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.

 

[Walter Rego]

I had one of each, both 3" versions at one time. The Model 13 was in new condition with the box, paperwork, etc. and I couldn't bring myself to fire it. As others have mentioned, the value had gotten pretty high so I sold the Model 13. It sure was a beauty though.
Both models don't come up for sale that often, especially the popular 3 inch guns. The Model 65 has a slight edge as a carry weapon due to the stainless construction.

 

[lawandorder]

I am also suffering from extreme fondness for 3 inch K frames.

As to the OP's question the decision as to stainless , blue, or nickle, why limit your self? Set your goal as one of each.

Have been very lucky in obtaining some hard to find examples.of the 3 inch Ks. The first was the one that firmly set the hook. A three inch model 10-10 in a version made for a law enforcement order out of Brazil. Various accounts say very few in US. What sets it apart is an enclosed ejector rod. Thanks to a Member here on the forum for letting me be a temporary caretaker of it.

Then a 65 , a 66 , ( let it go, not a fan of adjustable sights on a carry gun), a 13 (catch & release also, too nice ANIB ), 65LS, pert near perfection, then another big break a 13PC, only about 400 made. A 64 and a regular 3 " 10 rounded it out.

The last one is probably the one Smith should have put in regular production as the perfect carry revolver, a Model 19 with fixed sights.

Now to find one.

Beware of 3 " Kitis, it is terribly addictive.

 

[WCCPHD]

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.

Don't rub it in Paul. I have kicked myself many times for not buying it at the Raleigh Gun Show. I was an idiot for passing on that beautiful gun.

 

[dr. mordo]

I think it entirely comes down to your preference of blued vs stainless. I would opt for the M13 personally.

That said, I carry a 3" M629, so I don't need a M13. The only reason I have the M629 is I couldn't find a 3" M29 for anywhere close to the same price.

 

[opaul]

Ok so it boils down to a few of my wife’s sayings:
~ Is it a want or need?
~ Your wants won’t hurt you.
I don’t need another three inch but I sure want some more
Funny how we all justify our addiction.
Me - I’m compulsive excessive with hoarder tendencies - that’s my rational.

 

[gkitch]

I own both. I carry the Model 13 over the 65. It shoots a little better and the action is a little smoother. I prefer the look as well. Yes, the SS is more durable and practical...

So my Model 13 has Craig Speigel Boot Grips and a bobbed hammer. With 125 gr Hornaday CD, a Galco holster, and a couple of Bianchi Speed-strips we are good-to-go.

 

[opaul]

I own both. I carry the Model 13 over the 65. It shoots a little better and the action is a little smoother. I prefer the look as well. Yes, the SS is more durable and practical...

So my Model 13 has Craig Speigel Boot Grips and a bobbed hammer. With 125 gr Hornaday CD, a Galco holster, and a couple of Bianchi Speed-strips we are good-to-go.

Let’s see the photos!

 

[31FordA]

Either one is a terrific gun, I’m lucky enough to own both. I picked up a really nice 3” 13-3 twenty years ago, even carried it on the job for a while. When I considered how hard it would be to replace I retired it. A few years ago I picked up a pretty decent 3” 65-3, which I currently carry at work. The 3” K frames are addictive, I’ve also picked up the 3” 65-5LS and the 3” 64-3.

The 3” Model 13 is certainly the rarer of the pair. I’ve only personally seen two for sale in twenty years, the 13-3 I bought and a 13-4 that I wish I had bought. The 3” 65 is not quite as rare, I’ve seen about five in twenty years. Part of the rarity is probably that the 3” 13 was discontinued in 1996, while the 3” 65 stayed in production into the 2000’s.

 

[Eddietruett]

I have about 15 K frames in 3”. This model 13 is one of my favorites.

 

[gkitch]

I think that one of the reasons these not come up for sale very often as that those who own them would rather have the guns than the money they would realistically bring. Simple really.