Model 65 vs 66

[mtelkhntr]

I need some education here as I loaned my S&W bible to my dad to read.

Having recently picked up a neat no dash 66 a few weeks back I'm pretty up to speed on that one. But today while out of town I stop at a pawn shop and see what appeared to be another 4" 66. Looking at the tag though, it said model 65-1 and I could see it too was built on the K frame and wasn't a full lug either. That left me wondering just what are the main differences between the two models?

 

[howiema]

A 66 has adjustable sights the 65 fixed sghts.

 

[Engine49guy]

Both the Model 65 and 66 were SS K frame 357 Magnums available in either RB or SB frames ,
The 66 had target sites and was available in 2.5", 3", 4", 6" lengths
The 65 was available in 3", 4" lengths without an ejector rod shroud except for the the Lady Smith version.


Basically like comparing the model 19 and Model 13

 

[mtelkhntr]

Thank you! That's a pretty simple and explains why it looked virtually identical to my 66. That's reason enough for me to keep the 66 and look for something else.

 

[Mark6005]

Or if the price was right put a 65 in the safe also

 

[kaaskop49]

Mark6005 is correct. But also check condition. Many 65s and 66s were law enforcement guns and I've seen some which were loose and worn from a great deal of firing. The prices indicated "Mint" which these guns obviously were not. Caveat emptor!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[mtelkhntr]

Or if the price was right put a 65 in the safe also

They had it marked at $535 which is quite a bit more than I just paid for the 66. Agreed the 65 has orginal scratched up furniture and the 66 has goodyears but even then for me it's a stretch.

 

[JohnRippert]

I prefer the fixed sights on the M65 for carry and the adjustable sights on the M66 for range/HD.