Calling all S&W model 66 owners

[gamestalker]

I would buy one of the new generation 66's, but I would definitely do some shopping for one that feels right, locks up tighter, smoother action, better finishing job. In other words, I probably wouldn't buy the first one I see. I like the fact that they beefed them up a bit, adds a little more of what a magnum wheel gun needs.

I have a couple snub 66's, a 66-5, which is when some changes started to happen. But it's still a very nice K frame, very nice looking, the action is rock solid and about as smooth as any S&W I ever held, and accuracy is simply amazing.

I also have a 66-2, and that little beauty is no more, or less a favorite between the two. IMO, an M66 is an M66, is an M66.

And BTW, both of those K frames have had thousands full tilt jacketed loads run through them, and they're still just as tight and accurate as when I bought them. And I haven't had any problems with forcing cone or top strap gas cutting.

GS

 

[Elkins45]

I would rather have the hand finishing- even the lesser quality of the Bangor-Punta days- than any modern forced-tolerance-fit S&W. The new 66 may be a great revolver. But it's not an original 66- which is quite stout for anything I would want out of it- and there's nothing the new 66 can do that a 686/586 couldn't do as well.

I can think of a few things it can do better:

1. Be ordered from new stock
2. Be repaired under a lifetime service policy
3. Get a replacement part without having to hunt all over the Internet
4. Shoot full power 357 loads continuously without having to worry about losing your investment. If you shoot it loose, see #2 above. Edit--does not apply to 686, just new 66.

Not defending S&W--the last three new Smith revolvers I bought were pure garbage, but some of the nostalgia is just that. There's nothing about pinned barrels or recessed rims that make the guns better shooters. Those are just identifying features of older guns.

Human nature is funny. Bangor Punta guns were crap back in the 70's but now they are fine examples of old world craftsmanship.

 

[centag]

I have been able find some very nice 66s in the last 2 years.

This an Ashland 3"

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Bidders shied away from the highly modified 66 but I could not resist.



66-3 2.5



66-2







66-6 3" PC



66 ND 4" Notice the SS rear sights. P&R This one was given an action job and some other work by Grant Cunningham one of the top gunsmiths in the nation. Google the name or check him out on YouTube. He started out as a watch maker I think.



One last 66 ND 4 - Reasonable priced revolvers are still out there. This was $575 in Dec 2015.



Thanks for looking.

 

[Hondo 60]

66-2

 

[evan price]

I guess the reason we wax nostalgic over Bangor-Punta now, is because the B-P guns are to the old prewar S&Ws, what the current crop of guns are to the old B-P's.
B-P is who created the stainless-steel Smith. I've got some early ones, with swirls in the machining, poor finishes on internal parts, funky file marks on the fire control parts.
But even B-Ps somewhat slipshod interpretations of prewar S&W quality are superior in style to the modern Smiths.
Sure the modern Smiths have a lifetime warranty and better metallurgy. They've just engineered all of the hand finishing out of them, with forced-matched parts and generous tolerances so most things just drop together. And the exterior finishes...ye gawds they all look like toasters. The modern S&W is by and large the Toyota Camry of firearms.