Are the model 65 and 66 the same except that one has rear microsights. Am I missing something obvious?

BTW I have a M65-2 3" AEA 92xx which I really enjoy. I have the 3" 66 on my wish list. I almost had one. Same with a 66-4 2 1/2" once.

The SCSW states that the M65 is ss version of the M13 w/o the extractor shroud. What ever that is. The m13 is discontinued in 1999. The model 65 is discontinued in 2005.

The model 66 seems to have a huge number of fans especially in the currently popular three inch barrel.

I asked the same question on a different thread but it was ignored so I deleted it in favor of it's own thread. Perhaps that is what I should have done to start with. I am learning!

Thanks in advance for any info.

I believe you are correct. The extractor shroud is that extra piece of metal that covers and protects the extractor rod.

I seem to be addicted to 2.5 inch Mod. 66's. One is not enough but, two may be to many but, I have one for each hand!

The M-65 is basically the M&P heavy barrel chambered in 357 mag and mfgrd in stainless steel.....the extractor rod shroud is what you see on the 66/19 where the extractor rod is enclosed under the barrel.....the M&P's or 65's/13's do not have this feature - the 65 ladysmith does have the extractor rod shroud....I have worked with the 65 since it's inception and also have a extensive background with the 66/19 combat magnum..the FBI issued the M-13 for several years, this gun is the blued steel version of the 65.... the 65 and 66 are both built on the K frame..basically it depends on your personal pref as whether you prefer fixed sights or adjustable sights.... the 66 offers various barrel lengths from 2.5 to 6" whereas the 65 is a 3 or 4" gun.....I have a 65 that I bought in 1976 and it has been carried and shot a LOT ( 50,000 plus rounds).....the 65 and 66 are both very good choices for carry guns.....I have strong pref for fixed sight heavy bl revolvers for carry/duty weapons..there are a lot of 66 fans out there and I am one, but there is also a lot of folk's who think the 65/13 is one of the best that Smith ever came up with ( I am one of those also)...either one will serve you well.

Both are Stainless K frame 357 revolvers. The model 65 has fixed sights and the exposed ejector rod (except for the Ladysmith version). Both standard for the M&P revolvers which is linage of the M10 and M65. the Model 66 has adjustable target sights and a "shroud" on the bottom of the barrel that protects the ejector rod. Both standard on the Masterpiece revolvers which is the linage of the M66 and it's predecessor the M19.
Chip King

Attached Images

	model65.jpg (42.8 KB, 210 views)
	model66.jpg (39.7 KB, 205 views)

It's been alluded to but I'll underscore that a distinct difference between the 65 and 66 are the barrels: the 65 has a heavy barrel -- meaning an extra thick barrel wall -- while the 66 has a more standard contour, plus the extractor rod shroud.

Although the shroud on the 66 makes comparable its overall weight next to the heavy barreled 65, weight distribution, balance center and therefore hand feel will have subtle differences.

Worth comparing these differences and your hand's reaction to them.

Both are eminently qualified fighting revolvers.

I find there are guns you are sorry you sold, and guns you are SORRY you sold. My 3" model 65 is one of the latter!

Well, aside from the adjustable sights & ejector shroud, the obvious thing that jumps out at me, is the price.

Comparing 3" 65's & 66's, the 66's are running 2 - 3 times more - then the 65's. That's a lotta' jack, for an ejector shroud - & a set of adjustable sights...

For my money, the 3" pre-lock / pre-MIM / stainless M&P K frames, are the best carry revolver deal going. I don't expect the current bargain basement price on them (m64 or M65) to last.

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Regards - GCF

Model 65, 3-inch"



Model 66, 2-1/2 inch:

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Bob

The 4" heavy barrel points beautifully and seems to help keep you on target, especially shooting rapid strings. It is also the ultimate in durability, no sight parts to go missing (don't ask me how I know).

The only drawback to the eariler issues was the ribbed trigger. The edge would always cut into my index finger when shooting double action. You could have Smith install the .312 smooth trigger seen in later releases. Or one ingenius lad here on the forum showed how he sanded the edge of the trigger to remove the most obnoxious rib.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

The only 65 I have is a LS but I will have a standard 3" 65 one day. The LS shoots wonderfully and is every bit the gun my 3" 66 is...not parting with either one.

Pay no mind to the 586...only picture I have of the other two together.

Attached Images

002.jpg (94.4 KB, 197 views)

One heck of a nice collection!

For me, there would be only one little problem w/ a LS: It says "Lady" on it...

I want one - regardless. Bead blast maybe??


My m65-3

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Regards - GCF

For me, there would be only one little problem w/ a LS: It says "Lady" on it...

I want one - regardless. Bead blast maybe??

I have said before that if I am willing to have a beautiful lady on my arm I'm sure willing to have one on my hip! Besides...we all know what happens when a lady is scorned...

I get it though...writing on any gun can lessen it's appeal. But if you want a 3" 65 with a shrouded ejector then concessions must be made...the LS is a case in point. I can forgive S&W for the LS script as a marketing tool on a few guns but how can you get past Kimber doing it to ALL their guns?!!

Those unable to accept carrying a firearm with "Lady" written on it are deemed unworthy by the revolver gods and shall seek in vain.

You are not the only one that had issues with that ribbed trigger, SOP for me on any of my carry guns with that affliction is to remove those serrations with a die grinder, round off the edges of the trigger and then sand the whole face of the trigger until it is mirror smooth, with round surfaces on the edges.

Guess I walked into that one... :=(

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Regards - GCF

My son, you are now worthy. Seek your 65 Lady Smith -- and bead blast it not.

The 65 is the .357 Military and Police Stainless. The 65 is the stainless version of the 13. The 13 was called the .357 Military and Police. The 13 is the .357 Magnum version of the Model 10 Military and Police Heavy Barrel. The Model 10 also had a stainless version called the Model 64.

The 66 is the .357 Combat Magnum Stainless. The 66 is the stainless version of the Model 19, which was called the .357 Combat Magnum.

The word "Combat" in the name of the 19 and 66 differentiated that model from the Model 27, which was named simply the ".357" Magnum, as the 27 was the model number assigned to the original .357 Magnum revolver introduced by S&W back in 1935.

The use of the "Combat" name also was a carryover from the Model 15, which was the 4 inch version of the Model 14, the 14 being called the K38 Masterpiece, while the 15 was called the Combat Masterpiece. The 15 also had a stainless counterpart, called the Model 67.

Confused yet?

Attached Images

	S&W Mod 13 instruction sheet.jpg (6.2 KB, 57 views)
	S&W Mod 13 and 65.JPG (211.1 KB, 104 views)

Whew, that's a relief! I was just about to undertake a couple rounds of repentant self-flagellation...
;=]

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Regards - GCF

I really like the M13/M65 in 3" but will confess the the M66 3" looks pretty slick.

Pretty slick, I agree, but 2 - 3 times the money..., for an ejector shroud & a set of target sights.

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Regards - GCF

Be careful-you'll go blind.

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Forum consigliere

For a 4" 357 Magnum, I certainly prefer the M-19 or the M-66. I like the shrouded ejector, and the adjustable sights are rugged enough for most activities while allowing elevation adjustments when going from 357 Magnums to a variety of 38 loads.

That said, for a shorter round butted 357 for concealed carry I am more fond of a 3" M-13 or M-65 over the 2.5" 19/66. I own both and find the low profile fixed sights and extra 1/2" of tube just make for a better package and they point GREAT.

Now THAT, was totally uncalled for...

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Regards - GCF

I didn't see it coming.

My 3" M66, I bought new a very long time ago. Sorry... I didn't get a better photo... right out of the safe.

As long as I had it out of the safe, snapped a shot of the hand made holster I made for it. Almost a copy of the Bianchi 5BHL which was not offered at that time for the 3".

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

Here are the my M19- 150 Anniversary Texas Ranger Edition and my Model 66 (no dash). Both are 4 inch models.

Love them and they are great shooters!

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	M19-3_RS_Texas_Ranger_Anniversary.jpg (40.1 KB, 44 views)
	m66 l.jpg (24.4 KB, 60 views)

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Existimo ergo sum armis

The 66 also has the semi-target hammer and trigger.

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But then, what do I know?

Bought model 13. Defender handgun case work? Will small 3006040 work (3" barrell, round butt). L 7", H 5". Subdural

In 2004 I had 6 handguns stolen from my home while I was at work, a 4" M-13 and a 3" M-65 were among them. They have never been recovered and i suspect they went to Mexico. While I did eventually replace the M13 with a great P&R M-65-1 4" ,I have never found an affordable 3" 65. Now that I am retired I don't need one but I sure do miss it.

Sent from my BNTV400 using Tapatalk

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Support your Police, & NRA

This thread makes me second guess what I did yesterday. I went to a LGS and had my choice of several nice revolvers but three stood out. A Md 64-2 snub w/box; Md 65 with 4 inch barrel; Md 36 no dash in pristine nickel. I ruled out the 36 due to price but struggled with the decision on the 64 and 65 as they were both very fairly priced. I bought the 64 due to superb condition and having the 2 inch barrel.

So, the Md 65 and 66 are still on my want list (when the cookie jar gets full again).

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I'm gonna grow fins.

Welcome to the forum Subdural. You will learn a lot here. I suggest you start a new thread on this forum with your questions. You will probably get a lot more responses. Congratulations on purchasing a very fine firearm in the Md 13. Sorry to hear about the carjacking.

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I'm gonna grow fins.

You should enjoy the 2" 64! I picked up a 10-5 snub in March. I do not shoot a J frame too well. K snub is much better for me! Bob

I HAD a 65-3, 3". I traded it for a 586, 4" no dash. Never regretted it. Bob

FWIW:

There were a "whole lot" of 2 1/2" 19s and 66s made...............

There were a "fair number" of 3" 65s made.................

The 3" 13 is "not uncommon"..................................

There were only about 5000 3" 66s* made...............

IIRC there were less than 50-100 3" 19s** made.............................


All are fairly hard to come by these days....... cus those who have them are holding onto them!!!!!!




* -2,-3 and -4......mid to late 80s

** Again; if I recall correctly mid 70s

The only way my 65-3 gets sold is if my nieces have no kids for me to pass it on to.

A 3" M66 is on my bucket list - but not holding my breath. In the mean time, my plain vanilla M65-3 - will just have to do...

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Regards - GCF