S&W Model 65

[American Rage]

Went into a Pawn Shop today and spotted a pair of S&W 65s. The first one had lots of light scratches, and when I looked at the muzzle it seemed to have a milky appearance. The barrel to cylinder gap was about 1/8". Huge! In my opinion.

Asked to see the second one.

Second one also had lots of light scratches. However, its muzzle was pristine. Checked the barrel to cylinder gap, and thought it would be a chore to get a piece of paper b/t them. I liked that alot! Cocked the hammer, barely touched the trigger and the hammer sprung forward. I began to smile to myself. Checked the heavy barrel and noticed that it was pinned. A plus. Opened the cylinder and my heart quickened when I saw the recessed chambers. I also couldn't help but notice how smooth the ejection rod operated. Fondled it, and looked it over for a while and said, "I'll take it" to the clerk.

So I fill out the paperwork and we're waiting for a response, when I notice the cylinder latch is loose. Since it's in a pawnshop, I grab a screwdriver to tighten it, but with total failure. This left me perplexed, but I figure it's something that is fixable when I get it home.

As I talk to the clerk he tells me that it is a law enforcement trade in. I found this interesting because they are usually marked. Sure enough, on the backstrap was an LE Dept and number. However, it was so shallow and poorly done, I think a little light stippling or maybe an extra thick coat of duracote would hide it. If it matters in the long run.

$391 OTD

Hope to hell I can deal with the cylinder latch at the house and not have to take it in to a 'smith. By the looks of it, somebody, (armorer?) took it off and didn't get it back on correctly or botched the job and applied loctite.

I'll know when I get it home, as I'm on hold as usual.

[Richard Simmons]

Hard to beat a good S&W. What barrel length and is it a square or round butt? Some play/wiggle in the cylinder latch is pretty normal. If it's screw is tight and it works properly I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[old Grump]

Looks like you might have done good, looking forward to some targets from it.

[American Rage]

Hard to beat a good S&W. What barrel length and is it a square or round butt? Some play/wiggle in the cylinder latch is pretty normal. If it's screw is tight and it works properly I wouldn't worry too much about it.

It's a standard 4", square butt. I couldn't get lucky enough for a 3" round butt.



As for the cylinder latch, it looks cheezy almost ghetto, that's all.

Right now I'm watching videos on them, and contemplating whether I should borrow my bud's blaster or my dad's grinder. Of course, I'll need polishing wheels for the grinder.

.

[American Rage]

Looks like you might have done good, looking forward to some targets from it.

I figure I could have gotten it for a hundred less a couple of years ago. But all revolver prices seem to have shot up over the past few years.

$391, I call it a fair price, but not a great one.

Right now, I'm going .357 crazy for some reason. Spotted a blued speed six at the same place, they want $400, but told me they'd take $350. I'm really thinkin' about it, and the 4" blued Security Six is still for sale. We'll see how this goes.

Hey, if I have to buy a bolt/cylinder catch and/or thumbpiece nut, is the bolt something I can intall myself without messing up the timing? Or will I need to pay a gunsmith to make sure it keeps time?

Thanks