What are the pros & cons of a 4" model 19 versus a 4" model 65? What are the major differences? Forgive my ignorance. I couldn't find a specific thread comparing these two. Do the model 65s have the same cracking issue with 125 gr. .357 mag loads that model 19s are rumored to have after heavy use? I notice the 65 doesn't have a full underlug, either. I'm not knocking the 19, nor would I expect that if I owned one that I'd shoot enough ammo through it to crack it. I'm just trying to find out the differences and why S&W made the 65 after the 19 (I'm assuming it's more recent given the higher model number).
19 vs 65 (4")
- Thread starter SKILCZ
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The only real difference is fixed vs adj sights. Maybe an ounce or two in weight. Either should be shot mostly with 38s.
I'd pick the M19 as a range gun or for a normal carry gun.
I'd pick the M65 as a normal carry gun or if I was going somewhere (like a war zone) where I wouldn't have armorers close by so I wouldn't have any worry damaging the adj sight on the 19. Stainless would also be better if the gun was to be more exposed to the elements.
FWIW I carry a 2 1/2" M66 on a regular basis.
I'd pick the M19 as a range gun or for a normal carry gun.
I'd pick the M65 as a normal carry gun or if I was going somewhere (like a war zone) where I wouldn't have armorers close by so I wouldn't have any worry damaging the adj sight on the 19. Stainless would also be better if the gun was to be more exposed to the elements.
FWIW I carry a 2 1/2" M66 on a regular basis.
I would, and have always, picked S&W's with adjustable sights when available.
I presently own both a Model 19, and a model 66, as well as several others with adjustable sights in .22RF, .44 Spl, and .45 ACP.
The reason being, I handload, and shoot different bullet weights for hunting, SD, targets, and plinking.
I also shoot a lot .38 Special target loads in the .357's.
Adjustable sights are absolutely necessary to dial in various bullet weights and power levels.
rc
I presently own both a Model 19, and a model 66, as well as several others with adjustable sights in .22RF, .44 Spl, and .45 ACP.
The reason being, I handload, and shoot different bullet weights for hunting, SD, targets, and plinking.
I also shoot a lot .38 Special target loads in the .357's.
Adjustable sights are absolutely necessary to dial in various bullet weights and power levels.
rc
I don't use loads different enough to have to fiddle with the adjustments after the gun is zeroed, but the adjustables are just higher visibility to my eye. The low shallow notch in a hogwallow fixed sight is hard to pick up. A guy here had his cut out into a semicircular notch to match his bead front. Might work, I haven't tried it.
a better comparison would be be s&w model 19 v model 66........ smith stainless revolvers start with a 6 model no... if i were going to carry this piece regularly i'd get the 66........ for a range-hunting gun i'd get the model 19 for adj. sights......... i had a 4"model 13 with is a blue version of the mod 65..... i would like to get that gun back to carry.......... if you can afford it get the 65 to carry and look for a good mod 27 to enjoy at the range or hunting................................
life is short......
life is short......
you're comparing apples to oranges.
the M-19 is a blued steel gun and it's counterpart in stainless steel is the M-66
the M-65 is a stainless gun and it's counterpart in blued steel is the M-13
the M-19 is more versatile because the adjustable sight allows you to adjust your POI for various loadings in either .38spl or .357mag.
the ultimate M-65, for me, would be the 3" barreled round butt version. the shorter, but heavier barrel points much like a 4" tube and the rounded butt is just more comfortable in my hand. all i'd need to do would to shave off the hammer spur and add a DAO action tune
Personally I prefer the adjustable sights as my eyes can pick them up a whole lot faster. I carry a M66 4". I also found I could pick out the sights on a M13 better than a M65.
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Personally, now living in FL, a s.s. revolver would get my attention - all other things being equal - I have a 66....bought it new......so a fixed sight model would be a nice "car gun"
In a 4" gun, which I am less likely to carry concealed, I'd take the Model 19. For a concealed carry gun, I prefer the 3" M65 to the 2.5" M19 by a slight margin.
I've got a 4" 65 that is my favorite handgun. When I find a 3" round butt, I'll be all over it. 65's are accurate and reliable carry guns.
I purchased a used Model 65-2 4" that has the sweetest double action trigger I've ever experienced. It sees only .38 Specials. The lack of adjustable sights was cured with a set of Crimson Trace laser grips. A great nightstand gun, and really fun at the indoor range shooting zombie targets. Even my teenage daughters feel comfortable with it.
Elm Creek Smith
Member
Three inch Model 13 with Bianchi Lightning grips. It doesn't get any better for concealed carry.
ECS
TexasBill
Member
Model 65, hands down. Less to get bunged up, hung up and otherwise snarled. IMHO, it's one of the best service revolvers ever offered. Wouldn't feed it a steady diet of Magnum loads but wouldn't back off from firing enough to be comfortable with them loaded for carry. More comfortable than a Model 27 or a 686. The only thing to add is a Tyler T-grip adaptor. I'd go with a four-inch barrel as the extra inch isn't that hard to conceal.
I don't have a problem with the sights; the M65 isn't a target gun. Learn where it shoots and adjust accordingly. At close range, it's one of the most natural pointers I've ever fired.
The stainless steel is just icing on the cake. Keep it maintained and don't worry about rust spots.
I just wish Smith & Wesson would reissue the Model 65; people who have them want too much to part with them.
BTW: I have owned M19s and M66s in every barrel length offered. Loved them; they were great guns. But the pure simplicity of the M65 makes it one of my all-time favorite revolvers.
I don't have a problem with the sights; the M65 isn't a target gun. Learn where it shoots and adjust accordingly. At close range, it's one of the most natural pointers I've ever fired.
The stainless steel is just icing on the cake. Keep it maintained and don't worry about rust spots.
I just wish Smith & Wesson would reissue the Model 65; people who have them want too much to part with them.
BTW: I have owned M19s and M66s in every barrel length offered. Loved them; they were great guns. But the pure simplicity of the M65 makes it one of my all-time favorite revolvers.
earlthegoat2
Member
I have several S&W M19s and they are great target guns with excellent accuracy. The Partridge type rear sight allows for a clear sight picture but the fixed sights of the M65 still allow for very accurate shots and the different bullet weights can be adjusted by Kentucky windage.
My M65 with its low sight line is my favorite for fast shooting.
My M65 with its low sight line is my favorite for fast shooting.
M65 for defense M19 for all around use
Or drill and tap the M65 for a scope mount and shoot bullseye.
They shoot fine. Its all in your eyes.
Or drill and tap the M65 for a scope mount and shoot bullseye.
They shoot fine. Its all in your eyes.
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