring they were sturdier than the existing Model 10s.) Of course, the practice was for most department to qualify with .38 special ammo (often pretty mild reloads), so a lot of guns didn't get a steady diet of any type of magnum ammo as a matter of course.

I always cleaned mine regularly and throughly, so any wear or damage should be readily apparent. I would have no qualms at all about taking it out right now and putting about any magnum rounds through it.

 

[Texas Star]

Great response! I'm a new owner of a 65-1, all original except it has had the grip frame modified to round butt. I have a set of Uncle Mikes square butt adapter grips on it, as I prefer SB. I say all this because I'm assuming that a 4"HB 65-1 was originally a SB.
Is the 65-1 in the same category as 19s in that they should not be subjected to a steady diet of full power 357 ammunition?

Sure.. They're on the same size frame, and the flat at the bottom of the barrel (inside the frame) remains a weak point.

You should be okay if you keep any accumulation of lead cleaned out of the forcing cone (where it will otherwise increase pressures) and if you stay with 140-158 grain bullets and shoot roughly 15% of magnum loads. Use the gun mainly like a .38 that will accept .357 ammo when really desirable. I lack time now to explain why you should avoid the 125 grain and lighter bullets. But I got that info from factory spokesmen long before it appeared on gun forums. I believe that this caveat is valid.

If the K-mags are weaker when firing sustained doses of magnum ammo, they are handier than the heavier .357 guns, and you don't need to be burning hot .357 loads just to shoot at targets, cans, and small game. It'd also take a pretty big snake to need magnum ammo. One of those Burmese pythons now breeding in Florida might qualify, and I'd sure consider .357's for any of the really large constrictors. Or, alligators, although some hunt them with .22's. (The circumstances are then different than in an attack.)

If nothing else, the jolt of the powerful bullet might break the snake's neck on impact, if your bullet misses the brain. But how often do you find yourself where big pythons and anacondas reside?

I'd also load .357's where cougar or bear or big wild dogs might be a threat, or where I might find a chance to shoot a deer, if legal under the circumstances. A fisherman or camper might have such an opportunity, and Elmer Keith (to name one famous person) did at times shoot deer with his four-inch .44 Magnum while angling for trout.

Of course, a .357 is an outstanding defensive load against human foes. But how many of those do you need to shoot, in an average year? The K-mags can be carried loaded with .357's, in case of need. But you'll seldom require that power, unless you're a handgun hunter. Then, you'd be advised to use a heavier gun.

The beauty of the K-mags is that they're easy to carry, and have the punch if really needed! They make superb all-round revolvers when you add the array of .38 ammo to the mix.

T-Star
P.S. It may be useful to add that many feel that the stainless steel barrel throat of your gun abrades less than a blued steel M-13 or M-19 under the furnace heat of firing .357 ammo. Some writer published that years ago in a gun mag, after an interview with an S&W engineer. Stainless also has, of course, got maintenance advantages, especially in a humid climate.

 

[C Islander]

My 65-2 is my favorite revolver. They are loved.

 

[scootergirl69]

Armorer School 65

My Model 65 is one of my prized revolvers. I attended S&W Police Armorer School back in '86 or so. During the course, all of the class were tasked with building four of the Model 65's from unfinished parts and certifying them for duty. Then, the guns were marked with an "arrow" stamp under the grip to designate that the weapon had been made during the Armorer's class and offered for sale. All class participants were offered the chance to buy one of the revolvers that we had made during the course. I snapped mine up at the factory price of $192 at the end of the course. I've put a lot of rounds through it since then, including plenty of Magnums, without a problem. Haven't fired the gun in several years, but now you've got me thinking. Great gun that I'll be sure to pass along to my son.

 

[jpwhel]

I'm sure my 65-3 with 3 inch barrel with RB feels loved. I take it out and talk to it and shoot it as much as I can. With the fixed sight it is easy to balance and handle and is a great shooting gun.

A lot of the Mod 65s were police dept issue and you see some of these offered for sale from time to time.

 

[ken158]

...Don't believe old Ken there ....there are plenty of us that absolutely love the 65's. Here is one of mine

Hey - I didnt say I didnt like them... got one of my own. But I answered the question that was asked!

 

[ken158]

My Model 65 is one of my prized revolvers. I attended S&W Police Armorer School back in '86 or so. During the course, all of the class were tasked with building four of the Model 65's from unfinished parts and certifying them for duty. Then, the guns were marked with an "arrow" stamp under the grip to designate that the weapon had been made during the Armorer's class and offered for sale. All class participants were offered the chance to buy one of the revolvers that we had made during the course. I snapped mine up at the factory price of $192 at the end of the course. I've put a lot of rounds through it since then, including plenty of Magnums, without a problem. Haven't fired the gun in several years, but now you've got me thinking. Great gun that I'll be sure to pass along to my son.

When I was in the armorer's school, we made model 64's and I think the one I bought cost under $150.

 

[Imshootin]

I love my 65 3" round butt. Sold my first one. Regretted it terribly and finally found this one.

 

[G.T. Smith]

My favorite child

I have noticed that there really isn't very much discussion or people having problems with their 65's. I'm gonna take that as a positive sign.
I ain't never had a lick of trouble with this one. I shoot only 158 grain .357 magnum through it. Got to keep that forcing spotless, or at least I do.
This is the .357 I am going to keep. I use it quite a bit.

Peace,
gordon

 

[ENGINE18]

My 65-5 3-inch is my favorite S&W for all the reasons cited above. (I know, where are the pictures; some day!)

 

[LEO918]

My 65-3 RB 3" has been my nightstand gun for years. Loaded with 158 grain silver tip 38 specials. I have always slept well. This little gun would be one of the last ones to go.

 

[wlm]

of all the S&W,s I carried (1960-1990) my 3" rnd butt 65 is still my favorite Chief Larry Marsell (Ret)

 

[03clyde]

My 65-3 RB 3" has been my nightstand gun for years....

You betcha!!