Model 65 vs Model 13

[opaul]

After reading a few comments on the S&W model 65 3" I wondered about the comparison to the model 13 3".
Other than SS vs the bluing difference which model do you prefer? I know that either gun in three inch is few and far between but it seems (from what I have read) that the model 65 3" may the most coveted?

 

[BAM-BAM]

Probably the 65 is the most sought after.... that said I've wanted a 3" 13 for concealed carry for a long time...... haven't seen one in a LGS since....??????

I've got 3" round butt 65s and 66s and find them the prefect concealed carry revolver...for size and weight with full ejector rods.

The last FBI revolver was a 3" 13 ......... a lot less common from my experience than 3" stainless 64 or 65s.

Only about 5000 3"66 built in the 80s; and 500 or so, 3" 19s from the mid-70s

 

[Farmer17]

I have a stainless Ruger Security Six 4" .357 but all my other guns including my Smith revolvers are blue. The older pre lock, blue Smiths are really beautiful to my eyes though stainless might be a little more practical for heavy use in harsh weather.

 

[Dieseltech56]

I don’t know about production numbers but I see a lot more 65s for sale than 13s. The 13 three inch is really starting to fetch some high prices.

I give the slight edge to the 65 for carry. No doubt the stainless finish is more durable. The 13 wins for classic looks.

 

[WCCPHD]

Paul,

I think they both have their place. My last issued revolver was a 13, 3 inch with "banana" grips from the factory. It was a great carry gun in a pancake holster. Only issue was having to wipe it down at the end of the work day in warm/hot weather.





I also like the 65-5 Lady Smith (not crazy about the script) since its basically a fixed sight three inch 66.

 

[chief38]

They are both the same gun - made from different steels. I own a 3" M65 because I purchased it with the intent to use it as a carry sidearm when in the Woods. Where I spend much of my Woods-time, there are many Black Bears that are not really scared of Humans any longer. So far I've been lucky and have not had any issues but I do see them within 50 - 100 yards all the time!

I load the M65 up with Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum 180 grain hard-cast lead flat point semi wadcutters, which out of the 3" bbl. chronograph just over 1,300 fps on average. I am also honest with myself knowing that I am unwilling to carry a .44 Magnum or .357 magnum with longer barrels 8+ hours a day. At least the 3" M65 is always with me. As they say, it's better to carry a less potent gun with you 100% of the time than to not always carry the one you left at home because of its weight and size. If I were to purposely set out to Bear Hunt, I would absolutely use a more powerful gun! Since I do have a CCW, much of the time I wear the M65 it is concealed.

While I actually do like the Blued M13's looks a bit better, the finish would be compromised in short order - hence the reason for the Stainless version. I only own 3 stainless revolvers (M65, M60-7, M63) which are ALL dedicated carry guns. There is just no disputing that Stainless stands up and is repaired better than Blued guns are. That said - I do prefer Blued guns.

 

[opaul]

Thanks guys. I like both but for some reason, like others have stated the classic look of blue steel and wood is hard to beat but there is definately an appeal to the SS version as well! I guess that is why we love to acquire them .
Here are my 3 inch revolvers - Pointing east are two model 13's (only one is pinned) and the model 65. Pointing west is my model 64. Edited to add the model 60, also pointing west.

 

[Dieseltech56]

I’m hooked on 3 inchers too. Besides the three 65s I have here are the 64-5 and 10-8 I converted into 357 magnum with new barrels and cylinders

 

[jack the toad]

Pic is repost. Top is 65-5LS, bottom is 65-3 and all I have since selling my 64-1 OHP. I had a 3" blued 13 but let a gun bud talk me out of it. If I can ever find another, along with the same in nickel, my 3", RB, M&P sighted K frame .357 itch will have been scratched...

ETA:
As for my opinion, I almost always prefer the looks of a nice blued gun with nice wood stocks. But for ease of care from corrosion, etc. SS is hard to beat.

 

[opaul]

Along with classic looks the 65 will be much easier to keep looking pristine. Any lite scuffs or marks can be touched up gently with scotch brite pads. I've cleaned a few old stainless Smith's and they look good as new (almost )

 

[Buick]

I dont have a 3" 65 or 13

But i do have a 3" M66!

 

[Triathloncoach]

My 13-2. Nice, but not a favorite.

 

[BAM-BAM]

But i do have a 3" M66!

Which 'dash" -2,-3 or -4 ?

 

[opaul]

My 13-2. Nice, but not a favorite.

That's a nice one.
I believe nickel model 13's are uncommon. I have a 4" nickel model 13 but before I owned it, it was somebody's truck gun because it's ruff. But it shoots to the point of aim. I had a nickel model 13 3" that was very nice, but decided to sell it to fund some other guns, so its been with a new owner for a few years now.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I prefer the 3" 65 because of the stainless steel finish. My primary interest is in carry guns, and the 65s are going to wear better and require less maintenance to prevent rust than 13s. I used to have a 3" 65. Always wanted to get one of the Ladysmith 65s.

I would like to get a 3"13, but that's mostly because they were FBI-issued for several years.

What I'd really like to get, though, is one of the 2.5" Model 10s the FBI issued briefly, before the 13s, I believe.

 

[LPD256]

I like them both. I think the stainless is easier to keep looking nice if carried. I don’t have a blue one but the nickel 13-3 is pretty nice. Enjoy.

 

[opaul]

I would still like to acquire 3” model 10

 

[smithman]

I would still like to acquire 3” model 10

I’ve got one of those I carry a good bit.

 

[gerhard1]

The 3" M-13 that I shot had a triger that was incredibly smooth, but I still prefer my 4" Model 65.

 

[CH4]

I reluctantly traded out of my beautiful 13-3 to a buddy who
offered me his ANIB 3” 625-3 that he bought new. I haven't seen another 13-3 (or earlier) out west for less than $900-$1000, but then I haven’t seen a ANIB 3” 625-3 for less than $1300 - $1500. Oh well, gives me something to look for.