S&w 66-1

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Joshua M.

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I'm looking for a 6" barrel for my 66-1. I have the 2", and it is ported, and holy geeze is it loud, and the concussion on your face and chest is cool, but I would like to find a useable barrel. Numreich is out, and brownells don't offer one. Thanks..-Joshua
 
+1 to what bikemutt said. FYI, 2.5" Model 66 revolvers are sought-after by collectors and shooters. You could easily sell the snub gun and buy a 6" gun with the proceeds. Most dealers would be happy to get a 2.5" Mod. 66.
 
But...I am also interested in keeping the shorter barrel, just in case I want it to go back to original. I don't have much in it as I purchased it from an older friend, so $175 ain't no big deal.
 
But...I am also interested in keeping the shorter barrel, just in case I want it to go back to original. I don't have much in it as I purchased it from an older friend, so $175 ain't no big deal.
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Changing barrels on a K-frame S&W revolver, is a complicated endeavor, even with a competent gunsmith doing the work. It's not like switching barrels on your Model 870 Remington shotgun. The barrel is compressed against the frame when it's tightened, so it's not just screwed into the frame. There's a real possibility of warping the frame on any barrel swap. If the frame gets warped, your Model 66 just became a very expensive paperweight.

+1 on what Starter52 and bikemutt wrote. Find a 6" Model 66. You're looking at about $500 for a decent used one.
 
+1 on pendennis inpuut

& having Hamilton Bowen change the barrel to a 6" would be
at least $500 though it might include more with an aciton job.

R-
 
You can't change the barrel yourself, you will twist the frame if you do.
 
Thanks for the replies, I forgot that it was a pinned barrel, guess I'll leave it be.
 
Even if the barrel wasn't pinned, it's still a job for a gunsmith. After the mid-1950's the pinned barrels were a "belt-and-suspenders" feature on S&W revolvers.

Revolvers, whether Colt, S&W, or Ruger require a fixture to lock the frame in place, preventing warping.

The elimination of the pinned barrels, ca. 1982, was merely a labor/parts-saving step.
 
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