Smith & Wesson S&W Stainless Model 65-3 .357 Mag Heavy Barrel D/A Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,036.11
LSB#: LSB260311CC020
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 65-3, The .357 Magnum Military & Police Heavy Barrel Stainless
Serial Number: AHJ4526
Year of Manufacture: 1985 (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)
Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
Action Type: Single and Double Action 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. 65-3”. The left side of the frame has an S&W logo. The right side of the frame is marked with the four line Marcas Registradas address. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number. The yoke and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 3” Full rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp fixed to the rib. The rear sight is a notch milled into the top strap. The front sight has been hand painted red. The top strap and the rib have a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut magna stocks with S&W medallions. There are light handling marks and compression dents. The checkering is sharp and well defined. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grips rate in Fine condition.
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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver’s stainless surface is bright, with scattered scratches and handling wear. There are polish marks along the frame. The action shows operational wear. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action is smooth and the single action is crisp. The lockup has minor play at each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Smith & Wesson Model 65-3 is a desirable stainless K-frame service revolver chambered in .357 Magnum / .38 Special and manufactured in 1985. The Model 65 was essentially the stainless counterpart to the fixed-sight Model 13 Military & Police Heavy Barrel, offering the same rugged duty-oriented layout with improved resistance to corrosion and hard field use. These revolvers were popular with law enforcement officers, armed professionals, and private shooters who wanted magnum performance in a simpler, more durable fixed-sight package than the adjustable-sight Model 66. This example’s 3″ full-rib barrel, red-painted serrated ramp front sight, milled topstrap rear notch, matte sighting plane, stainless finish, and checkered walnut Magna stocks give it a practical and attractive pre-lock S&W profile.
This revolver rates in about Fine overall condition, with bright stainless surfaces showing scattered scratches, handling wear, polish marks along the frame, and operational wear in the action. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut Magna stocks rate Fine, showing light handling marks and compression dents while retaining sharp, well-defined checkering and no cracks or chips. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, the double-action pull is smooth, the single-action break is crisp, and lockup shows only minor play at each chamber. With its stainless construction, desirable 3″ barrel, .357 Magnum chambering, strong bore, and classic fixed-sight K-frame handling, this Model 65-3 should appeal to Smith & Wesson collectors, revolver shooters, and anyone looking for a tough vintage service revolver with excellent practical utility. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY