Is there any difference between these models other than the sight's?

I believe the main difference is 19's have ejector shrouds and 13's don't.

Model 19 - square or round butt, offered in 2 1/2, 3, 4, and 6 inch barrel lengths, shrouded ejector, adjustable sights. Model 13 - square or round butt, offered in 3 and 4 inch barrel lengths, no ejector shroud, fixed sights. Both offered in blue or nickel finish.

I forgot about the barrel lengths, so other than that and the aforementioned sights, the only other difference would be the shrouds, just off the top of my head.

Besides the shroud I dont think the barrel rib has grooves between the frame and front site.
Maybe some do.

Now that you mentioned it, the 13 does not have grooved back strap either. Anything else?

The difference is huge....
If you shoot one load, the Model 13 is fine. But.......
If you decide to use various bullet weights, or .38 vs .357, or light loads, etc. you cannot replace the convenience of adjustable sights.
My Model 66 is a Stainless 19, but shoots everything.....



I sold the model 13.

Terry

I THINK I really like those grips. Don't see a lot of those.

Many of us like fixed-sights for carry or home defense.

My guess is, unless one is a dedicated target shooter or handgun hunter, adjustable sights get adjusted once or twice then left alone for many, many years.

My opinion (and it is only an opinion) is that S&W went seriously overboard by installing adjustable sights on just about all their products, even snubs.

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You're shy a few manners.

For a dedicated carry piece, like a 3", round butt, model 13/65, fixed sights is just perfect.
I like the 19 more than the 13, but the 65 more than the 66. I see a stainless gun, and I think of it being carried by my big sweaty self in the VA Beach summers.

+1
I think most people just like to have them just in case they would have to adjust them one day, lol. I will admit I tend to like the adjustable sight models a little better to collect but always carry a fixed sight model.

I have both. A 4 inch model 19 and a 4 inch model 13. The responses are correct on the differences. I am going to add a couple more. The model 13 evolved from the model 10-6 heavy barrel. The model 13 shoots just like a model 10 only chambered for 357 magnum. Its called the M&P 357 magnum.
Its well known that the model 19 evolved from the combat masterpiece model 15. Add a half shroud and chambered for 357 and then its called the combat magnum. Both were famous in law enforcement back "in the day".
Too me accurately is the same as well as handling, balance and the smooth double trigger. I find the recoil shooting 357 magnums is about the same. It comes down whether a person like fixed or adjustable sights. I actually like both. Both are for me two of the finest all around revolvers S&W ever made.
Regards,
Howard

I don't plan on carrying everyday. More like while in the woods, and for target shooting, and then for home defense. My main "purpose" other than target shooting is for hiking or just being in the woods. I want a four inch barrell, and I want to have accuracy further out than the typical personal defense scenario. It seems to me like the model 19 is the suggested gun for these purposes over the model 13?

I would agree that the M19 is probably best for you given your specifications, but you couldn't go too far wrong either way.

A purely practical advantage for chosing the M19 is that they are a lot more common, at least in my experience.

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You're shy a few manners.

It's good to know that I really couldn't go wrong. A local shop has a model 19-2 in what I would call very good shape, not excellent or better, for $425. They also have a model 13-3, unfired, new in the box with everything in new shape for $600. So it's down to a $175 problem.

I would buy a 19-2 over a 13-3 UNLESS is was a 3" model 13.

Where's SmithNut when you need him?

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Sure you did

That is what I have my money on at the time. So....good to know. Thanks

Now, once you have that 19-2, you will get another. I ended up with three 19-4s in less than four months. I posted a "want to buy a model 19" and got slammed with offers. All are blue, all are 4", and all are wearing Altamont rosewood and BKadapters. I have to get a family photo up soon.

I prefer the 4'' model 13. It is always in the range bag and very rarely goes unused for long. I definitely enjoy shooting revolvers with fixed sights a bit more.


But if offered the trade, I'll take the 3'' 19.

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Regards,
Brian.

I had a 3 inch model 13-3 for a while and very much regretted trading it. I'm excited to give the 4 inch model 19 a try. Maybe I'll track down another 3 inch model 13 for my collection next.