Howdy everyone,
I was gifted this Smith and wesson 65-3 from a long time friend. It's a beautiful firearm and I'm already proud to have it in my small collection. From the research I've done it appears to be made in the early 80's but I was curious if someone could narrow that down a tad for me if possible and possibly provide some history. Serial # AFT87XX
It appears to be in fantastic condition for the most part. There's a ding on the front of the crane but the forcing cone shows no areas of concern that I can see and the top strap doesn't have any flame cutting on it. I've never owned an older Smith and Wesson firearm but from what I've read (which I know things online can be blown out of proportion) the flat spot on the forcing cone can be a weak spot if you run a lot of full throttle lightweight bullets through K Frames.
I want to prolong the life of this firearm but I don't want it to be a safe queen either. So I was curious about some ammunition. Anyone's experiences and/or recommendations would be appreciated. I plan to just completely stay away from any lightweight bullets, especially in 357 mag. I've ordered several different types of the 158 SWCHP from Federal and Winchester in 38 special. Both standard pressure and +p. I'll see how those shoot. I have an abundance of American Eagle 158 JSP sitting around in 357 magnum I might try out as well.
As for hand loading I plan to load and play with a variety of different bullets. I was thinking some 158g SWC or 158g Speer Plinkers loaded around 1000 fps in 357 Magnum cases. Should make a good utility load if I can get a combination that'll shoot POA.
Also, I was looking at purchasing a T Grip for it. Seems the general consensus on these are fantastic and I really like the way that they look.
And as always, general commments are always welcome.
I was gifted this Smith and wesson 65-3 from a long time friend. It's a beautiful firearm and I'm already proud to have it in my small collection. From the research I've done it appears to be made in the early 80's but I was curious if someone could narrow that down a tad for me if possible and possibly provide some history. Serial # AFT87XX
It appears to be in fantastic condition for the most part. There's a ding on the front of the crane but the forcing cone shows no areas of concern that I can see and the top strap doesn't have any flame cutting on it. I've never owned an older Smith and Wesson firearm but from what I've read (which I know things online can be blown out of proportion) the flat spot on the forcing cone can be a weak spot if you run a lot of full throttle lightweight bullets through K Frames.
I want to prolong the life of this firearm but I don't want it to be a safe queen either. So I was curious about some ammunition. Anyone's experiences and/or recommendations would be appreciated. I plan to just completely stay away from any lightweight bullets, especially in 357 mag. I've ordered several different types of the 158 SWCHP from Federal and Winchester in 38 special. Both standard pressure and +p. I'll see how those shoot. I have an abundance of American Eagle 158 JSP sitting around in 357 magnum I might try out as well.
As for hand loading I plan to load and play with a variety of different bullets. I was thinking some 158g SWC or 158g Speer Plinkers loaded around 1000 fps in 357 Magnum cases. Should make a good utility load if I can get a combination that'll shoot POA.
Also, I was looking at purchasing a T Grip for it. Seems the general consensus on these are fantastic and I really like the way that they look.
And as always, general commments are always welcome.
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