RB Model 64 3” vs RB Model 65 3”

[stansdds]

I have two 64-8's, a 4" and a 3". The 3" was returned from Europe, lightly used, and the 4" appears to be unissued even though it was advertised as a Security/LEO return.

Funny thing about the 3", it chambers .357 ammo. I haven't shot any yet, and only noticed when I cleaned it and a 65 after a trip to the range. I load all my guns before putting them back in the safe, since there is nothing more useless than an unloaded firearm (and I am not going to argue this point, so don't bother).

The 4" 64 won't chamber 357, but the 3" does. I am guessing that one of two things happened. Either it was shipped with a 65 cylinder as part of the original contract, or someone reamed it later.

S&W did make a batch of 64-1's chambered in 357 Magnum, but with the introduction of the Model 65, those 64-1's are likely the only factory made 357 versions.

 

[Sistema1927]

S&W did make a batch of 64-1's chambered in 357 Magnum, but with the introduction of the Model 65, those 64-1's are likely the only factory made 357 versions.

This is a Dash-8 however. MIM, Lock, two-piece barrel, but is smooth and accurate, as is the Dash-8 4".

 

[Bald1]

I get the flexibility of the Model 13/65. However if the ammo utilized most of the time is 38 why spend the extra shekels on the magnum piece? It seems to me that it boils down to a person just wanting the magnum because it is a magnum. Guess it is like CH4's analogy of the red Camaro…just want a V8 although the V6 will get you where you are going cheaper. over the years I've learned that logic doesn't matter with guns!

Guess I'm in the minority here but I've owned/own five different 357s in my life. I have never fired one round of 38 through any of them. I shoot magnums in magnums and 38 in my model 10s and 64s.

 

[BC38]

I have thought that a M64 would have the advantage that I would be assured that no previous owner had fired a lot of full powered magnum 125 grain screamers, the ones that are said to crack the rear of the barrel at the flat. I suspect that 3" M65 barrels are hard to find and pricey.
As far as power goes, I could use Buffalo Bore plus P ammo, which is as much as I would want in a 3" K frame. I have a 2.75" M66-8, which is good, but the 3" fixed sight K frame revolvers would be my preference. Unlike most, I prefer the newer MIM versions, with pinned front sights. I may replace my rear sight with a fixed one, as it is on POA with the blade centered.

73,
Rick

So if I am reading you right, you are saying that you prefer the 38 special because you have the reassurance that you'll never have to deal with the rare "cracked forcing cone" issue of the K-framed revolvers chambered for 357 magnums?

FWIW that seems like cutting off your nose to spite your face to me.

I own several K-Frame 357's. While I am willing to acknowledge that the cracked forcing cone issue is real - in revolvers that have fired HUNDREDS (or possibly THOUSANDS) of rounds of HOT 125gr 357 "man stopper" rounds - it is still so rare that it is the exception rather than the rule.

Personally, I'm not so risk-adverse that I will shy away from buying a k-frame 357 because there is some small chance that it may be that 1 in 1000 that has been abused to the point of being damaged.

But we all have to make our own choices and YMMV...

 

[Whit]

This is definitely a WAG, but I think there were more 3" 65's made; I certainly see them much more often.

It would seem that you are correct based on what pops up for sale. Certainly I have seen more 3" M65's than M64's on the market. But neither are for sale in large quantities. Guess that speaks to the popularity of both versions of the 3' K frame.

 

[wood714]

I think I would be "fat, dumb and happy" with either one as a carry revolver. Enlighten me.

All S&W 3" K's are nice!

 

[chief38]

Do yourself a favor. Practice often and make SURE you have absolutely no live ammo in the room while doing so.

 

[CH4]

Saturday I found a Camaro with the V8.
Picked up this cherry 3" 65-5 at the Big Reno Show.

 

[lowriderfxr]

The 3" 13 and 65 being the old "FBI gun" may or may not contribute to its popularity over the 64.

 

[BAM-BAM]

All S&W 3" K's are nice!

Have 3" 65 and 66s but wish that S&W had made a NL version of the 65 LadySmith!!!!

Bet they would have sold millions!

 

[wood714]

Have 3" 65 and 66s but wish that S&W had made a NL version of the 65 LadySmith!!!!

Bet they would have sold millions!

I thought they did make a couple few?

I made my own version.

 

[GerSan69]

Analogous to choosing between two red Camaros, one with a V6 the other with a V8. Both will do the speed limit, but the V8 has a little extra if ya need it.

CH-4 hit the nail square. There is virtually no difference, especially if you're using .38 Spl ammunition. I have a 64-5 and a 65-5, and if I put them side by side, i'd need to take a few seconds to look for the tell-tale signs (longer cylinder, different barrel marking) before I'd know which is which. Throw in my 3" Model 10-10 with the recessed .357 cylinder, and I'll never decide which one to carry.

 

[CH4]

The 3" 13 and 65 being the old "FBI gun" may or may not contribute to its popularity over the 64.

I think it's popularity is simply because it's a 357 magnum, even though most will only see 38 spl. Bigger is better.

 

[xtrtsqrt11]

I only own one 64-3. It is just downright pleasant to shoot even +p ammo. Exquisitely accurate with that goldilocks feel and trigger that only a 3" K frame can deliver in the revolver world in my opinion.

Would I rather have the 65? Sure, it does give you more choices, but I got my 64 for a very good price and I'm still very happy with it.

My dream 3" K frame is a model 13...

 

[John Patrick]

I have a fairly complete selection of 3" K frames.

I prefer the look of the magnums, but there isn't much difference. And I do prefer blue over SS or nickel.

Model 13 blue and nickel
Model 65 LS
Model 10 blue RB, "blue" SB (ceracoted?) and nickel
Model 64
Model 66

Fwiw, I also have 2 1/2" blue and nickel Model 19s and a 66. I prefer the 3" revolvers.

If I stumbled on a regular 3" Model 65 I'd buy it. I'm drooling for a 3" Model 19. Imo, the 3" blue Model 19 is the sexiest revolver ever made.

If I carry one it's usually loaded with BB's 158gr 38spl +P LSCWCHP-GC. Occasionally 135gr GD SB +P, rarely 357 JHP, which I reserve for checking feeders at the hunt club.

 

[Moo Moo]

Maybe "The Hickok45 Effect" with the 3" Model 65 RB popularity. He has mentioned how it's one of his favorites for years.


Model 65 .357 Magnum - YouTube

 

[sheppard]

Can't beat a 3" K frame, that's why I have 4. Two model 10s, one model 64 and one model 65. They get loaded with the old FBI load. Perfect for concealed carry.

 

[Baxter6551]

For anyone interested I saw a nice 3 inch 65-2 at LGS today for $749. It had standard magna grips no box etc. transition model no pinned barrel but has recessed cylinder. Excellent condition. If I didn't already have one I would be buying this one.
PM me for shop info if you want.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I can only speak for myself. That said, I prefer the older K-Frames in 38 Special. So, I prefer the 10 over the 13, the 15 over the 19, the 64 over the 65, and the 67 over the 66.

 

[firebreather]

IMHO, the 3" model 13's and 65's are the best concealed carry revolver ever made. Adequate caliber for the job, heavy barrel to help dampen recoil, full length ejector rod, and a 6-round capacity. I would trade or sell mine, but it would be very expensive. The similar .38 special models would be just a little less potent, but still a good choice.