S&W 66-1 Stainless 4" comments, critique?

[hrt jr]

There she was, freshly back from her trip to the repair center (new barrel and more) calling me. So I rented her and bought a box of 357 mag's and well let's just say she went home with me. Serial is 67K45XX, K frame square butt just want to hear more about her. Thanks.

[fotog54]

Nice Butt! Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Have not shot a revolver since I was a cop back in the 70's.

[Magnum Mikie]

There she was, freshly back from her trip to the repair center (new barrel and more) calling me. So I rented her and bought a box of 357 mag's and well let's just say she went home with me. Serial is 67K45XX, K frame square butt just want to hear more about her. Thanks.

I owned a S&W Model 66 (6" barrel) back in the 1980's. Great gun......the only weakness was the light frame. The gunsmith told me to do most target shooting with .38 special ammo. Apparently, a steady diet of .357 magnum may cause pre-mature wear resulting in a sloppy cylinder. However, I did shoot a few hundred magnums through mine with no problems. Anyways, I still wish I hadn't sold it to my uncle 20 years ago.

[lenny7]

I have a S&W 66. I believe it's a 66-2, if I recall correctly. 4" stainless steel as well. I typically shoot a couple of boxes of .38 through, followed by as many .357's as I can stand. Big recoil and damn loud with .357 mags, especially if I'm put on an outside lane near the wall. It could be that I'm just a wimp though. Putting Hogue grips on it made it more enjoyable to shoot.

[Srigs]

I love my 66-1 2.5" they are great guns.

[1911fan]

I love my 66-1 2.5" they are great guns.

He's just rubbing it in.


I no longer have a 66 but I do like my 13's. Same gun carbon steel and fixed sights

[cobb]

I love my 66-1 2.5" they are great guns.

He's just rubbing it in.

And all I have is a 19-3 with a 2.5...........and no, I am not jealous.

[Magnum Mikie]

I have a S&W 66. I believe it's a 66-2, if I recall correctly. 4" stainless steel as well. I typically shoot a couple of boxes of .38 through, followed by as many .357's as I can stand. Big recoil and damn loud with .357 mags, especially if I'm put on an outside lane near the wall. It could be that I'm just a wimp though. Putting Hogue grips on it made it more enjoyable to shoot.

Lenny, I have not kept up with the trends from S&W. What's the difference between the "66-1" and the "66-2"? Is one heavier in the frame? Thanks!

[lenny7]

Lenny, I have not kept up with the trends from S&W. What's the difference between the "66-1" and the "66-2"? Is one heavier in the frame? Thanks!

From
http://guns.wikia.com/wiki/S&W_Model_66

Introduced in 1972, the model 66 was a K-framed six shot .357 Magnum revolver. It is a stainless steel version of the Model 19 and was initially available with a 4" and 6" barrel. In 1974 a version with a 2 1/2" barrel and round grips was offered, considered by many the premier and definitive .357 magnum "snubbie" of all time. It comes with a red/orange insert front sight and a white outline rear adjustable sight. The double action on this revolver is extremely smooth. Even my wife who has a severe case of arthritis can pull the double action trigger. It is very easy to shoot. At the inside shooting range, I was able free handed to hit the black or center of the target most of the time, and this was at the maximum distance. It fires .38, .38 plus P or .357 Magnum shells. I suggest an Askins style belt holster close to the body and with a forward cant. This would be my choice for a carry weapon as it always works and it will hit what you shoot at with extreme accuracy.


S&W Model 66 variations:

66 - no dash - introduced 1970.

66-1 - 1977, changed the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder.

66-2 - 1982, eliminated pinned and recessed, slightly lengthened cylinder.

66-3 - 1986, new yoke retention system / radius stud package / hammer nose bushing / floating hand

66-4 - 1994, change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, introduce Hogue grips, change extractor.

66-5 - 1998, change in frame design: eliminate cylinder stop stud/eliminate serrated tangs/change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin/change internal lockwork.

66-6 - 2002, introduce internal lock.

2005 - discontinued.

[Magnum Mikie]

Thanks Lenny. It appears that S&W improved the 66 throughout the different variations.

[1911fan]

Until 1998 that is.