Overdue: S&W Model 65 Range Report.

[Miggy]

Sorry for the long delay but I finally got the chance of testing my new/old Mod 65 (4' barrel, ramp sight) at the last IDPA match.
My fellow shooters, aware of my shortcomings as a shooter, were less than thrilled when I showed up with a wheel gun. but I managed to find a dedicated SO who did not mind running me.

I shot with the gun at a range but I don't mind much the results in a static & tranquil enviroment. I like to see how well I do with a gun on the move and a bit under stress. The first stage was disastrous! but I was amazed at the control I had on the gun. I guess being a 4 incher and a massive steel work by S&W, the darn thing was pretty controlable. Recoil was the last thing on my mind after the first few shots. As a long time semi-suto shooter, I found unerving going 'click' so quick. I practiced relaods at home but again, on a match, it was confusing at first and I looked like somebody trying to shove a brick through a straw. At the end of the match, I was doing average but missed a target altogether (10 points dow plus failure to neutralize) but not because of the gun but because I didn't see the darn thing.
The trigger is as it came from the gunshop, no modifications but I found it not bad at all. I have shot smis with worse triggers. Muzzle climb was minimun for me and short and medium range targets were being hit in the A Zones (sometimes ). As for long range targets (25 yards and longer).... Ouch! I sucked. I have problems with the ramp sight and I am still trying to figure out where the darn thing has to go so I can hit the paper.

Single action trigger is light! I don't have a trigger scale but I'd guess 4.5 Lbs or 5. Great for shots that need you steady.

Overall, I love the gun. It is solid, smooth and hits the intended target when I can figure out where to put the front sight. I painted the ramp with green luminescent paint and it stays with the wife on her side of the bed when not in use by me. A friend reccomended the intallation of a XS 1911 sight but implies some $250 worth of gunsmithing that I can't do right now.

Great gun!!!!!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Steve48]

I have 2 model 13's which are the same gun but blued. The 4 inch is nice but I love the 3 inch one! Steve48

[Andy W.]

I have a 3" 65 that I carry once in awhile.

[pgrass101]

I'm glad you ran IDPA with it. A few more times and you'll be humming.

[Miggy]

I think I'll run the rest of this year's matches with it. I want to get confortable with it as a BUG for SHTF.

[P95Carry]

Good for you Miggy - indeed continued use in compo' will definitely polish your technique and bring its rewards.

I always want to run a wheelie in my IDPA but seem to chicken out, drifting back to wanting my shooting to be effectively carry gun practice.

Coupla years ago I used my M25 - lotta fun but not too quick! The one I do still want to try - with 357 loads too - is my bobbed-hammer M28 4" ...... it is slick as all get out and a joy to shoot. I really need to get some Comp III speedloaders tho, as my Comp II's are just that bit slower.

like somebody trying to shove a brick through a straw

Lovely description

[pgrass101]

I ran IDPA with my Ruger Police Six a few times before I sold it (I have built a kicking machine to punish myself every night becuase I sold it). My Rossi had a horrible trigger and I "fixed" it no it is even worse, so I am envious of everyone who runs a wheelie in IDPA

[Miggy]

Chris, If anything, you need to shoot some matches to get confortable with the gun and the reloading process. I don't have to tell you shooting a revolver is a different animal altogether and you never know when you will be forced to use it. At least that is the way I see it.