So S&W IS releasing a Model 66 snubby ...

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The newer ones have a beefed up forcing cone and a ball detent lock up on the yoke, versus on the extractor rod for better lock up.
It let's you get a full length extractor without having to use a 3" barrel.

The lock and MIM I could do without, but are a non-issue for me.

I'm in once I find some discretionary funds for one.
 
I thought the Model 66 replaced the Model 19.

Maybe its the stainless steel but the 2.75" Model 66 just doesn't look as nice as the 3" Model 19
 
If the "lock" prevents the gun from functioning it will suddenly become an issue. I feel that if a manufacturer wants to place a lock on their gun - fine - but not the way S&W did it. Especially if they choose to ignore the problem they created.
 
To be fair, I've only seen verified [Edit: reports of] internal lock malfunction originating from M. Ayoob and with the Scandium-framed Magnum-caliber guns discharging hot loads. I will simply remove it and use the "plug" if I can take the time and research who makes it.

Too, in my Not-So-Free state, I cannot purchase used any revolver wearing a barrel shorter than 3 inches so I'm limited to new stock should I want another snub.

This looks like a neat piece but with a 696-1 inbound, I've other priorites. :D
 
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I just can't get on board with the black highlights and two piece barrel. I know manufacturing techniques change but it just doesn't do it for me.

But options are good none the less. So it's nice to see a new snub 66.
 
I occasionally carry a 5 shot Ruger SP 101 2.25" .357 so a snub pistol with a six shot capacity does peak my interest a little. I've shot the S&W 627 8 shot and owned a 7 shot 686 plus snub for awhile but I found them to be too heavy for EDC. I have the internal locks on my Model 442 and 642 and have never had a problem with them so that feature doesn't bother me. I can rent any pistol that my local GS and range has in stock so I'll probably do that when they get the new Model 66 snub in. Local shop sells the Model 66 4.25" for $735 so I'm guessing that price will be in the ballpark for the 2.75".
 
My LGS says that they are not in the retail channels yet. I would be interested.
 
USSR said:
Hmm, let's see. You can buy a new one with the lock, MIM parts, and rubber grips for the same price as a used one in Excellent condition with no lock, forged parts, and wood grips. Decisions, decisions.

Don
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Yeah, nice thought ... but at least in my area, finding "a used one in Excellent condition" is almost like buying a winning Powerball ticket.
 
I'm not a big fan of the modern Smiths but that revolver looks just dandy to me.

I have a nice slicked up 3" SP101 that I adore thus don't need the Smith. But.... ;)
 
I own eight of their revolvers, none of which have an internal lock. I think I'll keep it that way...

My experiences with current S&W revolver quality control has been spotty at best. Before you take one of these home, I suggest you give it a good once over.

Edmo
 
I've had the lock mechanism removed from all my S&W revolvers that had them.
 
Gotta say, while I respect the opinions of the S&W purists (and sometimes elitists), I know for sure that a lot of the new revolvers made with (gasp) The Lock and MIM are a lot better than some of the "classic" revolvers that came out of the factory in the '80s and '90s (remember the Bangor Punta era, that we all bitched about?) ...
 
Holmes375 said:
I'm not a big fan of the modern Smiths but that revolver looks just dandy to me.

I have a nice slicked up 3" SP101 that I adore thus don't need the Smith. But.... ;)
Click to expand...

Same here, but it is my GP100 that scratched the 6 shot (roughly) 3" .357 itch.

I wouldn't turn down a gift of a Smith, but I not looking to pay top dollar for one. I really do enjoy my Ruger.
 
That looks awesome! I think that will go on the short list. My 69 has been awesome so far, so I bet these will be winners too.
 
Fiv3r said:
Same here, but it is my GP100 that scratched the 6 shot (roughly) 3" .357 itch.

I wouldn't turn down a gift of a Smith, but I not looking to pay top dollar for one. I really do enjoy my Ruger.
Click to expand...

Can't argue that. I've a 6" GP100 that's just been a super handgun. I really should find me a nice 3" version and stick with what I know.
 
I'd like to have one of the new 66's, with a 4" barrel, but I've got two 4", 19's, and a 2 1/2", 66. I just can't justify another one.

There was a time that wouldn't have stopped me, but those days are behind me.
 
9mmepiphany said:
This one is very tempting and a viable replacement for my 2.5" M-66

What I like about the new M-66 is the:
1. longer barrel...allowing full ejection
2. ball detent lockup...more positive
3. beefed up forcing cone
4. 2-piece barrel...more accurate
Click to expand...

Seems like a fair trade to deal with the lock to me. The lock can always be deleted pretty cleanly if it offends.
 
A two piece barrel isn't necessarily "more accurate" than a one piece. And a ball detent only helps if it is done perfectly. I used to do them and it's really easy to drill it off center and then it will try move the crane out of alignment. The ones I have seen lately were not even close. One customer returned a new S&W because the ball detent was way off and S&W's reply was "we try to get them as close as we can". I would much rather have an ejector rod locked up. I think ball detents are in the class of "better than nothing - but not really up to the task". The old Triple Lock was "the way" to do it.
 
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Drail said:
A two piece barrel isn't necessarily "more accurate" than a one piece.
Click to expand...
As always, there are no absolutes and there are always exceptional one-piece barrels that will be more accurate. But on the average, the 2-piece barrels offer a higher potential to be accurate simply because they are under tension from both ends
 
Bangor Punta Suger owned S&W from 1965-1985. They produced more pinned and recessed models than any owner of the company. They also owned owned Pepsi Cola. Hence, S&W handguns of that era are often referred to as "Pepsi Pistols".
In 1985 S&W was bought by Lear Sigler Heater Co. owners of Piper Cub Air Craft. These were among the poorist quality handguns ever produced by S&W. Tomkins Limited of England bought S&W. I was working for the Tomkins Engineering group at that time.
Tomkins was a typical anti-gun British business. They almost destroyed the S&W company. The quality remained very poor during the 1990 ownership. Many of the fellows I knew in the Mdl. 29 group took their retirement. Dark days.:(
 
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