Which to carry everyday 3" 65-3 or 3" 66-2?

[Usmc5811]

Like the title says which would you carry? I love my 66-2 but it's rare and worth a pretty penny. I should have my hoster from Ray at Lobos Leathers this week. I can't wait. I am thinking more carrying with the 65 and special events, BBQ's, etc. the 66 would ride. Any pros or cons?

 

[Broker50]

That'd be an easy decision for me. I can't shoot fixed sights for spit, so I'd go with the 66. But, if I was gonna' carry a 3", I'd just go up to a 4". I feel the 3" guns are "tweeners", neither fish nor fowl, & don't much care for them. But that's me............

 

[629shooter]

I'd go with the 65. Less chance of a snag, or sight blade to break. Plus a 65 3" is easier to find if you would ever need a replacement.

 

[BobR1]

I also have a 66-2 w/3 Inch Barrel. Mine was a factory DAO, and has a Full Combat Package to include Ball Loc and Chamfered Chambers.

I also have a 64-6 with 2 Inch Barrel. Factory DAO also, with a factory action job. NY-1/Brinks Gun. I changed the springs, and now it is as sweet as my custom revolvers.

My Advice: Carry the 66 if you want to. Change out the Original Factory grips for Pachmayr Compac's, and put the factory grips away. The grips are what really gets dinged up carrying a revolver, even if you are careful carrying it. I carryed a 610 for years as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, and later as Police Chief after retiring from my Day Job. Carrying daily the grips will get beat up some.

Another thing pull the grips any time it gets wet, and regularly otherwise and keep the frame under the grips clean and oiled. I bought a clean 66-1 w/2.5 Inch barrel a few years ago, and it was pitted under the grips. A little TLC, and regular cleaning will prevent that. By the way, I pull the grips now before buying one if possible.

Enjoy it.

Bob

 

[murphydog]

You are already aware of the value of the 3" 66, so if you shoot both equally well I would carry the 65 regularly and not worry about the 66 being dinged or scratched.

 

[Hapworth]

It's a no-brainer to me -- if the 66 is clean, I'd leave it be to appreciate and carry the more utilitarian 65; the fixed iron sights are plenty of self-defense.

 

[guskody]

66 or 65

i agree with the above reasoning...carry the 65.

i know you will love Ray's holster.

Be safe.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've been very lucky over the years.....

I have 2 3" 66-3s that I got new in the late 80s; just before the 6906 and 3913s were introduced. The 3913/6906s quickly became my EDC guns..... so except for an action job they are both almost new in box>

Then about 10 years ago I lucked into a used "shooter" 3" 66-4.....

So today when I want to carry a revolver it's the 66-4 with Spegel Boot grips in a Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB holster.....carrying concealed IWB adds a layer (or two) of protection to the gun and grips.

I also have a customized 3" 65 (since about 1987) and a stock 65 three inch.

My "advice" to your situation; for everyday carry, use the 65..... get a good IWB holster and Boot grips........ you will never look back.

For the 3" 66 ........ it would make a nice BBQ gun; with a deluxe set of Checkered Spegel Boot grips or maybe a pair of Executioner's stag grips with a silver T-grip!!!!!

 

[jack the toad]

Lotsa good advice already posted but if it shot ok for me, I'd tote the 65 for most everyday duty and leave the 66 for BBQs, goin to church, special events, etc.

 

[chief38]

While I think the 2 1/2 - 3" M66 is the most "sexy" gun Smith makes (IMHO), I prefer the 3" M65. The M65 has low profile fixed sights, is slightly lighter due to a lack of the underlug, and will get the same job done just as well.

 

[Sixgun100]

I am with the majority here, carry the 3" Model 65. Not like carrying a J Frame. A good holster and belt will be required. Best wishes!

 

[galena]

Put me in with the M-65 guys. I have both and prefer the clean lines and handling of the 65. I also have a 3" M-13 which actually gets the majority of my carry time. Either way you can't really go wrong, they are all very nice.

 

[bronco45]

Carried a 65-5 3" for years with a bobbed hammer and an action smoothing, and a set of Pachmyer professionals. Great carry gun, eventually traded it off for a bottom feeder with night sights.

The 65 has better balance due to barrel configuration, swings and handles quicker, and it's not any harder to conceal. You also get a full length ejector rod in the 65. Both are K frame RBs so the grip issue is a wash. I have a 66 2.5" and it has been relegated to safe queen status. The 65 was a "workhorse" designed by the FBI and built by S&W.


EDC the 65.

 

[firemanhank]

Model 65 all day long. It is great for EDC. Quick to draw and accurate in close quarters where most gun incidents erupt. Just my opinion.

 

[KLYDE]

The holsters from Lobo are very model specific. If it was made for the 65 I'd wager the 66 will not fit. Vice versa might work. If I had to choose between one it would be the 65.

What model holster did you get made?

M65-3 Lobo Combat Classic

 

[Usmc5811]

Right you are KLYDE. I ordered one for a 3" 66-2, and Ray assured me that would work for the 65 also.

 

[texmex]

Why not both? Now you need another holster. Left handed or cross draw.

 

[koz5614]

You should carry the one you shoot the best. Your life may depend on it one day.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Keep and enjoy both! They are both great. The 3 inch 66 has the added advantage of adjustable sights just in case the weapon is not properly regulated. The 65 is more difficult to adjust if not properly regulated. On the other hand, the 65 is properly more apt to survive "hard knocks" against steering wheels, etc. They are both great guns!

 

[kaaskop49]

Another thing pull the grips any time it gets wet, and regularly otherwise and keep the frame under the grips clean and oiled. I bought a clean 66-1 w/2.5 Inch barrel a few years ago, and it was pitted under the grips. A little TLC, and regular cleaning will prevent that. By the way, I pull the grips now before buying one if possible.

Good point, BobR1. I found that Pachs with their metal liner attracted moisture and I regularly removed the grips to wipe the frame down. This goes for stainless guns also. The old Sile rubber grips with a fiberglass liner never attracted moisture.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Carry the one you shoot best with. It's your life: it's more valuable than a limited production gun.