Help me out here my knowledgeable compatriots: I recently saw a 13 non-pinned and a 66 pinned and was told that the 66 was essentially the same as a 13 but with "better" sights. But then I realized that there is also a stainless version of the 13 which is the 65. Interestingly, at least at first glance it seems the 13s seem to sell for more than the 65s and the 66s the same as the 65's. They all seem to hover around a grand from what I can tell. And the pinned versions seem to go for more.
Can you guys enlighten me a bit here is one of the three more "desirable" in today's market and should I lean toward one versus another in your informed opinions. I'm almost trying to rank order the three but also trying to figure out how much value I should attach to the "pinned" factor.

It all depends on what you want. The Model 13 is blued and the 65 is Stainless Steel. The Model 66 is basically the same as the other two with the addition of adjustable sights. A fourth choice would be the Model 19, which is the same as the Model 66 except blued. Decide if you want blue or stainless and fixed or adjustable sights. Your choice, not mine or anyone else's.

Functionally either pinned or recessed are strictly aesthetic matters, not functional. Desirability is something you have to decide for yourself. Most would say pinned and recessed would be more desirable and would pay more, but if you are simply buying the gun to shoot they mean nothing.

My first choice would be a P&R Model 19 before any of the others, but I am an old fart and a reactionary. I like things "the way they were back in the day"! But if you just want a shooter then buy what is available and at the best price of these four models, you won't regret any of them!

What barrel lengths are you looking at?

If you’re talking $1000, you must be looking at:
3” 13/65 and 2.5” 19/66.

__________________
213th FBINA

CH4 --you're absolutely right --3" 13/65 and 2.5" 19/66
ALK8944--I too am and old fart and do have a preference for P&R
Just found it curious that prices seem to be ranked with the 13/65 harder to find and more expensive and the "better sighted" and often pinned 19/66s less expensive--I would have thought it would be the other way around but I have just started looking. I was kinda also taken by the 1oz more weight of the 13/65 and the matte top finish (which shows up even more on the 13 vs the 66) --But the 19 also has a lot to love ---I just seem to find more of the 19/66s than the 13/65s in these short lengths ---I already have a Nickel 13 in four inch square and long 19's and 66s.
I also would have thought that with the FBI using the 13s and 65s in 3 inch that there would be tons of them around but I don't seem to be finding many--could just be that my search has only started

I am not a stainless kind of guy, but there is something about a 66 that is just so sweet. But then again I like blue steel so there is something about a 13 that is hard to beat, except maybe nickel. I don’t have a 65 to compare…..

How could anyone go wrong with either the 13, 65 or 66? I'll even throw the 19. My choice would be 3 inch round butt 13. It's..38/.357, can be used for concealed and holster carry, fixed sights (don't snag and hard to break). And it's blued. My second choice would be the 65 set up the same way. I freely admit stainless construction is superior to carbon steel but that's my preference. My 2 cents, hope that helps.

If I was seeking a carry revolver I personally would start with the 13 followed by the 65. Then the 19 and last the 66. This is because I prefer the blue finish. My reason for the choice of 13 is the actual feel and carry comfort, along with the full size ejector rod (which some feel is not an issue). I also much prefer a blue gun for carry to be more subdued. I don’t want to be in a street situation with a flashy gun but that’s just me. Lots of different thoughts on the matter. My 65 came along before a 13. It went to S&W for the “combat revolver package” so it now has the subdued / bead blast finish I prefer.

Attached Images

IMG_4539.jpg (56.8 KB, 53 views)

I have 13-3 3 inch, a 64-5 3 inch and a 66-2 2.5 inch. I prefer the 13 and 64 to the 66.

OP can’t go wrong with any of the k frame .38/357s.

As far as the barrel pin goes, I would never let its presence or lack thereof stop me from buying an otherwise nice carry revolver. Total non-factor for me.

I always go with adjustable sights!! P&R preferably!

__________________
Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

I have 3” blue and nickel M13s, a 3” M66, a 3” M65, 2 1/2” blue and nickel M19s, 2 1/2” M66.

My favorite is the 3” M66, but the 3” M66s are more expensive. The 2 1/2” M19 is a sexy gun, and my second favorite.

I prefer P&R, but non P&R is fine too.

But you can’t go wrong with any of them.

The obvious answer, one of each. Well at least one of each.

I'm a fan of fixed sight magnums (see profile) so the 13 would be a fine choice. Your call. I have the 4" blue and nickel and I'm always on the look put for the 3" round butt. On the other hand, I've owned a 2.5" 66-1 since new in 1978, and other short barrel 19's.

bamabiker has the best advice for you. As someone once said, the more, the merrier.

Choose? What's that?
There's no choosing when it comes to S&W revolvers.
Agree with bamabiker.

I like the looks of the adjustable sight guns so it would be a 66 for me

I love the 3" fixed sight guns the best. I am happy with either a 13 or 65.

Desirability is always a personal choice...And personally I desire to own them all...Why not just choose "Yes" for an answer?......Ben

__________________
Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

I had a 3" model13 many years ago, would love to have one back in the stable!

__________________
Life Member GOA and NRA

My choice would be a 3" model 65. If I was to carry one I would not hesitate to load it with hot .38 Specials and fear no evil. As noted before fixed rear sight don't move or snag and stainless steel is easier to maintain. IMHO

__________________
RIP Chloe 2007-2023

For actual shooting, the stainless fixed sight guns are a bit tougher to shoot with their "white" sights. I'd get the 66 or 13, or the 65 and a spray can of sight black.

Now I know why I'm having a hard time finding one. scout ii has them all

I don’t like recessed cylinders, as they serve no purpose and have more nooks and crannies for gunk and unburned powder granules to accumulate in and interfere with fully seating loaded rounds, which can make it difficult or impossible to close the cylinder and can tie up the gun.
I do prefer pinned barrels, but as long as the barrel is clocked correctly (which is something S&W does not pay much attention to anymore) it doesn’t really matter to me.
A 3” Model 65 is the most desirable one to have, thus are usually higher priced. I don’t have one yet myself but have been on the lookout for one locally for several years. They seem to be Unobtanium around here.

So far, all I have are 3" round butt 13 and 65. I am still on the lookout for a 19 and a 66.

Attached Images

13 and 65.jpg (64.8 KB, 20 views)

I have a 66-4 that I bought from our SO Explorer post most of 20 years ago. It has been back to S&W for the Master Action package and a bead front sight. I had BMCM round butt it for me a couple years ago, and it wears some Pachmyer compacts. If I were to carry a revolver, it would be one of my first choices. I happen to not do well with typical revolver fixed sights.

I did my regular LEOSA qual yesterday, with 3 platforms. (Revolver, Striker fired - Shield with RDS, and S/A Auto, S&W 945-1 compact). Reasonably close scores. If the platform works for you, that's all that matters. As an all-around platform, a 3" RB K frame does seem to be in the sweet spot.

__________________
NHI, 10-8.

I much prefer models with adjustable sights, so much so that I won’t buy a revolver without adjustable sights unless it’s not offered with adjustable sights (eg, most J frames). For example, I won’t buy a model10 when model 15’s are available.

Lots Of folks speak of adjustable sights being fragile. My experience is that the adjustable sights are not fragile. I’ve never seen them suffer the harm folks fear.

I like fixed sights and blue. So a model 13 (.357) or model 10 (.38) are my preferences.

I've got a 3 inch 65 and a 2.5 inch 66. Love them both but if I could only have one it would be the 65.

The beauty of this hobby is that there are so many combinations of models possible, that nearly everyone can put together a collection and be able to enjoy it. When I hear a "this gun or that?" question, I have to say, why choose? Get both (or all of them!)
In this thread's topic, I've managed to find several 3 and 2.5" revolvers, with a couple of 2" thrown in. A blued Model 10-10 rebuilt with a recessed .357 cylinder and 3" .357 barrel tops the list. I also have a 3" 65-5, 3" 64-5, 2" 64, 2.5" 66-2, 2" nickel 10-5, 2.5" P&R 19, two nickel 2" Model 15s, and a "mongrel" 2" 15 (cerakoted). They're all good, solid shooters.

I served as a police officer for over 40 years and carried a model 66 a 629 then transitioned a Bomar equipped 1911 for the bulk of my career. Never had an issue with adjustable sights. Never dropped my gun, never banged them up in a fight etc. The fear of adjustable sights being fragile is greatly exaggerated in my opinion. Just take care of your equipment your life or others lives may depend on it.

I look at a 2.5” or 3” bbl. as a carry gun and for a carry gun I much prefer fixed sights and a stainless finish as on a M65. That said, for sheer looks, shooting outdoors and slickness, nothing beats an early M19 2.5” RB. Hence the reason for getting both.

I have owned all of these listed above at one time or another. I was relieved of my 3" model 13 by an early poster here. I presently own a LNIB 3" 65 and five model 66's in 2 1/2, 3, and 4". I pretty much jump on any snubby I find at a decent price. I watch but no longer buy from the big auction site. Fortunately there are a few gun shows in my area that provide for my "needs". Any (and all) of these revolvers are great choices.

Thanks to all who have replied--I think I'm seeing them as rank ordered choices of:
13 then
65 then
66 then (then again I already have 4 and 6" of this)
19 (and I have a few of these as well, just no shorts
19

Get one of each