In my search for a 3" k frame RB

I am aware that the desired revisions are

13-3 and 65-3

Is there anything inherently wrong with the 13-2 and 65-2 when talking about revisions?

I saw an image of a dash 2 and it has a recessed cylinder.

I am of the understanding they only switched from recessed cylinders due cost savings/manufacturing process.

Thanks in advance

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if you're gonna be a bear...

The -2 models you mentioned will have 3" barrels in their later production runs. Some will be pinned/recessed, then the last ones made will usually be recessed only (in my observations). Nothing wrong with them. and some prefer the earlier features to the (much more common) -3 and later guns.

There are 3" 13-3s and 4s, 65-3s and -5s and some later 65s as well, and the Lady Smiths. Good luck in your search.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks for the info

Much appreciated

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if you're gonna be a bear...

I have a 3" RB 65-3 .... I wish it was a P&R'd -2.
I do have a 65-2, but it's a 4" square butt, so I'd need a hacksaw and grinder to make it conform to my wishes.
I'm of the P&R crowd.

I guess I need some schooling...

What is P&R and its benefits, if any?

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if you're gonna be a bear...

"P" for pinned barrel. "R" for recessed cylinder - the rims of the cases seat down in the cylinders rather than sit on top. The idea was that if a case ever blew out, the recess would hold the pressure. Since it never happened it was deemed unnecessary.

I don't think there are any real advantages aside from the aesthetics. I have never had a barrel loosen because it was not pinned and having unrecessed cylinders actually makes it easier to tell whether a gun is loaded.

AH. Thanks

I never knew what that abbreviation was.

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if you're gonna be a bear...

I should leave it to the experts, but.
The barrels were screwed in and then pinned to prevent backing out.
Later on, they decided that if they torqued 'em enough they would stay put without the pin. Cost savings. Some say that they have seen barrels screwed in enough to stress the frame past critical.
The recessed cylinders were the original design. I guess to enclose the case head more fully for support on the potent magnum calibers.
Later on they decided that that wasn't necessary, either. Cost savings.
Many, like me, think that the recessed cylinders up close against the recoil shield are more aesthetically pleasing than a big gap there and like the way that they enclose the case head. They are, however, more difficult to clean.
But in a nut shell, the P&R speaks back to the days of hand made craftsmanship and quality to us old goats and that's really why we like 'em.

It was not mentioned that you needed a 3" .357. A 10, or 64, 3" could serve you well. Bob

I took a beat to a frazzle M 65-1 that was a LEO trade-in and removed the four inch barrel, round butted it, installed a Cylinder & Slide fixed Combat sight and a 2.5" M 19 barrel with a M 19 cylinder. It is a shooter of course and it was a fun project. The Cylinder & Slide fixed sight sits high enough that the original M 19 front sight blade didn't have to be altered. It is a great looking "Pinto" and is now a 'house gun'. ....

Yes sir

My options are open to those models too.

I am actually leaning toward a -2 for the P&R models

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if you're gonna be a bear...

Lets not forget;

the 3" model 66s....... -2 through -4s about 5500 made......

3" 19s in both fixed and adjustable sights......... mostly for export and kinda rare.

Performance Center guns......... most are 3.2" and have ports (2-4) or expansions chambers..........

I believe the barrel pin was mostly cosmetic, in that it would prevent the barrel from becoming unscrewed from the frame but this was/is highly unlikely to occur. Deleting it was a cost-saving (or manufacturing step simplification) process.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

My opinion, for what it's worth, would be to grab any version of the 10, 64, 13, or 65, pre lock, in 3" that I could find for a somewhat decent price. Don't know if that's possible or not, decent price that is. Good luck.

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"Happiness is a warm gun"

those are my options. I am looking hard. I have a WTB ad.

I am looking at -2 (P&R) but those will come at a higher price.

Just for my knowledge....when looking at dash 5 revision.....(which appears to be before door lock models).....were they still using HC or color case hardened hammer/trigger?

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if you're gonna be a bear...

Can't go wrong with that advice!!! Amen. A few years ago I walked away from a super clean 3" Model 13 (with box) for $700. I thought that was way too high. Now I wish I would have just plunked down the bucks.

I have 2 3" M64s and have looked to add to the stable.

My thumb-in-the-wind analysis says the M65 is probably the most common.

Fortunately, I nabbed mine a couple years back. Prices seem to have ratcheted up since.

That's going to be doubly true for a P&R model. There can't be many of those in circulation. I've never seen one.

The earliest M64 I've found (one of the pair I own) is the -3. The 3" M-64 did not become regular production until the -5.

I believe the FBI offered 3" K-frames as an option for its agents and some agencies followed suit. But it was kind of late in the revolvers reign as the dominant LE sidearm, so not a bunch were made.

According to the SWSC, later -5's may have a MIM thumb piece and trigger.
Then the hammer went MIM with the -6.

Back around '88-'89 the 66-3 came out with a 3" barreled version. Not sure how many were made, but they're out there.

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Support your Police, & NRA

thank you sir.

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if you're gonna be a bear...

I have had a S&W 65-3 and a 65-5 for years. While there may be a design change or two between them, there are no discernable differences in the way these guns carry or shoot.

nice.....what work was done to the top one? if so....who was the smith?

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if you're gonna be a bear...

M66-2 I bought new in 1986 to console myself when the blue 3" M13 I gifted to my GF... before we went our separate ways... she declined to sell it back to me.

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

"nice.....what work was done to the top one? if so....who was the smith?"

I got both of these used. AFAIK, neither had work done.

Could you tell us the part number of the C&S rear sight? Thank you.

the only reason I ask, the trigger on the top revolver appears smoothed out. no edges and the finish is completely bead blasted.

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if you're gonna be a bear...