[boilerman86]

Has anyone ever had trouble getting this gun to group? I can get a half decent (7 inches approx) at 10 yards, I'm pretty sure it can do better, but I just wanna be sure. The idiot behind the gun is 90% or more of the problem, but just want to be sure.

[DMK]

They don't all shoot like that. A friend of mine has one (I think it's a 3" barrel?) that shoots very nicely, even though I'm not used to it. His makes me want one badly.

[mnrivrat]

You should be able to cut that group in half at least - unless there is a problem with the gun. Have another friend shoot for group also and if it remains that large you might want to have a smith take a look at it.

[JCF]

I've currently got a very well used (retired duty) 66 that is particularly accurate. It's not my first, and the others didn't perform as well as this one, but nothing like what you are describing. If it was in fact the gun and not the operator, I would be very dissatisfied with that performance.

[boilerman86]

like i said, im pretty sure its the idiot behind the gun, but i appreciate the input, it helps alot. Mine is actually a former issue for a motorcycle cop, so im pretty sure it was taken care of. I'm not the greatest shooter and the ammo i was using ranged from '77-'89, so it might be that, idk. I'm very happy with this gun and plan to burn alot of money shooting it for years to come.

[Guy B. Meredith]

To do a double check on the "idiot" load random chambers with spent rounds so that as you are shooting you don't know whether you are dropping a live round or not. Your reactions when the hammer falls on a dead round will tell the story.

If you are dead steady, then the revolver or ammo may not be up to snuff. If you notice dropping, jerking, etc., spend more time with the random loads and you'll be fine. I have a long standing flinch and have to work at it constantly and by the end of such a session am rock solid and doing creditable groups.

[Thaddeus Jones]

What grain bullets are you using? Mine groups best with 158 grain 38's. TJ

[Walkalong]

Bullet weight. Yep.

My model 14 won't shoot 158 Gr. bullets for squat, but will shoot 148 DEWC's and 125 Gr. anything into one hole. It should shoot the 158's, but it won't.

[Steve C]

A badly leaded or copper fouled bore can reduce accuracy significantly and could be the problem. Examine it a carefully and clean appropriately if there's lots of fouling.

Years ago a gun shop owner I know once told me of a customer that came back complaining his new revolver wouldn't hit the broad side of the barn. Upon close examination it was found the barrel had never been rifled. A quick trip to S&W for a new barrel solved that problem.

[miko]

I though the way to tell the inherent accuracy of a pistol was to shoot off the gunrest/vise in a SA mode.

miko

[SJshooter]

Give the gun a thorough cleaning - to the point it looks unfired (if you haven't already). Check the timing and cylinder play. If that all looks good shoot it again from a benchrest. Then do as someone else said - load two of six chambers with spent rounds, give it a spin so you don't know what order the rounds are coming (but don't flick it shut!), and see how much your hand is moving when it clicks and doesn't fire.

A 66 with no mechanical problems is scary-accurate, but check the gun as best you can and then check your flinch.

[def4pos8]

Ditto the lead-fouled barrel clue above. I purchased a Model 25-5 that had no visible rifling due to lead fouling. .45ACP muskets don't shoot too well. I doubt .38/.357s will either.

Your revolver ought to hold 2-inch groups at 25 yards with most 125- to 158-grain loads.

Check for overall cleanliness. A local gunsmith might help with cylinder endplay, timing, bolt stop play and other mechanical pitfalls.

Then there is practice, practice, practice. . . . Good luck!

[bakert]

Another guess on lead or fouling in the barrel. A Lewis or other brand lead remover or you might try swabbing the barrel with good solvent and let sit for a while then wrap some strands of copper chore boy scrub pad around an old bore brush and run it through a number of times. Be surprised at what comes out of some barrels.

[The_Antibubba]

I have a 66 and .357 is difficult for me. Try some .38 WCs.