M65 vs M66

MrTrolleyguy

MrTrolleyguy

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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.
 
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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!
 
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65/66

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.
 
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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
 

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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.
 
MrTrolleyguy said:
Are the model 65 and 66 the same except that one has rear microsights. Am I missing something obvious?
Click to expand...

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.
 
loc n load said:
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)
Click to expand...

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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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.;)
 

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lhump1961 said:
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.;)
Click to expand...

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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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!:p Besides...we all know what happens when a lady is scorned...:eek:

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?!!
 
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trigger's

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.


sac-gunslinger said:
The 4" heavy barrels 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.
Click to expand...
 
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?
 

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