13 or 65 or 66 can't choose

[Retired W4]

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

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

 

[smoothshooter]

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!

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.

 

[Rakkasan13F]

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

 

[Doug M.]

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.

 

[Rpg]

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.

 

[dubshooter]

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

 

[C Islander]

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.

 

[GerSan69]

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.

 

[lppd4]

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.

 

[chief38]

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.

 

[xfarfuldog]

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.

 

[Mstorm]

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

 

[Pantherclass2004]

Get one of each