Model 65 vs. 66

Yes, the sights and the rib on the 66's barrel are the only differences.

I have a 2.5" 66. it is a VERY sweet carry gun.

The 66 has a shrouded ejector rod, while the 65 does not.

Unless it's a LadySmith...

I have a 3" 65 and a 2 1/2" 66 or rather my wife has my 66. Both are good carry guns. With the right holster and clothes even a 4" K-frame can be concealed effectively.

i have a 66-1 w 6", and a 65-2 w 4". the barrel on the 65 is markedly heavier. both have very good triggers, but the 66 has an adjustable overtravel pin (perhaps aftermarket?) that makes the trigger a little better.

For a short barrel gun, I'd just as soon have fixed sights. The 65/66 models were especially nice, though I opted for the Security-/Speed-Six Rugers. Now both S&W and Ruger have abandoned these very nice guns, and it's a real pity.

Different Revolvers

As I understand it,the 66 is the stainless version of the 19(which came in blue or nickel) and the 65 is the stainless version of the 13.The 13 was based on the M&P design (Model 10),while the 19 was based on the Combat Masterpiece design(Model 15).
I have a 65 and two 19's(one blue and one nickel) and I enjoy shooting all of them.I also carried a 66 as a duty weapon for awhile.

As I understand it,the 66 is the stainless version of the 19(which came in blue or nickel) and the 65 is the stainless version of the 13.The 13 was based on the M&P design (Model 10),while the 19 was based on the Combat Masterpiece design(Model 15).

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Yes, that is correct. However, the 14/15 (or rather, their "pre-model" progenitors) are based on the 10, of course, so they are all very similar. The true "technical" difference is that the 14/15/19/66 and other adjustable sight K frames are technically not "K" frame guns but rather "KT" frame guns. The "KT" is the K-target frame, which has more material on the top strap to allow for machining the adjustable sight body channel, and at the top of the barrel threads for mating to the ribbed barrel. Otherwise dimensions are identical between the K and KT frames, and we rarely every bother pointing out the fact they are technically different.

The only real practical application of this is that leather made strictly for a tight fit on an old M&P/Model 10 sometimes won't fit the KT guns because of the sight rib. But this is rare and usually only applies to pre-WWII leather.