Smith & Wesson 65-2 3" .357 mag Revolver MFD 1981

SOLD FOR: $1,045.00
LSB#: 190610SF11
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 65-2 Transitional, this revolver has features of both the 65-2 and 65-3.
Serial Number: 7D58055
Year of Manufacture: 1981 (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, P399), likely assembled and shipped in 1982
Caliber: .38 Special / .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the barrel flat is marked “S” and the right side of the barrel is marked “S.&W. 357 MAGNUM”. The yoke cut is marked “MOD. 65-2”. The sideplate has an S&W logo, the right of the frame is marked with the four line “Marcas Registradas” address. The butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 3”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a square notch milled into the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood combat grips with finger grooves and S&W medallions at their tops. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are generally well fit to the frame but are notably proud at the top of the backstrap. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are some scattered light scuffs and scratches, the most notable on the left of the barrel. The cylinder has a thin, light turn-line and some carbon fouling at the front. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly in both single and double action. The single action trigger breaks very crisply and the double action trigger is smooth. The cylinder locks up tight with very little play on all 6 chambers. We did not fire this handgun. This is a Round Butt, K Frame revolver with a checkered service hammer and a smooth service trigger.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a blue cardboard one-piece S&W box with serial-matching label, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, wax paper, cleaning rod and bore-brush. The box has scattered light wear, in about Very Good-Fine condition. The cleaning accessories are still sealed in their plastic packaging.
Our Assessment: This S&W .357 Magnum revolver with heavy 3” barrel is a true service handgun. It could be carried openly or concealed. It could serve well for home defense, and as such, would also be suitable for IDPA competition. It is a solid six shot double action revolver that can accept a wide variety of ammunition, everything from light .38 Special wadcutters to heavy .357 Magnum hollow points. This gun should provide the successful bidder with a lifetime of service. Interestingly, this revolver is a transitional model. The frame is marked “65-2” and the serial number places its production in 1981, however it has a mix of features from the 65-2, the recessed chambers on its cylinder, and of the 65-3, its barrel not being pinned. It appears that this frame was produced in 1981 but final assembly was performed in 1982 after the pinned barrel was removed from the assembly process but before they ran out of cylinders with recessed chambers. For this reason, it may have special interest for Smith collectors, as well. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California. This handgun CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. All cartridge firing handguns (even C&R’s and antiques) sold to a California resident must be DROS’d. This does not apply to out of state residents.