Mod 65/13 RB 3"

[MT Gianni]

I am kicking around the tires of a model 65 3" RB. I like the idea and it would fit a need for a smaller frame 357. Any war stories good or bad with these? I like the idea of the concelability and power with the 6 shots, along with the speedloaders I have for the k-frame 14. Gianni

[45 2.1]

If its anything like the model 64 in that version, you will like it a lot.

[Wildcat]

I picked up a Model 13, 3" a couple of years ago and it quickly became a favorite. It points like an extension of my hand and I can run it DA better than any of my other revolvers. Full length extraction is a plus too. Hard to beat for CCW.

[9.3X62AL]

Both the Model 65 and its blue-steel counterpart Model 13 in 3" barrels are very fine CCW revolvers. For a time, it was the issue sidearm for FBI. These came on board just before the wholesale switch to self-loaders by USA LEOs in the mid-80's.

One example I fired (a fellow deputy's 3" M-65) had Pachmayr Compact neoprene grips installed, and it was docile with our 110 grain 38 Special +P loads on board. 158 grain factory loads (1250 FPS-rated) were not bad at all--more recoil and MUCH more bark, but a mildly skilled shooter would have no problems with those loads.

I would avoid or at least minimize the use of the 1450 fps-level 158 grain "Douglas Wesson" loads in any K-frame 357 Magnum. Same goes for the vaunted 125 grain @ 1450 FPS loadings, which produced premature wear in FBI's issue revolvers. This condition plus the intro of J-frame 357 Magnums prompted SAAMI to lower the 357 Magnum's mean product pressure rating to 36K PSI from its former 40K-42K level. Current factory loads meet this 36K standard, and are safe for both K-frame and J-frame 357 Magnums.

[Dave Berryhill]

The three inch K Frame magnums have a full-length ejector rod, which is a good thing (The shorty 686 only has a 2 1/2" barrel and it isn't long enough to use a full length ejector rod so a shorter ejector rod is used) Personally, I like stainless revolvers but I don't care for the stainless steel sights on the Model 65.

It's a great revolver but not up to a steady diet of heavy magnum loads. You can shoot the cr@p out of it with .38 Special loads though.