Bought a S&W Model 66 .357 stainless, so...now what?

[albanian]

A four inch SS .357 mag in about a K-frame has lots of uses. In fact, I consider it the do-all revolver. I have a 4" SS Ruger Speed Six that gets shot more than ANY of my other revolvers. It is just such a good balance of weight and power and size. I use mone mostly for informal target pratice and plinking. I would use it as a home defense gun if I already didn't have a Beretta 92FS that has been 100% reliable over the years. I would use it as a car gun if I didn't have other guns that fill that role just as well.

About the only thing I would use it for would be a CCW gun. It is just too big and heavy for only 6 shots. I can carry my Kahr K-9 with 8 shots of +P 9mm and have a smaller easier to pack gun with more shots and more power if you add the power of the extra shots. It only weighs 25ozs compared to the revolver that weighs about 40ozs IIRC.

I am thinking of getting a 4" 66 in SS just to have so I think you should keep it. If I could find one for $240, I would buy it right away. It may not fill any particular need better than anything else but that is not a reason not to own one. Everybody should have at least one revolver in their collection.

 

[orangeninja]

The K Frame actually feels very light for its size. Could be balance, I don't know. How heavy are the 4 inch 66's?

 

[juneau803]

Just take it out and shoot it. You will likely fall in love.

My wife can put six rounds in a group the size of a grapefruit at 50 feet.....double action. That's with a 66 no dash P/R 2.5 inch barrel. Standing, rapid fire.

 

[Robert Hairless]

... The K frame is a dead design because of the inherent weakness of such a small frame for such a hard recoiling load according to Ayoob. ...

According to Smith & Wesson too, addressing Primedia Outdoors Editor's Roundtable:

Belin [Smith & Wesson's Handgun Product Manager] also shared that the company is retiring the K-frame Model 65 and 66, but is reintroducing the two models as Model's 665 and 666 saying the new guns will be similar to the 65 and 66 except they'll be "L" framed guns.

"(The Model 65 and 66) is not a proper gun for current .357 loadings," said Belin.

Don't you just hate it when Ayoob and the manufacturer both see the same reality?

I've been shooting a Model 65 recently and I might be in love with it. The only reason for doubt is that I've also been shooting a Model 28 (N frame .357, the Highway Patrolman) and I know I'm in love with that one. The other day it was breaking clay pigeons at 75 yards offhand and it let me hold it while it was doing so. Any gun that does such a thing for me has earned my affection. But the Model 65 is friskier and that's attractive.

 

[Stainz]

First, let us look at the difference in an L-frame (686) and K-frame: front strap width and frame opening height! They share the same lockwork and grips, but the L-frame allows a wider OD for the forcing cone, permitting more erosion before the barrel would have to be replaced. This erosion occurs more so with lite (110-125 gr) and high velocity rounds (1200+ fps). Stay out of that range, and you'll have a revolver that will be passed on to your children. The taller frame opening permits a larger OD cylinder - and a seventh round, a la the 686+ and the 65/66's replacement 619/620 series. As others have said, the greatest attribute of the K-frames is their inherent 'pointability', carried on in the 619/620 series, albeit with another ounce or so of metal. Always remember to compare these series with the same grips, as the grips are interchangeable - and make a world of difference.

Re ammo... why use a 125gr 1300 fps round? That round, with it's 468 ft-lb KE, may pass through several interior walls before injuring a neighbor. It will certainly deafen you, perhaps doing permenant damage, as well as blind you from the flash, if shot at night in a small enclosed space. Always remember why the .357M was developed - for J.Edgar's G-men to shoot through car doors at fleeing felons. Doug Wesson took all kinds of game - including bear - with his .357M as an advertising ploy back in the thirties. I guess, if your bg is hiding in the fridge, or has an irate elk with him, you may need a .357M!

A very effective PD round was developed for the .357M and +P-rated .38 snubbies tears ago - actually only replaced by semi's due to their greater capacity - the so-called 'FBI load'. This 158gr +P LHPSWC, like the Remington R38S12's I use, will make 840 fps from a 2" barrel (252 ft-lb) and 912 fps from a 3" barrel (291 ft-lb). They enjoy, from a 2" snubby, a significantly higher 'one shot stop' than the venerable .45 ACP ball ammo. My wife could empty her 3" 65 quickly and accurately - with wood stocks - with those rounds. Of course, the still new Speer 135gr Gold Dots have great promise, too.

You can always 'kill' the shine of a SS revolver with a maroon or grey ScotchBrite pad...

Stainz

 

[YodaVader]

The K Frame actually feels very light for its size. Could be balance, I don't know. How heavy are the 4 inch 66's?

My old Smith catalog lists the following for the Model 66:

30.5 oz - 2.5"
36 oz - 4"
39 oz - 6"

Like many mentioned here , if you truly don't like that 66 it should be pretty easy to sell.

 

[aguyindallas]

Alduro,

As of late, I have picked up a couple wheel guns. I have always been an semi-auto guy.

I got myself some Hogues/holsters and now I put them into my rotation. They are of course snubbies, not 4inch like you have there.

I have wanted a good ole 66 for a while. Good luck with it and let me know when/if you decide to part company with it.

 

[Iggy]

Just a thought

I think if you were to do a search for the "What gun would you choose if you could only have one" threads on the various gun forums, you will find that you have what the majority find to be the answer.

If you don't shoot the hottest loads you can find in it, it will still be shooting .38's and.357's for your grandkids when they want to learn how to shoot Grampa's guns.

Go shoot it and let it teach you it's merits.

 

[dhoomonyou]

38 spl + p

Is the key.

 

[lanceman193]

I consider myself a J frame collector,however any time I can pick up a 66-1 in 2 1/2 or 4 inches at a good price I do.I think these are the best investment in handguns.Stainless steel can always be polished to look like nickel,these are discontinued,mostly pinned barrel and recessed cylinders,and shoot like a dream.I now have 2 four inchers and four 2 1/2 inchers,one of which is recessed but not pinned,It has the higher serial number of all,98Kwhatever it is.The triggers on all are great,damn' sure don't have integral locks,and forgive me folks,anybody heard of P&R S&Ws going Down in value?NOBRAINER!!!!!

 

[happy old sailor]

what can you do with it???

shoot it and walk proudly

 

[Mad Man]

Belin [Smith & Wesson's Handgun Product Manager] also shared that the company is retiring the K-frame Model 65 and 66, but is reintroducing the two models as Model's 665 and 666 saying the new guns will be similar to the 65 and 66 except they'll be "L" framed guns.

S&W Model 666 ?!

Queue the "Number of the Beast" jokes.

 

[461]

What is it good for? For starters taking it out and shooting it one time will prove that the "Experts" don't know jack about guns and that all that crap they spout is for selling advertising and that as a real gunner one must think for themselves. Second, it'll be about the best dang gun you ever owned (until you buy a Ruger)

 

[DB]

Models "665 & 666"... Aren't those really the newly introduced models 619 and 620?