I have 4" versions of the m66 and m67 that I love to shoot, but they are a bit large for ccw, and the adjustable sights are probably not required. I do have an m642 for that, but was considering a K frame. I also have a Colt Magnum Carry .357, and I suspect there are a number of you out there who own some Colts among your S&Ws. Are there any strong opinions about the relative merits of the S&W snubbies compared to the Colt DS, DS-II and Magnum Carry? I guess the inclusion of the Detective Special opens the discussion to include the m15 and m19 too. I looked at a m686 last week, but it feels like a hog leg, even with the short barrel, and it's got adjustable sights. I would appreciate some comments on this. TIA.
m64 or m65 snubbie for ccw
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Charles
Member
A 3" model 64 is just about ideal in terms of packability and shootability, IMHO. I have a 3" Colt DS-II that also fits the bill, but I don't carry it since they're pretty uncommon. That gun carries like a J-frame but shoots like a K. If I had 2 of them I'd probably carry one. No experience with the 2" version so I can't comment there. A 3" 36-1 also carries and shoots really well. I like the Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158 LSWCHP in the gun and some sort of JHP (usually Federal 147gr +P+) for reloads because they're more resistant to deformation in a pocket.
Charles
Member
Hey... Just noticed you're a fellow Georgian. Where you at? One thing I don't like about the DS-II for carry is the rubber grips... my shirt tends to stick to them. I just bought a router so I can build some wood grips for it, and maybe I'll carry it more, then.
I prefer .38 Special guns to .357's because with a 3" barrel, the ejector rod stroke is long enough to get .38 cases all the way out of the cylinder, and since I'm not going to carry full-house .357's in a little gun, I don't see any advantage to carrying .38's in a .357.
I prefer .38 Special guns to .357's because with a 3" barrel, the ejector rod stroke is long enough to get .38 cases all the way out of the cylinder, and since I'm not going to carry full-house .357's in a little gun, I don't see any advantage to carrying .38's in a .357.
Stone Mountain. The .38 .357 issue is why I'm waffling between a m64 and m65. I've seen an m64 locally for $400, but think it's a bit high because I recently bought a 66 4" for that. My hesitancy about the Magnum Carry is that Colts have gotten so pricey that mine is probably worth 3X what I paid for it.
Why to Maine? But then the NE is quite beautiful. My roots are on Long Island and sometimes wish I could spend more time there.
Why to Maine? But then the NE is quite beautiful. My roots are on Long Island and sometimes wish I could spend more time there.
Charles
Member
Is it a 3"? What dash number? If you can check it out thoroughly and it has no issues, that's not a horrible price, out the door. I bought mine for 325 ten years ago and it is one of my very favorite revolvers. Wouldn't take 500 for it.
Black_Sheep
Member
I have a 3" 64 and a 3" 65, both are superb shooters. If the 64 you are looking at is a 3" version I don't think $400 is out of line. Right now 3" K-Frames are hot so they command a premium over 4" models. The good deals get snapped up pretty fast...
I have a shewwww of K Frames but my favorite is either my 13 or 65 both 3", As Charles said they are just about Ideal for carry and shooting both RB and don't print at all.
Just a perfect all around K-Frame.,,,,Just Perfect!
Joe
Just a perfect all around K-Frame.,,,,Just Perfect!
Joe
I was at my Local Dealer today and a NIB 65-6 ladysmith is there waiting for me to pick her up Friday.
Great price too only 485.00, too good to pass up.
Great price too only 485.00, too good to pass up.
ContinentalOp
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My primary carry gun is a 3" 65-3 with an action job and a bobbed/DAO hammer and a set of Ahrends boot grips. It's a great carry gun. I carry it with standard pressure Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHP.
I also have a 2" 64-4. Once I can get it up and running again it may challenge my 65 as my primary carry gun. There's just something about the way the 2" K-Frame balances in the hand that's subtley different from the 3" K-Frame that I really like. When it was working (and hopefully will be working again soon...*fingers crossed*) it was loaded with the same BB ammo.
I also have a 2" 64-4. Once I can get it up and running again it may challenge my 65 as my primary carry gun. There's just something about the way the 2" K-Frame balances in the hand that's subtley different from the 3" K-Frame that I really like. When it was working (and hopefully will be working again soon...*fingers crossed*) it was loaded with the same BB ammo.
Charles
Member
Corgi, that is exactly my issue with carrying the Colt. There's probably not ever going to be any more made... Sad but true.
Maine... we found 40 acres on the Saco River for a great price.... Working on building a house there but it's slow going... At least a few more years here in Georgia.
Maine... we found 40 acres on the Saco River for a great price.... Working on building a house there but it's slow going... At least a few more years here in Georgia.
BobR1
Member
JB4570
I think you need to buy a lottery ticket. A 65LS for $485 is way better luck than I have.
I have a 3" M64 that is pretty clean spotted for $425. I had just decided to get it, and then the hydraulics decided not to work on my tractor yesterday. I have to get that fixed first, and then look for another one I guess. That is the way my luck runs.
Bob
I think you need to buy a lottery ticket. A 65LS for $485 is way better luck than I have.
I have a 3" M64 that is pretty clean spotted for $425. I had just decided to get it, and then the hydraulics decided not to work on my tractor yesterday. I have to get that fixed first, and then look for another one I guess. That is the way my luck runs.
Bob
Two and three-inch K-frames are tough to beat! My 64-2, 2-inch and 65-5 3-inch always go to the range and serve "nightstand" and CC duty often. It continues to amaze me how accurate they are.
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Hello , new here. I just picked up a m65-3 3 inch from my brother-in-law's uncle who just passed away. paid 200.00 with a box of .38's shoots pretty nice. I'd like to get a set of wood grips for it. every time i cock the hammer i get the biggest grin on my face!
Black Knight
Member
I have several guns that I carry off duty (not all at the same time). One is a 3 S&W 65. I carry it in a DeSantis paddle holster. This was the only high quality holster I could find for it at the time. Now there are many smaller makers that will make holsters for it.
It's a 2", and I can't recall the dash #. I'll look at it again this week and consider. I don't find a problem with rubber grips, and although it would be a pleasure to build your own grips it might be better to buy some to try them first. After the router you will probably need to do a bunch of filing and sanding and oiling and..., but it will be therapeutic while you plan for the Maine home.
The Colts are rare, both DS-II and MC, but the $$$ is already spent and they are a quality revolver. (And I have no intention of selling it.) The 64s seem to all be $400 and the 65s don't seem to be available in 2", so I may just carry this MC with +Ps in the cylinder.
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Badkarma 1
US Veteran
I have a stable full of the little Colts myself and a couple of Smith J frames. So far I've managed to stay away from the K frame snubs (except for a model 66 I owned for awhile), here's my take on where they fit in. And remember it's only my opinion.
For pure carry in your pocket unobtrusively and just about any sort of deep concealment the J frame in king! They're light, potent and very accurate, which is why I prefer my model 60 for the above mode of carry. The downside; they're a booger to shoot! If you put on the bigger grips you lose concealment, so my 60 wears Smith wood plus a Tyler T-grip and that's it.
The D frame Colts are the next up in size and I love the way they shoot! Plus most of the Colts are +P rated, and they hide in bigger pockets rather well. Problems; First as most have said they're getting RARE! I have a parkerized Agent that gets used but my other horses mostly stay in the safe. Second they're actions are almost as smooth as a K frame, with the exception of the slight stacking just before let off. Third it's a bear trying to find a gunsmith that can retime a Colt!
The mighty K frame; Truthfully I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out where these guns shine? They'll work in an overcoat pocket or as a IWB/OWB gun when you can wear an outer garment to cover it, plus I've read that like their smaller brothers they rule at weapons retention! Pluses: Big easy to use sights, darn near unlimited +P usage, and probably the smoothest action known to man! Minuses: BIG, and heavy.
.357 vs .38; Go .38! The magnum is fun at first but after awhile you (and I) go back to .38s just because they're easier to shoot and with the right ammo get real close too the .357! Sorry for the long post, I hope it helped though. Dale
For pure carry in your pocket unobtrusively and just about any sort of deep concealment the J frame in king! They're light, potent and very accurate, which is why I prefer my model 60 for the above mode of carry. The downside; they're a booger to shoot! If you put on the bigger grips you lose concealment, so my 60 wears Smith wood plus a Tyler T-grip and that's it.
The D frame Colts are the next up in size and I love the way they shoot! Plus most of the Colts are +P rated, and they hide in bigger pockets rather well. Problems; First as most have said they're getting RARE! I have a parkerized Agent that gets used but my other horses mostly stay in the safe. Second they're actions are almost as smooth as a K frame, with the exception of the slight stacking just before let off. Third it's a bear trying to find a gunsmith that can retime a Colt!
The mighty K frame; Truthfully I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out where these guns shine? They'll work in an overcoat pocket or as a IWB/OWB gun when you can wear an outer garment to cover it, plus I've read that like their smaller brothers they rule at weapons retention! Pluses: Big easy to use sights, darn near unlimited +P usage, and probably the smoothest action known to man! Minuses: BIG, and heavy.
.357 vs .38; Go .38! The magnum is fun at first but after awhile you (and I) go back to .38s just because they're easier to shoot and with the right ammo get real close too the .357! Sorry for the long post, I hope it helped though. Dale
Your comments are helpful, Dale. I've had the MC since new (now regret trading the old DS for it), and the 4" M67 for many years. The M66 is new in the stable and have shot 99.9% .38s and so am in full agreement on that point. I'm just contemplating whether a 2" 64 would be preferable to the MC for cc, but then why spend the $$$ when I already have the Colt? Perhaps it's the collecting fever that I need to monitor??? (I think I mentioned that I do have a 642 and have been carrying that until I recently decided to see how the heavier Colt felt all day.) One of the questions hanging is whether to purchase a Lobo Leather cross draw for the Colt, or wait until I decide yea or nay on the 64/65 purchase.
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I have serveral 2 - 3 inch barreled K frames. I would strongly recommend a 315 Night Guard. Unfortunately it has been discontinued. It was the only K frame Night Guard. It can still be found new or used. An advantage of the 315 is that it is lighter than the others. Most holsters for other 2 1/2 inch K frames work for the gun as well.
I have to admit that I've never seen mention of this model. What can you say about it?
If you're not familar with the Night Guard series, they have light weight backened frames with a blackened stainless cylinder. Instead of adjustable sights, they have a front night sight and the rear is a Cylinder & Slide Extreme Duty fixed sight. I believe all the Night Guard revolvers have 2 1/2 inch barrels. The 315 is a 6 shot .38 Special K frame. It is rated for +P. I don't have the exact weight but it is noticably lighter than my 2 inch Model 64. Hope this helps.
