Today I went back to the shop where I picked up my 3" Model 64 to buy some ammo. Sitting in the case where my 64 had been was a 4" 65 in like new condition that had just come in. Above that was a Model 66 with a 3 inch barrel. The front sight looked to be Tritium with the white ring, although I could detect no glow. The Model 65 has the lock, and the 66 is pre-lock. The action on the 66 is okay, but maybe just a bit on the loose side, but still acceptable. Otherwise the 66 is in excellent shape. The action on the 65 is extremely tight, but the gun is barely fired. The trigger on the 66 is average for a Smith. The trigger on the 65 is the best that I have run across in a long time. The SA is as light and as crisp as I've felt, and the DA is actually extraordinarily smooth and light.
I know that the 3" 66's are rather rare, and I'm never happy about a lock especially when the other gun in the choice has no lock. I'm not so concerned about value down the road, and this will not be a carry gun but could see some home defense use. The 65 was priced at $439 and the 66 at $499. There wasn't a major difference in price so that isn't a concern. I ended up putting the 65 on layaway. The trigger really sold me, and since it won't be a carry gun I like the extra inch in barrel. I've always wanted an M19 or M66 2.5 inch, and this three inch isn't it, but the fact that the 3 inch is somewhat rare has me second guessing my decision. As I'm assuming that the front sight blade could be swapped on the 66 for a standard one I am conisdering taking my one swap on a layaway and swapping the 65 for the 66. I would need to do it quickly as that 66 isn't going to last.
All things considered, with buying both not an option, what would you do?
Thanks for any thoughts. I'm a bit conflicted on this one and need to act quick.
I know that the 3" 66's are rather rare, and I'm never happy about a lock especially when the other gun in the choice has no lock. I'm not so concerned about value down the road, and this will not be a carry gun but could see some home defense use. The 65 was priced at $439 and the 66 at $499. There wasn't a major difference in price so that isn't a concern. I ended up putting the 65 on layaway. The trigger really sold me, and since it won't be a carry gun I like the extra inch in barrel. I've always wanted an M19 or M66 2.5 inch, and this three inch isn't it, but the fact that the 3 inch is somewhat rare has me second guessing my decision. As I'm assuming that the front sight blade could be swapped on the 66 for a standard one I am conisdering taking my one swap on a layaway and swapping the 65 for the 66. I would need to do it quickly as that 66 isn't going to last.
All things considered, with buying both not an option, what would you do?
Thanks for any thoughts. I'm a bit conflicted on this one and need to act quick.