My neurotic letter to Smith & Wesson. Anyone have answers?

[Amadeus]

I have a 4" barrel Model 66-3 that I purchased new in 1994. I have not kept track of how many rounds I have fired with the gun. I conservatively estimate somewhere around 5000. Many of those were .38 special with a few hundred .357 mixed into the diet.

I clean and oil the revolver after every range session and once per month if it has not been fired. I hope to be able to use this gun for the rest of my life before passing it to the next generation of shooters. But I am concerned. I hear that Smith and Wesson is discontinuing the K-frames.

Should I worry that Smith and Wesson will no longer be able to offer repairs and parts for this gun?

Given regular cleaning, how many rounds should I expect to get through the Model 66 before it begins to wear out?

What parts should be changed out and when should I change them?

What is the projected round count for the barrel, bore, and cylinder?

In short, will this gun wear out in my lifetime and if so, how long will that take and how do I get it rebuilt when it happens?

Thanks.

 

[Old Fuff]

I understand that S&W has run out of barrels, but I wouldn't be too concerned. Parts in the model 19 are not known for breaking, and when problems do happen they usually are because of neglect or abuse - both are unlikely in your case. Over time it may suffer from some finish wear, but not much else.

If you are concerned, you could return it to the factory and have them go through the gun and make any adjustments they thought to be necessary or prudent. They could also replace worn or defective parts, but I'm betting they wouldn't have to.

If you shoot .38 Specials through it, with perhaps some .357 Magnums once and awhile, I suspect the gun will outlive you. I occasionally shoot Smith & Wesson revolvers that were made in the 19th century, and I haven't had one break yet.

 

[Majic]

Other than the frame, barrel, and cylinder that other parts are the same as the K-frames still in production. Then there is a vast supply of parts found on the market both used and new. I wouldn't worry about parts.

 

[Old Fuff]

Ah ... no. The lockwork in current (or I should say recent) K-frame revolvers is entirely different then that used in an older 19-3. However almost anything and everything that might be needed is still available, but as time goes by it will become more expensive.

 

[thatguy]

My M19 is 24 years older than your 66 and God only knows how many rounds it has fired. BTW- No .38 Specials. All hot Magnums. If I have any trouble with mine I'll let you know so you can start watching yours.

It seems to me that since stainless is tougher than carbon steel guns made from it might be a little more durable, as well?

 

[Standing Wolf]

Should I worry that Smith and Wesson will no longer be able to offer repairs and parts for this gun?

That's inevitable: all products eventually reach the ends of their life cycles. The only question is how soon.

 

[Shear_stress]

Earlier this year, I had the factory rebuild a pre-M18 from 1953 with period-correct parts. I sent a post-war M&P there Friday for a new hand and a tune-up. There is a finite number of new-old-stock bits and pieces for sure. But, I wouldn't worry about the supply drying up in the near future.

 

[Boss Spearman]

My 6 inch Model 19-3 has worked just fine since 1975 (when my dad got it)
with only routine cleaning.