My heart weeps... They butchered the M-66...

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goon

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Although there are a whole lot of guns I would like to have, I can only afford so many at a time. I often save and wait until I come across one that is on my "list", then buy it.
I have long wanted a S&W M-66 with a 2.5 inch barrel. I have always admired their feel and balance, as well as the power that they pack into that size of a revolver.
I figured that there would be M-66's for quite some time, so I wasn't too concerned with buying one right away. But it was on the list.
I looked at one yesterday and I immediately noticed the little hole just above the cylinder latch. I knew what it was.
One of those damned "you're too stupid to own a gun" built in safeties. My heart sank.
They took a perfectly good handgun and turned it into an insult.
Now I have to try and find a good used one without the safety.
Jacka$$es.
This treason is even bigger that the sellout a few years back.
 
Luckily, you can still find a used one in excellent condition, and it will be a much better gun, and it will likely cost less than a new one!
 
Agree with MK IV in that you can find used ones all over and fairly cheap at that. Frankly the locks have been there for awhile with no issues reported, why sweat it?. If it's a "traditional" thing why you buying stainless anyway? ;)

I've been very happy with my 2 1/2" 19 (no lock of course), but admit the newer guns without recessed chambers and with the strength upgrades are likely better defense weapons.

JMHO
 
You can still find LNIB older ones. They were built better anyway.
Saw an unfired older one today on one of the auctions. If I remember right, it was a 2-1/2" and currently a little over $300.
 
You will be able to find NIB specimens for at least the next 20 years. I've bought most of my revolvers that way. r
 
Like everybody already said, there are so many out there now you will have no problem finding an older gun with no lock.
 
I want stainless because it is better for a carry gun.
I just don't like things that complicate things.
I like my lever guns without the little hammer block.
If I buy a double barrel coach gun with hammers, I don't want any stupid extra safety to complicate things.
Same with the M-66.
I wasn't really ready to buy one yet, but I had a buddy that works at my local shop check into finding a new but pre-safety gun for me. If I gotta scrounge the dough up for it, I guess I gotta do what I gotta go.
I have noticed something about revolvers.
I bought one a few weeks ago, and now I want more.
I need a M-66, 29, 37, and an old model .357 Blackhawk.
Maybe a police positive for good measure.
Man, my Second Ammendment Rights sure are expensive.:evil:
 
Yup, the pre-owned market is the way to go! The beauty of the older ones is that not only will you prolly save some $$, but you'll prolly find one w/ a much nicer trigger too!
Good luck ;)
 
cdnn sells the 66 w/ 3.25" barrel for 369, and no lock.... i have one and love it, i've loved it so much it's time for some endplay work.... :D
 
Ditto what Hal said.

I only buy "pre-agreemenmt" Smiths, both for their quality and design, but also for the principle of the thing.

As always, YMMV!
 
Good older used S&W revolvers are getting scarce around here. The shops have pleanty of new ones though. A lot of people feel the same way about the quality of the new guns, and the policies of the company. Still a good selection of older guns on the auctions, but the prices are getting higher.
 
Fear not good sir! You'll be able to find minty used ones for a while. Put it this way, if I could find a NIB unfired 625 you can easily find a mint 66.

Rich
 
I agree goon, but those with kids (like me) might appreciate the "nipple lock," like Springfield's ILS lock. But I have a Gun Vault and a Browning safe, so I don't need such stuff.

And not only do the new 'Smiths come with the integral lock, the name of the company and the caliber is laser etched on the barrel -- not stamped -- and it's got that God-awful internal firing pin. I saw a new Model 66 at my local shop just the other day for a good price...nice trigger... but I couldn't get past those three things. Sent me surfing to Guns America right quick.
 
Just a curious question?

This is a non-political query:
Has there ever been a documented case of someone being injured because of the gun lock (ie. in an emergency the key was not found, or couldn't be unlocked in time?)
 
It is a huge deal to me, so great that I have been looking at alternatives to the M-66.
It is an insult to my intelligence.
I think I will have to check out CDNN before I give up completely though.
 
Whatever. There are about 2,000,000 M66s made prior to the inclusion of the locking device. Go buy one.

Thank you. I always appreciate a good dose of attitude.
I will be sure to extend you the same courtesy the next time you feel the need to vent.
 
couldnt you just remove the locking device???
Click to expand...

Thats what I did on my car. No silly car manufacturer is going to dirty up the side view of my vehicle with those little circles. Its an insult the way they think they know better than I how to protect my vehicle and anything contained within.
 
so is i a legal issue to remove it? or the fact that there is a gaping hole? or the fact that they did it in the first place an shame them?

wouldnt be the first time a manufacturer was PC an wont be the last?
 
*Not a lawyer*

...but spend a lot of time in court, been on the stand about 50 times, tons of time in Judges chambers and DA's office seeing and participating in working out criminal cases.

Removing a safety is in relatively the same league to me as using a laser sighted M-4 "forgery" with 3 thirty round clips hooked together for home defense, using homemade "extra good" hollowpoints, or having a "If your found here at night you'll be found here in the morning" sign posted outside your house.

If by "No evidence" you mean no Judge or Jury has ever stood up and ruled "Due soley to the fact to the Mr. Smith did "x" we find him crimmminally or civilly liable for..." your right. However if anyone thinks any of the above will not be noticed and at least taken into account by the Police, Judge, D/A, civil attorney and possibly a jury, I think they are sadly mistaken.

Just from my experience the fewer things you have to "explain" the better. I would not remove a safety on any gun.

JMHO
 
Get the 3 inch barrel. The balance is better and you get a full-length ejector rod (very valuable).
 
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