The Smith & Wesson Model 65 was manufactured from 1972 to 2004. This is a double action revolver with a capacity of six rounds. It is based on Smith&Wesson's K-frame platform. To be a little more specific, it is a .357 Magnum version of the heavy-barrel variation of the .38 Special Model 10, which was originally called the Military & Police.
It uses both .357 Magnum or .38 S&W Special +P rounds, is easily cleaned and maintained, and has been proven to be a very reliable handgun. Used models can usually be found in the $200 to $300 price range, depending upon the condition of the revolver.
This particular model was in use by many police departments across the country for a number of years and has a track record of proven reliability and stopping power.
Specifications for the Smith & Wesson Model 65:
Caliber: .357 Magnum /.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Barrel Length: 4" HB
Front Sight: Serrated Ramp
Rear Sight: Fixed Notch
Grip: Uncle Mike's Rubber
Trigger: .312" Smooth Target
Hammer: .265" Target
External Safety: N/A
Frame: Medium
Finish: Satin Stainless
Overall length: 8-7/8"
Material: Stainless Steel
Weight Empty: 35 ounces
More information can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.357_Magnum
Always remember to practice safety at all times in the use of firearms. The safe use of any type of firearm should be your first priority. Safety is no accident!
Additional NRA gun safety rules can be found in the sidebar or here:
http://nrahq.org/education/guide.asp
This revolver is part of my personal protection gear. While many people prefer automatic handguns ( I have a couple myself), the reliability and ease of maintenance for revolvers is easier in my own circumstances.
Additional information about Smith & Wesson firearms can be found here:
http://smith-wesson.com/
Please leave a comment. Thanks.
Staying above the water line!
Riverwalker
Posts
22 comments:
Excellent handgun sir - butt simple, very common round(s), stainless steel for lower maintenance - whats not to like?
To: anonymous
Complete agreement here!Thanks.
RW
It's the one I keep by the bed. If I need a weapon in the middle of the night, I want simple, reliable, and effective.
To: r.e.a.l.
I keep mine located in a similar place also. You're right on all counts-simple,reliable, and very, very effective! Thanks.
RW
I didn't need to see that gun on your website. It made me greedy! I want a stainless .357 that I can also shot .38 Special. Seems like a very good idea to me!
Michael
To: michael
They also make a .38 rat-shot for varmints (the four-legged variety) or snakes. Stainless is nice. A little wipe down with a silicon cloth and it's ready to go!
The two different types of rounds gives you some added versatility.
Thanks.
RW
Very nice. I have a titanium .357 as a my daily backup, and it stays by my bed as well. You cannot beat it. When I turned 21, my mother actually gave me my first pistol...a Ruger Blackhawk .357, in stainless steel. I love that pistol. It has been with me on 3 continents. Nice shooting weapon.
I tried to leave a comment before, but it apparently did not work. A couple of questions from someone who is starting from the very, very beginning (read no knowledge, no gear):
--What firearm do you suggest for a beginner who wants it only for defense (no hunting or sport)?
--How do you find a good instructor (don't want to even start if I can't learn safety first)?
I searched your site for "beginning firearms" but didn't find anything. If it's there, I haven't seen it.
To: faol
My brother has a Blackhawk- nice gun also. Thanks for coming by.
RW
To: anonymous
Many factors go into choosing a firearm for personal safety. Local and state laws, gender,home defense only, licensed personal carry (CCW), etc. You can e-mail me with a few more specific circumstances and I would be glad to help you out. An excellent source for beginning firearms information is at Getting Started in Emergency Preparedness (click the link in the sidebar under places to visit). Another very knowledgeable site for gun information is kaiservontexasmusings (in side bar also under places to visit). Many sporting goods stores- Cabela's etc. offer training classes, etc.
My personal choice for home defense is the Mossberg 500 12 guage pump! Hope this helps.
Riverwalker
To: anonymous
Additional info:
I don't know if there are any in your area but check out the Bass Pro Shops. Bass Pro Shops will offer free gun safety seminars at 47 stores at 10 a.m. (local time except in Canada) Saturday, Aug. 9. 2008.
Riverwalker
Thanks for the feedback. Checking out the local stores would probably be the best first step.
To: anonymous
You're welcome! I will try to help any way I can.
Thanks for coming by.
RW
I had a similar model 28 highway patrolman which I carried while stationed in Alaska. Very good feeling with one of those on your hip.
To: anonymous 2:45
Having a reliable pistol handy can indeed make one feel better. Thanks.
RW
Hello. Just found your blog. Usually never post on such, nothing to say really. However, this coincidence is worth a comment, namely your choice of both the S&W model 65 and Mossberg 500 (looking through your site, obviously), for defense. They've been my choice as well since probably the late 1980s, iirc.
Even do a bit of practical pistol with my model 65. Though dominated by autos, since I prefer my wheel gun for its reliability and simplicity I use practical time stay familiar with it. Respectable scores even!
Nice blog, all the best.
To: anonymous 3:13
Hey! Glad you took some time to comment. I'm a big fan of wheel guns, pump shotguns and lever action rifles. The S&W 357 served LE well for many tears and is a great pistol. I've also found the Mossberg 500 to be a very reliable shotgun. I also have a preference for lever action rifles. I do have a semi-automatic 9mm and a Ruger 10/22 though.
I guess I feel more comfortable with mechanical action type firearms...especially those with a reliability that has been proven over and over again.
They say great minds think alike!
Glad to know someone else out there is a fan of the Model 65! Thanks!
Riverwalker
I am vested in .38/.357 but somehow do not have a stainless one. Need to rectify that at some point. Prolly pick up one of those used police change in model 64's or maybe double down and get a pair.
To: theotherryan
I'd love to get an additional one in stainless steel but it seems a lot of former LE are holding onto their old pistols. No wonder...since they have been proven to be so reliable and effective. Thanks.
RW
The S&W 65 is a great "all around" handgun. Versatile, simple, and effective is what I believe was said earlier and I couldn't agree more. I too keep a 65 in my nightstand and know it will perform if needed.
Very nice. I have the 65 next to my bed for much the same reasons. Simple, easy, reliable, great stopping power and accurate enough for the intended use.
Has anyone ever saw a model 65-1 with adjustable sights? There is one listed on Armslist now. I can't find it in the book. maybe its a gunsmiths custom job. Does anyone know?
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