S&W Model 65-2 transitional 3" 357

[stonebuster]

I just bought a nice looking Model 65-2 3" 357 but when I got home I noticed two curious looking parallel lines in the frame. Never have seen this before and wondering if anyone here has any clues of what this is about. They're not scratches or wear but look to be machining marks. any help appreciated.

 

[ontarget]

That's odd. I've never seen that either.

 

[MutinousDoug]

Scary at 1st look but those grooves are in the frame and don't appear to be coming from the mouth of the barrel so they don't look like fractures.
Weird though...

 

[ontarget]

I just checked my M65 and it doesn't have any marks like that.

 

[Riomouse911]

I just checked my M65 and it doesn't have any marks like that.

Same, none on any of my K frame .357’s either.

Looks like a machining boo boo that got out the factory door.

Stay safe.

 

[stonebuster]

Same, none on any of my K frame .357’s either.

Looks like a machining boo boo that got out the factory door.

Stay safe.

Well, it's in a spot not easily visible and it's been that way(apparently) for 40+ years so not a big deal. Hope she shoots as good as she looks today.

 

[cfullgraf]

The typical problem with cracking forcing cones on 357 Magnum k-frame revolvers will occur at bottom of the barrel where the flat is milled in the barrel reducing the barrel diameter,

I cannot fathom where the problems in the OP's gun barrel came from.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Something new to me. Nice looking revolver!

 

[Pat Riot]

Just for kicks I cracked open my 4th edition of the Catalog of S&W and read about variations of the model 65-2 and found nothing regarding those marks. The 65-2 was made from 1977-1982, so it’s a 1 piece barrel (I thought they might be some kind of alignment marks).

They appear harmless. I would take it out and shoot it.

 

[stonebuster]

Just for kicks I cracked open my 4th edition of the Catalog of S&W and read about variations of the model 65-2 and found nothing regarding those marks. The 65-2 was made from 1977-1982, so it’s a 1 piece barrel (I thought they might be some kind of alignment marks).

They appear harmless. I would take it out and shoot it.

That's my take and put 150 rounds through it today at the range. 100 38+P reloads and 50 factory 38spl. It shot perfectly as expected. No regrets.

 

[Pat Riot]

That's my take and put 150 rounds through it today at the range. 100 38+P reloads and 50 factory 38spl. It shot perfectly as expected. No regrets.

Excellent!
I missed out on a model 65 with a 3” barrel a few months ago. I didn’t know I wanted one until I saw one.
You have a good looking revolver there.

 

[Jonesy814]

Would love to find a 3 inch model 65 that was affordable. I’d even take one with a couple of parallel lines on the frame

 

[Riomouse911]

My Model 65 is a plain old 4”.

I do have a 3” Model 13 though. Those K- frame 3 inchers are pretty darn cool.

Stay safe.

 

[Mannlicher]

I bought this 65 as a basket case. I sent it back to S&W for a complete rebuild. It was converted to DAO, and a new 3 in barrel replaced the factory 4 inch. It's quite the shooter now.

 

[stonebuster]

I bought this 65 as a basket case. I sent it back to S&W for a complete rebuild. It was converted to DAO, and a new 3 in barrel replaced the factory 4 inch. It's quite the shooter now.

That shrouded barrel was a great choice.

 

[Tallball]

Nice! 3" k-frames are my favorites!