Another hot S&W Rumor

[dfariswheel]

I've been told that S&W is planning to discontinue the "K" frame Model 65 and 66.

Apparently these will be replaced with no-under-lug, lightweight barreled "L" frame models.

This would leave the Model 10 and 64 as the only center-fire "K" frames made.

Along with the apparent change to a shrouded barrel, it's sounding like S&W is doing a major change to it's revolver line-up and design.

 

[Ric]

It sounds like the next couple of years are going to be interesting.
500 Mag
Thunder ranch 44
Scandium
SW 1911
I think since it ownership changed they are trying to make up for lost time

 

[stans]

Hmmmm...well, I see far more 686's being marketed and sold than 66's. Perhaps that limited run of short underlug 686's was a harbinger of doom for the 66?

 

[Karate]

I hope not I love my 66...may be I should buy another one just in case...buy hey I could learn to love a 686+ with a 2inch barrel

 

[Standing Wolf]

I think since it ownership changed they are trying to make up for lost time...

Yeah, but is the company going backward or forward?

 

[telomerase]

I think since it ownership changed they are trying to make up for lost time

But are they ever going to make the Model 63 or Model 18 again? People don't learn to shoot on scandium .44 mags.

At least not very well...

 

[sgt127]

I'm OK with it. There are so many great used ones still out there, its worth picking up a few and tossing them in the safe. I'm not really fond of trigger locks, ugly grips and MIM parts anyway. Lord knows the K frame had one heck of a run for a really long time.

And, theres nothing wrong with an L frame.

 

[ted murphy]

quote:
But are they ever going to make the Model 63 or Model 18 again? People don't learn to shoot on scandium .44 mags
===========================

They do make a 4" 617 now.


FWIW, I heard on another forum about what is going on with the K frame. It makes me sad. I am really considering picking up a 3" 65 (yeah the ladysmith) before they are all gone.

Except, that I've had so much trouble with my most recent S&W purchase that I'm thinking that it's pointless to buy another S&W until they decide to tighten up on the QC some. Maybe they are honoring the K frame by discontinuing it now; that way they won't cheapen it up any more and it will retain some measure of its dignity.

Ted

 

[Karate]

I contacted S&W about this rumorand they said Quote

Hi,
I do not know of any plans to discontinue this model.
thank you,
kf

 

[bluedsteelnwood]

Rumor S&W

If S&W wants to keep up with the times they should put out a liine of vintage revolvers like the Model 36 or 36-1, Model 40 Centennial or the Terrier. I bet they would sell a thousand of each., that is if they have the skills still left to make them the way the did forty or fifty years ago.

 

[IndianaDean]

My 686's and 66 should last more years than I will be alive, so I'm not too concerned about what they market from here on out.

 

[Sox]

They need to bring out a .45 revo with a smaller 5 round cylinder on like a K or L frame for CCW. The 625 PC, but a little more trim, as its cylinder is BIG! Here's where I get stoned: how about a 4 shot pocketable .45GAP.

 

[Blueduck]

that is if they have the skills still left to make them the way the did forty or fifty years ago.

Maybe somewhat in their defense even if they had the skill very few consumers would have the wallet to pay the tab.

Good news is still a lot of great old S/W revolvers out there, buy'em while you can! When I think of all the great $2-$300 95+% S/W revolvers I passed on because I thought they were "overpriced" at the time or hearing of folks paying $50 less and just KNEW another one would turn up at my price....:banghead:

 

[RON in PA]

I keep hearing all the comments about how bad the current Smiths are compared to the "good ole days". I have a vintage 2001 model 10 with the frame mounted firing pin and MIM hammer and trigger. The polish, fit and blue are first rate, better than some pre 81 pinned guns I own. I bought the gun used,but barely fired. It has broken in with a great DA pull. Same for the PC627 I bought new (only complaint is the ugly lock). Smith & Wesson can still make a good product. Sorry but change happens and if they are to stay alive they have to find less expensive manufacturing techniques. OK by me so long as the basic quality remains.