Maybe I am in the big minority but when I was looking around for a CCW piece I came across a NIB S&W pre treason model 65 revolver. Boy did that gun feel good in the hand. I have been looking long and hard at various handguns for CCW but I always seemed to gravitate back to the revolver. Anyways, I really liked the Colt Detective Specials I looked at (couldn't justify the high cost)and thought the S&W 638 Bodyguard was ideal until I picked up the 65. It balances just perfectly for me and shoots to point of aim with 158 grain style bullets (more so with .357 then .38) Am I crazy to want to buy this gun? Anybody else carrying a 3" K-frame as opposed to a semi-auto? I think the FBI and Immigration used to carry the model 13. How do you carry concealed? An even nicer point about this gun is that the firing pin is on the hammer and not that new transfer bar system which I have heard on other gun posts to be troublesome. Any substance to this runor? Thanks in advance for all the replies and I really like the expertise I find on this board.
3" K-frame revolver for CCW
- Thread starter Rommel
- Start date
IMHO you wouldn't be crazy at all to carry a Model 65. It offers great flexibility as to ammunition, including the stopping power of the .357 Magnum, although I personally prefer the 158-grain LSWCHP .38 Special +P for this revolver. The Model 65 is reliable and well-made--a true classic.
My only concern would be the stocks. Some folks may disagree, but I find S&W's neoprene grips of recent years to be sticky and bulky enough to hinder concealment. FWIW, my own favorite stocks are the checkered walnut service stocks that used to be the standard on the Model 65.
Compared with the 638, I find that the Model 65 is generally a lot easier to shoot. Plus, except for pocket carry, I'm not sure that the 65 is much harder to conceal than the 638. I also like Colt's DS, but for some reason have never gotten used to the relatively weak feel of its trigger return.
[This message has been edited by jimmy (edited May 17, 2000).]
My only concern would be the stocks. Some folks may disagree, but I find S&W's neoprene grips of recent years to be sticky and bulky enough to hinder concealment. FWIW, my own favorite stocks are the checkered walnut service stocks that used to be the standard on the Model 65.
Compared with the 638, I find that the Model 65 is generally a lot easier to shoot. Plus, except for pocket carry, I'm not sure that the 65 is much harder to conceal than the 638. I also like Colt's DS, but for some reason have never gotten used to the relatively weak feel of its trigger return.
[This message has been edited by jimmy (edited May 17, 2000).]
If you like wheel guns and are comfortable with using them, I see no reason not to carry one. My primary carry is either 19 (K) or 2.5" 686 ( or both ) in Galco siloette just behind point of hip, either side. Winter under coat, summer under long tailed shirt. Lots of good carry rounds available and practice is cheap with handloads. Lots of practice. Shot placement under stress counts.
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Sam I am, grn egs n packin
Nikita Khrushchev predicted confidently in a speech in Bucharest, Rumania on June 19, 1962 that: " The United States will eventually fly the Communist Red Flag...the American people will hoist it themselves."
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Sam I am, grn egs n packin
Nikita Khrushchev predicted confidently in a speech in Bucharest, Rumania on June 19, 1962 that: " The United States will eventually fly the Communist Red Flag...the American people will hoist it themselves."
First, I don't know how much truth is to the rumors that the frame-mounted pin has problems.
The .22 S&W's have always had that system, and work just fine.
I think the big gripe is that they "fixed" something that wasn't broken.
Alot of us are traditionalists, and just don't like that change.
To the topic: A 3" K-frame is a great defensive handgun.
For one, you get a full-length ejector rod (something the 2" and 2.5" guns do not have).
You also pick up a tad more velocity over the two-inchers.
The main thing I like is that a K-frame with a 3" barrel balances and points better (IMO) than the 2" guns.
I kinda think that a 3" heavy barreled M65 feels just like a 4" skinny barreled M10, which is one of the handiest guns ever made.
Depending on the method of carry, and your personal characteristics (ht/wt), the 3" guns conceal much better than the 4" or longer guns.
Like for me, I'm tall and skinny, so behind the hip doesn't work.
So, I need to carry in the appendix position, inside the waistband.
A four inch barrel pokes me where I don't want to be poked, especially if I'm sitting.
The three inch barreled guns don't have that problem.
Hope this helps, -Kframe
The .22 S&W's have always had that system, and work just fine.
I think the big gripe is that they "fixed" something that wasn't broken.
Alot of us are traditionalists, and just don't like that change.
To the topic: A 3" K-frame is a great defensive handgun.
For one, you get a full-length ejector rod (something the 2" and 2.5" guns do not have).
You also pick up a tad more velocity over the two-inchers.
The main thing I like is that a K-frame with a 3" barrel balances and points better (IMO) than the 2" guns.
I kinda think that a 3" heavy barreled M65 feels just like a 4" skinny barreled M10, which is one of the handiest guns ever made.
Depending on the method of carry, and your personal characteristics (ht/wt), the 3" guns conceal much better than the 4" or longer guns.
Like for me, I'm tall and skinny, so behind the hip doesn't work.
So, I need to carry in the appendix position, inside the waistband.
A four inch barrel pokes me where I don't want to be poked, especially if I'm sitting.
The three inch barreled guns don't have that problem.
Hope this helps, -Kframe
I previously owned both a 3" 65 , and also a 3" 66. Sold both, wish I hadn't, but have since found a 3" 66 Lew Horton.It's a keeper, both for CCW, and for hiking ( don't think much of a .22 for a trail gun).The balance is better to me than a 2" or a 2 1/2", and the ejector works.
by Bob C. <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>...don't think much of a .22 for a trail gun...[/quote]
I hear that!
Anything worth shooting is worth knocking down so it don't get up.
So, when afield I sometimes have a .38 Special M15 with 158gr SWCHP's +P, or 148gr HBWC's, reversed in the case.
Or, if hiking with a group and must be discrete, it's a M640-1 in .357 Magnum.
-Kframe
I hear that!
Anything worth shooting is worth knocking down so it don't get up.
So, when afield I sometimes have a .38 Special M15 with 158gr SWCHP's +P, or 148gr HBWC's, reversed in the case.
Or, if hiking with a group and must be discrete, it's a M640-1 in .357 Magnum.
-KframeI'm mostly an auto person - except for the J-frame when rigorous dress code is in order.
However I do confess to occasions when a S&W Model 19 in round butt, and 2.5 inch configuration has "been along for the ride" with clip grips. Quick, easy, comfortable, more than adequate.
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Jim Fox
However I do confess to occasions when a S&W Model 19 in round butt, and 2.5 inch configuration has "been along for the ride" with clip grips. Quick, easy, comfortable, more than adequate.
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Jim Fox
Mike Irwin
Staff
I frequently carry an S&W Model 19 2.5" loaded with 125-gr. Remington Golden Sabres, in a shoulder holster.
You would be well served by a Model 65.
You would be well served by a Model 65.
Been an owner/operator of the GM in 45 ACP for over 30 years. But, when my duty sidearms were S&W revolvers, I used a variety of K frames, including a 2 1/2" Model 19. I doubt I was handicapping myself.
If I were to do it again, tho, I'd opt for the longer bbl and round butt. Flash in Low light was impressive with my old duty load (110gr +P+) and most others.
If I were to do it again, tho, I'd opt for the longer bbl and round butt. Flash in Low light was impressive with my old duty load (110gr +P+) and most others.
I carried a 2 1/2 Mdl. 66 for a while, and also carried a 3 inch L-frame (and could beat myself for selling it). The L-frame was a bit heavy (I now know a better belt and holster would have helped) but the 3 inch bbl. always seemed right. I am wishing I had one of the 3 inch 66's Horton put out a few years ago, love the look of the full underlug bbl. I have this idea of having the perfect carry revolver built....a Mdl. 12 round-butt, 3 inch, underlugged bbl. Good action, night sights, dark finish....Perfect. BTW, the 65 and 13 are both great carry guns, I would think, esp. with the medium velocity loads or hot .38's (personal preference).
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When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; IT IS that they shall be destroyed forever...Psalms 92.7
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When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; IT IS that they shall be destroyed forever...Psalms 92.7