[Kona123]

Hi all, just joined and have a couple questions. I purchased a used Smith & Wesson 357 revolver back in the 90s. Thanks to this forum, I was able to find model number by looking under the cylinder crane and it is a 65-3. I know this is the stainless steel version of the Model 13 built on the K frame. Anyway, to my questions. From everything I've read, the "-3" means a 3 inch barrel, however this gun has a 4 inch barrel. I would think it should be a model 65-4, but it's clearly marked a 65-3. What am I missing? Is it possible the barrel was changed at some point? Also, there are two numbers, with the barrel opened, I can see "B18 9983" and if you turn the gun upside down and look at the bottom of the grips, the numbers AJD69-84 are stamped. Which one is the actual serial number and does the last two digits of the serial number identify the year manufactured?
Thanks so much,
--Billy

 

[RKBA]

I also have a 65–3 that happens to be a 3” barrel. The Dash # on Smiths has nothing to do with barrel length.

 

[BobbyMac]

The dash numbers represent engineering changes, NOT barrel length. Whatever you have been reading to suggest otherwise is completely wrong.

The serial number is ALWAYS stamped on the bottom of the grip frame. Many models (but not all) have the serial number stamped on the frame inside the yoke opening. The other numbers you may see inside the yoke area are assembly numbers to help keep fitted parts together at the factory.

 

[Kona123]

Perfect, thanks for your input BobbyMac and RKBA. I had read in two different places the "-4" means 4 inch barrel and I appreciate the clarification. Can I assume the serial number AJD69-84 points to a manufacture date of 1984?
--Billy

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! No. The serial number does not contain a manufacturing date. The AJDxxxx series of serials were made in 1986. While the change number does not contain barrel length, it can signify the introduction of a barrel length as a manufacturing change. For example from the Standard Catalog of S&W, 4th Edition:

Model 65-2, 4” Heavy barrel, Massachusetts State Police. Model 65-2 Mass. State Police issue gun also reported in 3” RB pinned and recessed configuration.

(Page 266).

 

[Kona123]

That answers all my guestions and thanks for the welcome Wiregrassguy.

 

[BC38]

The dash numbers represent engineering changes, NOT barrel length. Whatever you have been reading to suggest otherwise is completely wrong.

The serial number is ALWAYS stamped on the bottom of the grip frame. Many models (but not all) have the serial number stamped on the frame inside the yoke opening. The other numbers you may see inside the yoke area are assembly numbers to help keep fitted parts together at the factory.

All correct with one minor exception.

On the 32 cal Regulation Police model the serial numbers were stamped on the FRONT facing surface of the grip frame instead of on the bottom!

"With S&W never say never or always"

Welcome aboard Kona123. The M65 is basically the stainless steel version of the M10 - the longest running and most popular model S&W ever produced - with several millions of them sold around the world.

 

[Curt360]

Hi and welcome to the forum! Any pics? We'd like to the the 65 you describe.

 

[jonesy814]

The 84 in the serial number has nothing to do with date it was made. It's only a serial number

 

[Kona123]

 

[Kona123]

Curt360 asked for a pic, so there it is. Thanks again all.
God Bless,
--Billy

 

[WendyZXZ]

Welcome to the forum!

Fine Smith revolver there!

 

[Waidmann]

Probably one of the best K frame carry guns that ever came down the pike. This one is also a -3.

 

[Curt360]

Thanks for the pic! Nice 65...one on my list to get....but I'm in quest of a 3" version.

 

[treedog61]

Carry mine every day.

 

[dwaine]

65 3"