Which do you prefer for a SS K frame .357 magnum?
The Model 65 or the Model 66 and why?
Also lets your preferred .357 magnum for carry.
The Model 65 or the Model 66 and why?
Also lets your preferred .357 magnum for carry.
Your preferred 357 mag. Model 65 or 66 & why?
- Thread starter mbliss57
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Kframerbluvr
Well-known member
M65 for me. No sight blade to rip or snag on clothing. Had a M66 4" for a long time but never really warmed up to it. Just me, I suppose. If it had been a round butt 2.5" version, I probably would still have it.
My CCW grail gun is a fixed sight 3" round butt K frame. Too stingy to spend what they are going for now.
My CCW grail gun is a fixed sight 3" round butt K frame. Too stingy to spend what they are going for now.
shawn mccarver
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My favorite K frame .357 for carry in either IWB or OWB would be the Model 66, 4 inch barrel with round butt, no lock. This would be the stainless version of the ONI revolvers made by S&W for the Navy, later transferred over to the FBI.
I voted for the M65. I found the 3" barreled version in particular to be a simple, unembellished "business gun" that shot, handled and balanced perfectly for me. I never quite warmed up to its Model 19/66 brothers, but to each their own.
snowman.45
Well-known member
3" M65
I prefer the 3" M65 for most of the reasons others have already named, I like a no-snag, fixed sight combat weapon that can handle reasonable amounts of 158 LHP GC in .357 mag. Mine is often my mountain and desert carry. I owned a number of 2.5" and 3" M66's, and still have my old M66 4" duty gun. I gave my 2.5" and 3" to my daughter and her husband, and the 4" is my wife's house gun.
I prefer the 3" M65 for most of the reasons others have already named, I like a no-snag, fixed sight combat weapon that can handle reasonable amounts of 158 LHP GC in .357 mag. Mine is often my mountain and desert carry. I owned a number of 2.5" and 3" M66's, and still have my old M66 4" duty gun. I gave my 2.5" and 3" to my daughter and her husband, and the 4" is my wife's house gun.
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mc5aw
Well-known member
Love my 66 snubs, but the 3" 65 is as good as it gets. Low fixed sight profile and solid shooter.
highpower3006
Well-known member
I like adjustable sights. I voted for the Model 66 (and N frames.)
BJoe
Well-known member
I prefer the 3" 65 BUT I only own one. The 3" 66 I have 4.
Moved out West 3 years ago and have yet to see a 65 in any barrel length. I guess them as has 'em keeps 'em. I almost never see any of the Ruger .357 "-Six" revolvers from the 70s; must be for the same reason. I'll vote for the 66 since I can't carry something I can't find.
Silver Dollar
US Veteran
I don't use a K frame for .357 Magnum, I use an N frame 27-9 with the 6.5 inch barrel. I do so because of it's imposing size and it's power. G-d forbid I have to draw it, I want the bad guy to see it and think twice about making me his target and run. I don't want to have to shoot this at someone. In case that strategy doesn't work, I want something with the power to stop the bad guy as quickly as possible. That's why I don't like small, low caliber guns.
sac-gunslinger
Well-known member
Model 66 2 1/2", very handy size for use around home or in cramped quarters. Used one for exec protection details for years.
Buuuuuut, I carried a Model 65 4" extensively in unform and used M64s and M65s as training guns. If you told me the only gun I could own is a Model 65 I would not complain (oh, sure I would, we all have to complain about something). The 3" is a dream to carry.
Buuuuuut, I carried a Model 65 4" extensively in unform and used M64s and M65s as training guns. If you told me the only gun I could own is a Model 65 I would not complain (oh, sure I would, we all have to complain about something). The 3" is a dream to carry.
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sac-gunslinger
Well-known member
Doesn't a 357 load come out of a K-frame 4" at the same velocity as an N-frame 4"?
trashy
Well-known member
Choices, choices. I prefer the 66 for almost all except conceal carry, including range, HD, truck gun etc, I, as others have stated, prefer a 65 for CC. I will and do all with each.
The Real Hawkeye
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The 65, hands down. Adjustable sights are typically very fragile, and generally unneeded on a self-defense piece. For sport applications, the 66 gets the nod, though.
Gimlet6
US Veteran
I really like the model 65 in 3 inch, RB. I load BB full power wadcutters.
Tracer_Bullet
Well-known member
I would be happy with either, though I think I prefer the 66 by a small margin because the sights can be adjusted for different loads. I've never had a problem with the sights snagging, breaking, or moving from where I set them, so they are good enough for me. 4" barrel for general use and 2.5" for concealed carry.
The 66 is the Rolls Royce of the K frames. I have 2 sweet no dashes. Nothing could be better IMHO. 
