65 Ladysmith - She's a MAN!!!

M

mattz357

New member
My love of 3" S&W .357s is no secret, and after I found my 3" 65-5 a couple of months ago, I knew I had to have a 65LS to match. I stumbled upon this one, another -5, days after I had sold my SIG and I knew it was meant to be. It looks like it has only had a few boxes of shells through it, and locks up like a vault.

Now comes the interesting part. Although I knew I wanted a 65LS, I also knew I didn't want it to say "Ladysmith." It wasn't the word itself that bothered me, I just don't like laser engraving anywhere on my guns. The other part is that I'm not a huge fan of the bead blasted finish. It looks great new, but I'm very particular about finish, and marks show very easily. Using the advice of a fellow forum member (thanks Roger!), I was able to de-bead blast the finish, and remove the laser logo in the process. Now this Lady(smith) is a MAN(smith)!!!

Here are the before and after pictures:
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Just gotta love those bead-blasted stainless guns.

I did my stainless Vaqueros after seeing a picture of a Gary Reeder custom. Love it. And if it ever gets worn, I'll just throw it in the blasting cabinet again for a touch-up.
 
That top photo is IDENTICAL to mine, grips and everything. I'm leaving the 'Ladysmith' on it though. 'Put another hundred rounds through it earlier today, it's easily the nicest revolver I've ever shot. Is it true they're not making them anymore ??
 
ScoutinStAugustine, that's what I hear. My dealer tried to get one for me last fall, and couldn't find one. I ended up with a SW66 2"
 
I don't know if they are still making them, but they have made them recently. One that I saw on S&W Forum had the new two piece barrel (and obviously the lock).
 
No,
They are not making them anymore. They have been replaced by a fugly L frame that has a J frame barrel countour on its cheap two peice barrel.
I think the new models are called the 610 and the 620 or something like that. Seven shot L frames.

I have 65 LS too, and its probably the most practical gun I own. I need to get a set of those bantam grips though.....
 
Good idea. I have small hands and have difficulty with full size grips and like others don't like the idea of carrying a gun with 'Ladysmith' on the side. This overcomes the problem and risk of being accused of wearing 'lace panties'.

How does it handle? I would imagine a short .357 has quite a kick.
 
I'm not sure how this one handles yet, but I can only imagine it will be a little nicer than my 3" 65. The 65 has a Teddy J trigger, so it is a LOT smoother, but the 65LS has a little extra weight up front with the underlug, so it might be a little more tame (not that the 65 was wild).
 
Have both a 3" Model 66 and a 3" Model 65LS. Neither one is a problem at all with either 38 +P, 38 +P+, or 357 rounds.

In my mind, the 66 and 65LS make a perfect combo. If I need adjustable sights for longer field shots, I've got it. If I want a definite no-snag CCW piece I've got that too.

Love the 3" 357s,... the loss of an inch does not make a meaningful impact to me. I've previosuly owned several 4" guns and I don't have any of them anymore. In fact, I find the blance on the 3" K-frames to be ideal.

And my 65LS still has the "Lady...." on it.
 
Large caliber "Lady Smiths"

I believe S&W should make their "Lady Smiths" in .41 Magnum, .44 Magnum and 500 S&W, for those larger ladies out there, who can handle them.
 
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