Smith and Wesson model 65
- Thread starter Echolmes
- Start date
357 Python
New member
One of the finest carry revolvers from S&W. When my wife choose to take my 2 1/2" S&W 66 for her gun I was able to replace it with a 3" S&W 65. This gun is one in my normal rotation. During the winter when longer coats are the norm I find it easy to carry a 4" Colt Python or a 4" S&W 686. During the summer if I carry concealed the 65 works like a dream. It also works when I open carry (legal in Virginia). The only problem I ran into was finding a holster for the 3" 65 but I did finally found a couple.
You got a REALLY good one! 
The "original" .357 Magnum from 1935 was a S&W on the large N-frame. Big beefy gun with a beefy cylinder. The same frame was used for .44 Special and in 1955 -- the new .44 Magnum. It was S&W's largest revolver frame all the way until the .500 S&W Magnum came out.
In the mid-1950's, there was a push to get S&W to chamber the extremely capable .357 Magnum in to the medium K-frame. Before that happened, the K-frame was the home to the .22, .32 and .38 Special revolvers. The K-frame is just one absolute sweetheart of a revolver and it has been argued that Smith & Wesson has made over six million K-frame .38 Special revolvers, making it the single most-produced "model" of handgun in history.
The Model 65 is a stainless steel K-frame .357 Magnum. It was born for combat/service duty. It lacks the ejector shroud of the Models 19/66. It kind of looks like a stainless version of the Model 10/64. The Model 65 is the stainless version of the Model 13.
With a 3-inch barrel, it's more compact than the extremely popular 4-inch barrel, but yet still has a full-length ejector rod. Many folks much prefer this aspect of a 3-inch S&W over the 2-3/4 or 1-7/8" snub-nosed revolvers.
For most folks, a 3-inch Model 65 may not be the world's most comfortable platform for long days of shooting with full .357 Magnum ammo. But if you can handle the recoil, the revolver is ready for the fun. As with any .357 Magnum revolver... you can happily also feed it as much .38 Special as you wish.
The .38 Special and the .357 Magnum make use of (basically) the same bullet. In the least complicated way... the .38 Special runs about half the pressure of the .357 Magnum. If you truly are not at all familiar with revolvers, I suggest you buy a box of .38 Special and a box of .357 Magnum and try a handful of .38 Special first.
The difference in recoil, blast, "feel" and the entire experience can be... eye opening.
But in a good way. 
That's a terrific Christmas gift!
The "original" .357 Magnum from 1935 was a S&W on the large N-frame. Big beefy gun with a beefy cylinder. The same frame was used for .44 Special and in 1955 -- the new .44 Magnum. It was S&W's largest revolver frame all the way until the .500 S&W Magnum came out.
In the mid-1950's, there was a push to get S&W to chamber the extremely capable .357 Magnum in to the medium K-frame. Before that happened, the K-frame was the home to the .22, .32 and .38 Special revolvers. The K-frame is just one absolute sweetheart of a revolver and it has been argued that Smith & Wesson has made over six million K-frame .38 Special revolvers, making it the single most-produced "model" of handgun in history.
The Model 65 is a stainless steel K-frame .357 Magnum. It was born for combat/service duty. It lacks the ejector shroud of the Models 19/66. It kind of looks like a stainless version of the Model 10/64. The Model 65 is the stainless version of the Model 13.
With a 3-inch barrel, it's more compact than the extremely popular 4-inch barrel, but yet still has a full-length ejector rod. Many folks much prefer this aspect of a 3-inch S&W over the 2-3/4 or 1-7/8" snub-nosed revolvers.
For most folks, a 3-inch Model 65 may not be the world's most comfortable platform for long days of shooting with full .357 Magnum ammo. But if you can handle the recoil, the revolver is ready for the fun. As with any .357 Magnum revolver... you can happily also feed it as much .38 Special as you wish.
The .38 Special and the .357 Magnum make use of (basically) the same bullet. In the least complicated way... the .38 Special runs about half the pressure of the .357 Magnum. If you truly are not at all familiar with revolvers, I suggest you buy a box of .38 Special and a box of .357 Magnum and try a handful of .38 Special first.
The difference in recoil, blast, "feel" and the entire experience can be... eye opening.
But in a good way. That's a terrific Christmas gift!
Dfariswheel
New member
For years the official FBI issue pistol was a S&W 3 inch "K" frame Model 13 in blue.
I "think" they later used the Model 65 which was the same gun in stainless.
The 3 inch Model 65 is an absolute prime CCW revolver, and "possibly" the best of the short barrel concealed carry revolvers.
It's powerful, accurate, totally reliable, durable, has excellent sights, an action that can be highly tuned for a smoother pull, and has an intimidating appearance.
If you're armed with a Model 65 you're VERY well armed.
There are many after market grips available in woods, synthetics, and rubber that make it even easier to shoot well.
One of the best loads for it is the Buffalo Bore +P lead, semi wadcutter, hollow point.
This is a very hot +P load using a very soft lead hollow point bullet with a gas check.
The gas check allows pushing the soft lead bullet very fast without excessive leading.
This is what the original idea of the +P load was and the Buffalo Bore version is pushing Magnum velocities.
"Back in the day" the street cops called the earlier hotter +P load the ".38 SPLAT", for the sound it supposedly made when it hit.
It was famous for stopping fights.
This gives you more power then a standard .38 Special but without the massive muzzle blast of the Magnum.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/17...mi-wadcutter-hollow-point-gas-check-box-of-20
Due to possible problems with cracks developing in the rear of the barrel in the forcing cone, you may not want to use the hot 125 grain jacketed Magnum loads in the S&W"K" frame revolvers.
I "think" they later used the Model 65 which was the same gun in stainless.
The 3 inch Model 65 is an absolute prime CCW revolver, and "possibly" the best of the short barrel concealed carry revolvers.
It's powerful, accurate, totally reliable, durable, has excellent sights, an action that can be highly tuned for a smoother pull, and has an intimidating appearance.
If you're armed with a Model 65 you're VERY well armed.
There are many after market grips available in woods, synthetics, and rubber that make it even easier to shoot well.
One of the best loads for it is the Buffalo Bore +P lead, semi wadcutter, hollow point.
This is a very hot +P load using a very soft lead hollow point bullet with a gas check.
The gas check allows pushing the soft lead bullet very fast without excessive leading.
This is what the original idea of the +P load was and the Buffalo Bore version is pushing Magnum velocities.
"Back in the day" the street cops called the earlier hotter +P load the ".38 SPLAT", for the sound it supposedly made when it hit.
It was famous for stopping fights.
This gives you more power then a standard .38 Special but without the massive muzzle blast of the Magnum.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/17...mi-wadcutter-hollow-point-gas-check-box-of-20
Due to possible problems with cracks developing in the rear of the barrel in the forcing cone, you may not want to use the hot 125 grain jacketed Magnum loads in the S&W"K" frame revolvers.
Cousin Toad
New member
The Model 65 is a great weapon for self defense or and was for duty until most law enforcement transitioned over to semi-auto in the 1980's.
These revolvers along with blued models 10,15 and the stainless 64, 65, 66, and 67 were used by corrections depts., armored car companies, and other security businesses.
For years after semi-autos pushed revolvers out of the LEO/security market large batches of the K frame revolvers were made available on the used market and could be found for very reasonable prices. The K frames were generally carried a lot and fired little. The price of the K frames in general have been going up now for a while, probably due to the supply thinning out.
I have three of the model 65s, with a four inch barrel, and I can't think of any better weapon for a utility handgun. The K frame is an excellent choice for the individual who only wants or needs one handgun for defense or just a practical carry piece. They are sweet shooting handguns.
These revolvers along with blued models 10,15 and the stainless 64, 65, 66, and 67 were used by corrections depts., armored car companies, and other security businesses.
For years after semi-autos pushed revolvers out of the LEO/security market large batches of the K frame revolvers were made available on the used market and could be found for very reasonable prices. The K frames were generally carried a lot and fired little. The price of the K frames in general have been going up now for a while, probably due to the supply thinning out.
I have three of the model 65s, with a four inch barrel, and I can't think of any better weapon for a utility handgun. The K frame is an excellent choice for the individual who only wants or needs one handgun for defense or just a practical carry piece. They are sweet shooting handguns.
I would take the 65 here, but I have always had a fondness for stainless in all my handguns, both semi-auto & revolvers. Much like I think a 4-inch heavy barrel Model 10 is a phenomenal revolver -- I probably like my Model 64-5 just a half a tick more. (please don't tell my Model 10!
)Tell you one thing that only came to me with time... both trigger time & maybe a little maturity: I just quite simply prefer a .38 Special chambered K-frame over the .357 versions. I just plain DO. Part of that is because my .38 K-frames are just completely lights-out, but also because my .357-chambered K-frames are (to me, of course) just no fun whatsoever with .357 Mag ammo.
Maybe I am more "recoil sensitive" than I used to be
but honestly, I can't see that being the answer across the board. I totally dig full-nuts .357 from my 28-2 and my Coonan. I'm still enjoying hairy 10mm from my Glock 29. I'm actually toying with a new one that is a real handful in .357-44 B&D and it is a fireball and fun. And I love the .460 Magnum from my big X-frame. So it's not all about the recoil... it's just the way .357 Mag recoil stings in a K-frame. I do NOT like it.To the subject, Model 65's are amazing revolvers. But everything being the same... gimme a heavy barrel 10 or 64 and I'll keep the extra change.
dscampbell
New member
A 3" model 65 is a great carry gun.
This would be the time where I would tell you that the Model 65 in a 3" is a horrible revolver, unfit for anyone to use, and that out of the goodness of my heart, I would be willing to help you find a new home for that hunk of worthless steel.
But I can't even type that with a straight face.
Good on you for a great piece. I think a Tyler T grip or similar type of grip adapter over the stock grips makes this a perfect carry or bedside gun.
But I can't even type that with a straight face.
Good on you for a great piece. I think a Tyler T grip or similar type of grip adapter over the stock grips makes this a perfect carry or bedside gun.
4040peters
New member
I just purchased a model 65-3 4". It's one of the handguns on my bucket list of firearms to own and it's everything I expected. I don't think you'll be displeased.
Dfariswheel
New member
As said, you're about as well armed as you can be.
No it isn't a racy, sexy space age automatic made of plastic with a magazine with more rounds in it then an ant hill, but when you need to send the very worst your very best, you've got it covered.
No it isn't a racy, sexy space age automatic made of plastic with a magazine with more rounds in it then an ant hill, but when you need to send the very worst your very best, you've got it covered.