Okay so I've got a 4 inch model 66-2 .357. It carries surprisingly well given it is a full size 6 shooter. I would like to get an inch off of the barrel though, is there any way to do that without cutting on the gun? Also who does it?
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Majic
February 1, 2006, 08:40 PM
Call the factory and see if they have any 2 1/2" barrels for it and swap the barrel out. You can also look to trade it for a 2 1/2 or 3 incher.
Checkman
February 1, 2006, 08:51 PM
Why not buy a Ruger GP100 with the 3" barrel and trade in the Model 66? The Ruger GP100 3" model has fixed sights, shoots .357/38 and is very strong. The rubber factory grips are pretty good as well.I've seen used ones in my area selling between $300-350. Good chance that a gunstore would take a fair amount off the Ruger's sticker price if you traded in that Model 66.
Then, for not that much money, you could have the hammer bobbed by a local gunsmith and you'd have a pretty nice carry revolver that won't snag. Just an idea.
I own a GP 100 with a 6" barrel and love it. But my next purchase is going to be one of the 3" models. Also have a SP101 with the 2.25" barrel. Rugers may not be as refined as Smiths (and I own seven of them) but they're a very reliable and solid wheelgun.
ribbonstone
February 1, 2006, 10:30 PM
Have to check, but may have to change out some eejctor rod parts as well when going to the 2.5" version.
Almost every one who does the barrel switch wishes that they'd just bought another gun and kept the long one.
Old Fuff
February 1, 2006, 10:39 PM
If you go under 3 inches you'll have to change the ejector and center rods.
Frankly, if you add up the costs of the modification including the cost of a new barrel, fitting it, and such you'll likely find that it would be less expensive to sell the one you have, and buy another with the shorter barrel.
Wllm. Legrand
February 1, 2006, 11:35 PM
Don't massacree a perfectly good gun...
Keep the 4", then get the 2 1/2" model (see other post today regarding price) or get a 3" Mod. 13 (FBI issue gun for long time). That's basically a mod. 10 chambered for .357; most of these were done in 3" (as is mine) and are super smooth. Fixed sights...GREAT gun.
I'd much rather have an older gun than one buggered up with locks.
Just my opinion....
orangeninja
February 2, 2006, 01:01 AM
William, I probably won't carry a 4inch barreled one, but if'n ya want to trade.....;)
Euclidean
February 2, 2006, 01:10 AM
Why not buy a Ruger GP100 with the 3" barrel and trade in the Model 66? The Ruger GP100 3" model has fixed sights, shoots .357/38 and is very strong. The rubber factory grips are pretty good as well.I've seen used ones in my area selling between $300-350. Good chance that a gunstore would take a fair amount off the Ruger's sticker price if you traded in that Model 66.
Then, for not that much money, you could have the hammer bobbed by a local gunsmith and you'd have a pretty nice carry revolver that won't snag. Just an idea.
I own a GP 100 with a 6" barrel and love it. But my next purchase is going to be one of the 3" models. Also have a SP101 with the 2.25" barrel. Rugers may not be as refined as Smiths (and I own seven of them) but they're a very reliable and solid wheelgun.
I too wanted a 3" barrel, and the GP100 was the route I went rather than gunsmithing and I don't regret it at all. I have TWO perfectly functional revolvers now.:)
cortez kid
February 2, 2006, 10:07 AM
For what you'll spend on the conversion, you can find a nice shape 2 1/2" and have 2 great guns. Remember, if one is good, 2 has to be better.
kid
Billy Sparks
February 2, 2006, 10:20 AM
There are 3" model 66s floating around. Lew Horton had some made up a couple of years ago. I should know I have one in the safe at the house.
ulflyer
February 2, 2006, 11:02 AM
Alduro, if it has a tapered barrel I'll be glad to take that ugly old thing off your hands so you can get a nice Ruger.
orangeninja
February 2, 2006, 03:44 PM
Alduro, if it has a tapered barrel I'll be glad to take that ugly old thing off your hands so you can get a nice Ruger.
If you got a short barreled ruger...you've got PM.;)
cardboardkiller
February 2, 2006, 04:54 PM
I have a 6" 66-4 at Gemini Customs getting cut down to 3 inches, round butted, action job, converted to moonclips and hard chromed right now.
There are several of the big name revolversmiths who are more than happy to whack the end off a barrel, give one a call.
StrikeEagle
February 2, 2006, 05:42 PM
I have to agree with those who suggest you leave the 66 as it is. I'm of the opinion that major surgery of the type you comtemplate can just degrade a gun. :(
4" 66 is beautiful as it is. I have one just like it... pinned, recessed, no lock. :p
For the money you'd spend chopping it, you really could get a Ruger with the barrel you want from the start.
StrikeEagle
Gixerman1000
February 3, 2006, 09:37 PM
Just buy a new handgun.
IMO 3" is perfect for a CCW revolver, I own a 3" 66-4 and it’s one of my favorite revolvers.
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