Yea or Nay

[BenelliSlim70]

Found a 65-1 thats beautifully fully master engraved from 1976. Box and papers. But no original grips. Ajax genuine stag grips. Supposedly. Anywho I know it's more of a CC Cary gun. Wouldn't be my intention. Any thoughts on not exactly the most popular model for .357?

 

[bananaman]

I am assuming that it has a 2.75" barrel? (you did not mention barrel length) To me if the price was right, why not? You might be better off with a 686. ( more robust) What will the gun be used for mainly?
Welcome to the FORUM from Michigan! Bob

 

[BenelliSlim70]

I am assuming that it has a 2.75" barrel? (you did not mention barrel length) To me if the price was right, why not? You might be better off with a 686. ( more robust) What will the gun be used for mainly?
Welcome to the FORUM from Michigan! Bob

Thanks Bob! 4". I CC a 3" Smitty 1911 clone (in the Lord's caliber) or a snubby Kimber K6S in .357. So it would be a nice addition to my safe as well a good rotation wheel gun full disclosure I have many other wheel guns, Danny W .44 2 Pythons 3 King Cobras 1 Anaconda 3 Kimber K6S's & even 2 cowboy Ruggies ! Haven't picked up my 4" 1956 Kit gun in .22 yet. Love to target shoot and try new guns. I've got an affliction for Pretty and reliable guns tho

 

[BenelliSlim70]

I am assuming that it has a 2.75" barrel? (you did not mention barrel length) To me if the price was right, why not? You might be better off with a 686. ( more robust) What will the gun be used for mainly?
Welcome to the FORUM from Michigan! Bob

I'm new to S&W wheel guns, just thought I'd like to hear from the "peanut gallery" as they say. Thanks

 

[sceva]

Carry it if you like; that's what they were made for.

 

[rwsmith]

Some people think that the K frame .357s are the cat's pajamas. I wanted a 'real' .357, so I got a 686. I have a Model 10 for shooting .38s but I enjoy shooting both rounds out of my 686.

 

[Alk8944]

Cc cary? Did you mean concealed carry?

It all depends on what you intend to do with the gun. If you expect to shoot mostly .38 Special and only occasional .357 Magnum ammunition it will be fine. If you intend to shoot mostly full-power .357 Magnum in it then you would be better off with an L-Frame 686 model, they are far more durable than the K-frame magnums!

 

[RKmesa]

I'd love to see some photos...

 

[BenelliSlim70]

Some people think that the K frame .357s are the cat's pajamas. I wanted a 'real' .357, so I got a 686. I have a Model 10 for shooting .38s but I enjoy shooting both rounds out of my 686.

The pajamas huh I've never heard that one before, and sadly I'm OLD. Thanks for your input

 

[Greyman50]

Some people think that the K frame .357s are the cat's pajamas. I wanted a 'real' .357, so I got a 686. I have a Model 10 for shooting .38s but I enjoy shooting both rounds out of my 686.

" Cats PJs" is an Old saying that my grandparents used back in the 50s-70s. Good to hear it again.
Have a 3" 65 that I CCW in the winter and it shoots very well. Had 2 but traded the later one on another S& W. Shoot many 38 Spl.s through it and very few 357 Mags to confirm hits.

 

[Butzbach]

Cat's PJs is a lot older than that originating in the early 1920's flapper era. Cf "bee's knees."

 

[38 Specialist]

I think the model 13 and 65 with 4" barrels are ideal service revolvers. Light and compact enough to carry all day. Robust enough to shoot .357. no adjustable sights to get messed up. This is why the FBI issued model 13s for a while.

I own a model 13 and appreciate it for what it is. I don't shoot it often because I have more pleasant revolvers to shoot. If I'm going to shoot 357 magnum, I prefer to use my model 28 or 686.

I consider it more of a collectors piece. It has a place in the product line and is worth owning. If the goal is to have fun shooting heavy loads, there are better choices.