Hello everyone. I have had my eye on the new model S & W model 66 .357 magnum. I currently own a 686 but would like to get something new. Anyone actually own one or has experience shooting one? Just wondering what people's opinions are on them?
Smith and Wesson New Model 66 .357 Magnum
- Thread starter jperos
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I've had one for several months now and if you want a small .357 it's the one for you. It's lighter than the 4.2" 686 by a noticeable margin - I have and like both.
The one negative is that the cylinder gums up fairly quickly. 300 or so rounds in and it needs the cylinder off to clean the bearing. I blame the smaller K-frame cylinder for this. The 686 goes much longer between cleanings.
Note also that I shoot target loads in mine that are closer to hot 38 specials than they are to full house .357, so if you like boomers I can't give you much 1st hand experience there. I also favour G10 grips over rubber, which also affects the comfort factor with hotter ammo.
The revolver is in good company with the 4.2" 686 and GP-100 for fun factor. Like I said - if you want a small and light .357, it's a great choice.
The one negative is that the cylinder gums up fairly quickly. 300 or so rounds in and it needs the cylinder off to clean the bearing. I blame the smaller K-frame cylinder for this. The 686 goes much longer between cleanings.
Note also that I shoot target loads in mine that are closer to hot 38 specials than they are to full house .357, so if you like boomers I can't give you much 1st hand experience there. I also favour G10 grips over rubber, which also affects the comfort factor with hotter ammo.
The revolver is in good company with the 4.2" 686 and GP-100 for fun factor. Like I said - if you want a small and light .357, it's a great choice.
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Hey Mark,
Is the metallurgy different in the new gen K- frames that allow a heavier diet of full .357 mag loads?
It was always the caution about shooting magnums constantly in the 80-90 gen versions.
I have to agree that the K frame is probably the ###iest of S&W's wheel guns. Esp. in a 2.5-4" model.
Is the metallurgy different in the new gen K- frames that allow a heavier diet of full .357 mag loads?
It was always the caution about shooting magnums constantly in the 80-90 gen versions.
I have to agree that the K frame is probably the ###iest of S&W's wheel guns. Esp. in a 2.5-4" model.
I was disappointed in the 66-8 that I bought. The dull finish and fit is not as nice as a 686.
I'm not a fan of the barrel on these new ones, I'm not sure the correct term for it but the barrel isn't one piece like other S&W revolvers.
I'm not a fan of the barrel on these new ones, I'm not sure the correct term for it but the barrel isn't one piece like other S&W revolvers.
Hey Mark,
Is the metallurgy different in the new gen K- frames that allow a heavier diet of full .357 mag loads?
It was always the caution about shooting magnums constantly in the 80-90 gen versions.
I have to agree that the K frame is probably the ###iest of S&W's wheel guns. Esp. in a 2.5-4" model.
According to the marketing its been strengthened. Can't say personally. I thought it was mostly lighter bullets at high velocity that caused problems in the old ones.
I prefer the matte finish to the scouring pad one on the semi-polished ones. But it's certainly a personal thing. They're using a barrel shroud now, which apparently makes it easier to get everything lined up.
Had one and it shot great, no issues with the cylinder gumming up. They redesigned the frame and forcing cone so it will handle a high amount of 357mag 125gr
Sold it because at the time it was impossible to find a holster for the thicker barrel. Also when using wood grips, the spent casing would hit the wood grips. I think this was due to the shorter chane on the K frames.
Sold it because at the time it was impossible to find a holster for the thicker barrel. Also when using wood grips, the spent casing would hit the wood grips. I think this was due to the shorter chane on the K frames.
I agree the finish is personal preference. As far as the shroud lining things up, usually a slight adjustment to the rear sight have all I needed on a S&W revolver to get it shooting straight.
Personally I was really excited when the 66-8 was announced with the 4.25 barrel because I had a 66-4 that I sold just before 12-6 came in and have regretted ever since.
When I finally got my hands on the new 66-8 it wasn't close to the quality I once had.
If you are looking for a new revolver to pair up with your 686 get a 617 that you can blast away with some cheap 22 ammo
I own a few S&W revolvers but they range from 30+ to nearly 100 years old. Some of my favourites are my 1950's K-38 and a 70's era nickle19-3.
I have handled and shot some of the modern offerings and I can't say I'm a big fan. When I go revolver shopping it's the EE for me.
I have handled and shot some of the modern offerings and I can't say I'm a big fan. When I go revolver shopping it's the EE for me.
I own a few S&W revolvers but they range from 30+ to nearly 100 years old. Some of my favourites are my 1950's K-38 and a 70's era nickle19-3.
I have handled and shot some of the modern offerings and I can't say I'm a big fan. When I go revolver shopping it's the EE for me.
With the cost of labour these days it is not hard to understand why today's S&W revolvers finish don't equal their revolvers of the past.
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With the cost of labour these days it is not hard to understand why today's S&W revolvers finish don't equal their revolvers of the past.
I've always wondered " How do those Tyler T grips stay on?"
Are they glued on or do they use friction?
I'm assuming you use the 19 while away working? What load do you use? 158gr for beasts or 125gr for other uses?
They have small brass or copper tabs on the side that fit between the frame and the grips. You just screw the grips down and presto.
I carry the 19 with a 158 gr JSP .357 magnum. Never had to shoot a bear with it.
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Ah! Ingenious design! Too bad they don't make them anymore...at least I haven't seen them in a while!
So do you practice with it or mostly a carry gun? 158s kick quite a bit on the light K frames!
Have you thought about porting the carry guns?
Oh, they still make them.....they ship to Canada as well. I'm thinking of ordering a set for my old Colt 3-5-7
http://www.t-grips.com/
http://www.t-grips.com/
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Cool! They're quite inexpensive too aren't they? I would jump on one except I've lost my stock round butt grips. Mine has the fingered grooved wood and also Pachs.
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They're a little old fashioned though. I think you have to print out the order form and mail it to them with a cheque or money order.
Those T Grips have been around since the 70s, I think. Not much has changed in management since then it seems!!
With the cost of labour these days it is not hard to understand why today's S&W revolvers finish don't equal their revolvers of the past.
What's that little wonder, bottom left? She just under the limit?
