S&W 66 2 1/2" for IDPA

[Alex]

The other day I put a very nice S&W 66 on layaway at a local gunshop. I have been looking for a good revolver to use for IDPA competition and the 66 is one I have been keeping an eye out for. My only concern is that it has a 2 1/2" barrel, but the selling point for me was that it has obviouslly been very well tuned, the action feels like butter. How many of you have the 2 1/2" 66's/19's and what do you think about there shootability.

 

[Mike Irwin]

I've shot a number of IDPA matches with my 2.5" Model 19.

Not sure why you'd consider it to be a problem.

Can you elaborate a little more as to your concerns?

 

[Dave Williams]

2 1/2" M66

Alex,

I've seen the 2 1/2" M66/19 shot quite a bit at PPC matches, in the undercover gun stage, and it is a favorite gun in that venue, very shootable out to 25yards. I see no reason why it wouldn't be acceptable in IDPA. A guy with a Wilson M66 2 1/2" beat me in an undercover IDPA match once, it was a sweet gun. Of course, I was shooting a 442, so he had a wee advantage.

Dave

 

[Alex]

I was just thinking a 4" with the longer sighting radius would be more shootable, I was also wondering if the shorter barrel has caused the ejector rod to be shortend to the point that case extraction is no longer as positive.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Alex,

IDPA is close enough that the shorter sight radius isn't really an issue.

As for the extractor rod, you're obviously not using the proper extraction method for a sure, speed ejection/reload.

1. Open the cylinder.

2. Point the muzzle straight up in the air.

3. Mash the living hell out of the ejector rod with the thumb pad (the big bulgy spot on your palm behind your thumb).

4. Reload.

The point is that you allow gravity to assist you, and you "power eject" the spent casings by very forcefully operating the ejector rod. Doing it like this ensures that all of the cases are ejected surely, and helps prevent unburned powder from getting under the extractor star, which could tie up the gun.

The older guns, wtih the mushroom shaped ejector rod head, were a lot nicer to do this with. More than once I've come away from an IDPA match bruised and literally bleeding from operating the ejector rod.

 

[Dave Williams]

Use the Stressfire reload

I use the Stressfire revolver reload, from Ayoob's book, in which you whack the ejector rod sharply with your off hand, not your thumb. This reload greatly enhances case extraction from the small guns. As to shootability, thats a personal thing. Some shoot better with long sight radius, some short.

Dave

 

[JPM70535]

I carried a 2 1/2" model 66 as an off duty weapon for some years as a LEO. Qualification was still done on the old standard of firing stages of 7, 15, 25, and 59 yds. I had no problem shooting better than 295 out of 300. I truthfully could not say that my 4" mod.66 shot any better.

I have used it for Plate matches and never felt under gunned.

Ditto to forcefully whacking the ejector rod with the ball of the left thumb, it always worked for me and I never had a FTE all the cases.

 

[M1911]

I use the Stressfire revolver reload, from Ayoob's book, in which you whack the ejector rod sharply with your off hand, not your thumb.

Did that once. Only once. Wound up with a neat, circular cut in the palm of my hand.

 

[Dave Williams]

oops

Forgot to mention the metal gauntlet you have to wear on your off hand!

"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I use the Stressfire revolver reload, from Ayoob's book, in which you whack the ejector rod sharply with your off hand, not your thumb.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Did that once. Only once. Wound up with a neat, circular cut in the palm of my hand."


Dave

 

[tomkatz]

before I bought my 2.5in. 66, I asked a pretty knowledgeable friend who has a short barrel 19 and 66, "how do they shoot", his answer, "like a rifle", maybe a stretch, but it was good enough for me....tom

 

[Alex]

What kind of holster setup do you all use with the 66, I like good quality holsters and right now I'm looking at either Milt Sparks or Kramer to make a holster for it. I'm not so sure what I'll use for speedloaders or carry methods on those yet though. Also what are your favorite grips for this pistol, I like the Jordan grips, but there too large for my hands. I'm thinking about making a smaller set as soon as I see a suitable pair to use as a pattern. Thanks for all the information, it's great to have this forum back in business again.

 

[Dave Williams]

Alex

The people I know who shoot PPC with the Smith use the Fobus. Light, fast, and cheap, but very usable. It's a good way to get started, especially with money tight the way it is nowadays. I own products from both Sparks and Kramer, and you can't go wrong with either. For speedloader pouches I like the split six pouch, availble from a couple makers, which holds the speedloader in a snapped pouch, with 3 round riding on each side of the belt. I like Pachmayr compact grips on the K Frame, but that's personal.

Dave

 

[Mike Irwin]

Whoops, that should NOT have said thumb!

Should have said the thumb pad on your palm, where the muscle and fat is.

Thanks, Dave!

 

[Mike Irwin]

"Did that once. Only once. Wound up with a neat, circular cut in the palm of my hand."

1911,

Yep, see my edited message. More than once I've cut the crap out of my palm when doing reloads like this.

 

[Frenchy]

I shoot IDPA with what I carry on duty every day. A 2 1/2" 686-5! Although my eyes aren’t what they used to be, the ranges don't seem to be a problem.
I believe in the spirit of the game....shoot what you carry.