S&W 66-7

[rxraptor02]

I bought this revolver about 8 months ago. I was looking around and don't see that much info about it. I have the factory case with the factory test fired brass. The info on the test fire was taken in 2005.

I know that it is no longer made and must of been replaced by the 686.

But does anyone know why it is not made any more or just general info about it?

 

[357wheelgunner]

It's been discussed to death. Search for "K-frame" or "S&W 66".

Hint: The model 66 is a "K-frame" shared by the model 19, 64, 65, 66, 67....and a few more that I can't think of off hand. They are all 6 shot .357 or .38 special. They point like a finger and often go un noticed in or on your wasteband. They discontinued them because of a weak forcing cone (but I and many others have fire thousands of rounds through ours without trouble). The main problem is hot 125 gr and lighter .357 rounds. The heavier 158gr. loads won't wear it down so quickly.

Enjoy a great gun. I sold my 3" 65 and 3" 66, but still have a 4" model 65, 4" model 66, and 4" model 19. I love them all (except for my model 19 which has a beatup nickel finish that I have to get redone) and will never get rid of them.

 

[rxraptor02]

Thanks,

good to know about the forcing cone. I will refine my search

 

[Confederate]

I'd just like to chime in and, like a broken record, lament the decision by Smith to stop making the 66. The 686 is about the best revolver that anyone has ever put out, but it's a wee bit heavy fer walkin' in the woods. Ditto fer the Ruger GP-100.

Unfortunately, our only choice now for the BEST revolver caliber is either a gun that's way too light or way too heavy. Someone, sooner or later, is going to have to fill this gap. Another problem this whole thing has made is that ammo loaders must make ammunition that won't blow apart the light guns; yet at the same time, both Ruger and Smith beefed up their medium frame guns! It just doesn't make sense.

Handloaders can load the .357 anyway they want, but we still need a medium frame magnum. Neither the bantam-weight guns nor the heavier range guns are great for camping or hiking. The medium frame 66 and Rugers were perfect for that.

 

[Croyance]

Yes, a S&W60 with a 5" barrel is a silly solution.
The "small" mediums like the Colts and K-frames are really the best to have around, especially with the right grips.
Though that Ruger SP101 is pretty close in size to the smaller medium frames.

 

[bakert]

Even with a 6" barrel like this well used 66-2, the K frames makes dandy hiking guns and there are also lots of different afermarket grips available to suit the needs of most people. Most are much more robust than some would have you believe. This one has had thousands of both light and full power loads including a good many of the 125 gr JHPs through it plus countless .38 Sp rds and is still tight and accurate. A steady diet of the hot 125 JHP loads are probably best avoided though.

 

[Confederate]

Nice gun. I wonder why Smith & Wesson doesn't realize that? Anyone willing to carry a 4-inch 686 would be much better off with a 6-inch 66.

Brings back lots of memories....

 

[Croyance]

It would be sensible as a "Mountain Gun" for most parts of the country, until you are in Brown Bear territory.