Retired from service, this 40-year-old Smith gets a second chance with a new life. The first thing that caught my attention was the striking appearance of the full-length unshrouded extractor rod.

This 3-inch round-butt .357 Magnum is well suited for home protection and concealed carry. My interest in the K-Frame Smith & Wesson revolvers is well known at my local gun store, so when a Model 65-3 came in, my phone rang.

Smith & Wesson Model 65-3 left side Smith & Wesson Model 65-3 right side Smith & Wesson Model 65-3 detail view

A Second Chance with a New Life

So when a guy came in with this Model 65-3 for sale, my phone rang. John said, “I have a fellow here with a Smith and Wesson you may be interested in.” I dropped what I was doing and walked across the street to investigate. This is what I found, well almost.

From 1981 or 1982, a Model 65-3, 3-inch barrel, polished stainless steel, 3-screw K-frame, .357 Magnum, round-butt service revolver. The finish appeared very dull from years of neglect, but it was evident the gun had been fired very little.
Smith & Wesson Model 65-3 heavy barrel and extractor rod
The full-length unshrouded extractor rod was one of the first details that caught my attention.

The grips were the original checked walnut, and the right grip was about five shades lighter than the left from light exposure, likely from being carried holstered on the right hip for years. I instantly recalled a set of Rosewood round-butt grips I had seen on Rogers Guns and Grips, and I knew they would be perfect for this gun.

The Round-Butt Rosewood Grips

I do not want to divert my article away from the gun, but I have to talk about the grips because they greatly influenced this purchase. Evidently Smith & Wesson stopped making grips from Rosewood in the late 1970s, and the last of the inventory would have been used up by the early 1980s. Grips such as these would have come with a special gun or special order.

I paid his $800 asking price without haggling. When I got home that evening, I went to Rogers and bought the Rosewood grips for $300. The following Sunday afternoon, I spent about two hours cleaning, oiling, and waxing the gun. I installed the old Rosewood grips and took the photos you see on this page.

Mechanically, this handgun felt as though it had not been fired enough to even break it in. Like many service guns, it had been carried a lot but fired very little. The action of the cylinder, trigger, and hammer are so tight that it defies the gun’s age of 40 years. I believe the condition is a testament to the quality of the handgun as much as the lack of use.

Smith & Wesson Model 65-3 with Rosewood round-butt grips
The round-butt Rosewood grips helped make this revolver irresistible.

Five Factors That Made It Irresistible

There were five factors that came together with this gun that made it irresistible to me: the round butt, the 3-inch barrel, the .357 Magnum caliber, the K-Frame size, and the full-length exposed extractor rod. This gun was my introduction to the Model 65.

My second order of business after ordering the Rosewood grips had been to look up the gun in the Standard Catalog.

I learned that the Model 65-1 was introduced in 1972, so there were no Model 65 “No Dash” guns. The book said the -3 was issued in 1982. The seller told me more than once that the gun was a 1981. Is the gun collectible? Yes, they are not making them anymore. Did I buy it to collect? I actually bought this one more to use than collect.

I have $1,100 in a gun that does not have the original grips, box, or paperwork. I do have the original grips, but boy are they ugly. I feel like I have a $1,500 carry gun. In the past, I once bought a gun just because I had a beautiful holster to pair it with. In this case, I think I bought this gun just to see it paired with those extraordinary Rosewood grips.

I love the outcome. More investigation is required on my part to definitively pin down the year to 1981 or 1982. After that, the only question that remains is: What color and style holster?

Collector Takeaway

The Model 65-3 combines utility with collector appeal.

The 3-inch round-butt configuration, K-Frame proportions, .357 Magnum chambering, and exposed extractor rod give this revolver a practical, purposeful character that stands apart from ordinary service guns.

Keeping a Firearm in an Automobile

Keeping a firearm in your automobile requires careful consideration and adherence to safety protocols to ensure legal compliance and the safety of yourself and others.

Know the Law

Different regions have varying laws regarding transportation and storage of firearms in vehicles. Familiarize yourself with local and state regulations.

Secure Storage

Always store firearms in a locked container or vehicle safe to reduce theft risk and prevent unauthorized access.

Unload the Firearm

Before placing a firearm in your vehicle, ensure it is completely unloaded. Check both the chamber and magazine.

Separate Ammunition

Store ammunition separately from the firearm. This is often a safety practice and may be a legal requirement in many areas.

Discretion and Visibility

Keep the firearm out of sight. Firearms should never be left visible in a vehicle, as this increases theft risk.

Firearm storage illustration inside a vehicle glove box

Final Word

The Smith & Wesson Model 65 represents an important chapter in the evolution of the K-Frame .357 Magnum service revolver. Built for duty use yet refined enough for everyday carry, it bridges the gap between classic police sidearms and modern defensive handguns. Collectors interested in the lineage of Smith & Wesson revolvers should also explore the powerful Smith & Wesson Model 58, the legendary Smith & Wesson Model 10, and the celebrated K-22 Masterpiece series. Together, these revolvers tell the story of a company that helped define American handgun design for more than a century. As for this particular Model 65, I am still shopping for the perfect 3-inch holster.