NEW S&W 66 Question.

[RT]

Just bought a brand new Smith and Wesson Model 66. Havent fired it yet. Just wondering if Smith using barrel sleeves now.

Heres a couple pics, not sure what im looking at, if this is just the way they machine them, or if they insert barel sleeves now.

Have a look,

 

[RaTFiNk306]

Yes it is a sleeved barrel they call it "tensioned".

 

[RT]

When did they start doing this?

 

[paisley70]

I am not sure if it is MIM (metal injected molding) or not, but it sure seems like MIM parts are getting used more and more nowadays. They save quite a bit in production cost this way.

 

[hatman1793]

Yes. Sleeved and heat fitted to the barrel shroud. Barrel sleeving is not new or exceptional either. Somewhat more economical or a new process for S&W. The downside is the continued use of the 1 in 16" barrel twist.
Even the Performance Center barrels are just fancied up 1 in 16" twist barrels. Not really performance...

 

[haywire]

Just stummled across this thread. There was an issue with cracked barrels with original model 66/19 smith's at the forcing cone. Probably from lead build up then firing jacketed bullets (theory). Maybe reason for sleeve?

 

[Dsiwy]

Yes. Sleeved and heat fitted to the barrel shroud. Barrel sleeving is not new or exceptional either. Somewhat more economical or a new process for S&W. The downside is the continued use of the 1 in 16" barrel twist.
Even the Performance Center barrels are just fancied up 1 in 16" twist barrels. Not really performance...

Pretty sure the sleeve is held on by screwing in the barrel.

Ref pg 25
https://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/other/S&W_Revolver_Manual_12-15-2014.pdf

 

[Dsiwy]

Just stummled across this thread. There was an issue with cracked barrels with original model 66/19 smith's at the forcing cone. Probably from lead build up then firing jacketed bullets (theory). Maybe reason for sleeve?

Nope the cracked forcing cones was because S&W had cut a portion of the forcing cone at the 6'clock to allow the cylinder arm to clear. This combined with the regular use of 125r ammo and lack of de-leading caused cracks.

 

[Dsiwy]

I am not sure if it is MIM (metal injected molding) or not, but it sure seems like MIM parts are getting used more and more nowadays. They save quite a bit in production cost this way.

All new Smith use MIM parts, which have proven to be just as strong as the milled in my experience. I have yet to see a MIM part fail on any of the SIGs I work on and this is well after 100K.