Trade S&W M38 for M66-5 snubbie?

[Shear_stress]

I've got a S&W M38 Airweight bodyguard that never seems to get shot or carried. Recently, I found a M66-5 with a 2.5" barrel that has been tempting me mightily. In addition to holding one more round, the M66 has a more durable finish and is a little more stoutly-built than the non-+P-rated M38. Plus, I tend to prefer the leaf-sprung K-frame to the J-frame and its coil spring.

On the other hand, the M66 is twice the weight and I am not sold on the real-world practicality of a magnum snubbie. Still, should I trade for the M66?

 

[Shear_stress]

No one has an opinion?

 

[dbarale]

OK, I'll bite.
If you already have a J frame, have no interest in the collector value of the M38 (or it's so worn that it doesn't have any anymore) and are willing to buy good leather to carry the 66 then, by all means, go for it!
I cannot get rid of a J frame myself but I also have a couple K's so I cannot really give yoy an honest answer on this one. I like fixed sighted 3" K's better for carry or 4 inchers with adjustable sight for the woods.

 

[SwampWolf]

One of those situations where I'd recommend keeping what you have and getting the 66 (either now or later). The only thing these two revolvers have in common is a short barrel. In most other respects they occupy separate and distinct niches. That said, if I had to keep only one and I wasn't using it for a "pocket" pistol I'd opt for the 66- a much more versatile gun that will function as a carry piece as well as a "range" or home defense gun.

 

[XavierBreath]

It all depends on what you will use it for.

If you are going to carry it, keep the Model 38. It's one of the best pocket guns available.

If you are going to have it beside your bed, get the Model 66. It's one of the best bedside guns available.

If it's a range gun, the Model 66 gets the nod, but there are better range guns out there.

If you are going to keep it in storage, then it really doesn't matter.

 

[pogo2]

S&W 66 snubby easy to conceal

I have a S&W model 66 snubby that I often carry OWB in a belt scabbard type of pancake holster. With a stiff belt and holster, the model 66 rides very high relative to the belt and the slim grip conceals easily without printing. Like most snubby revolvers, the shape of the gun lends itself to easy concealment.

The gun is all steel and somewhat heavy, about 31 ounces empty. But the weight allows you to easily shoot .357 magnum ammo with modest recoil. I use the Remington 125 grain Golden Sabers in mine. The gun has a wonderful trigger in double or single action, and is quite accurate.

 

[Jim PHL]

Keep the snubby and add the 66 later. One of the cruelest lessons I taught myself was when I got rid of a gun I thought I just didn't need anymore. I got rid of a "first magnum" 640 because I had something better for the belt and something better for the pocket. I miss that gun more than any other I've sold or traded.

Again, need's got nothing to do with anything when you are collecting - even if you aren't a "Collector". (I don't consider myself a "Collector" but I have more guns than I "need". ) I agree with SwampWolf in that they fill two distinctly different niches, and shouldn't necessarily be compared to each other.

 

[Kevinch]

I'm not sure what you are trying to accomplish.

If you don't carry the M38 because it's inconvenient or you've something better for that role, the M66 won't fit in there - it's bigger & weighs more than the M38 (which you pointed out).

If you're looking for a plinker, a 2½" revolver doesn't fit that niche as well as a 4" or 6" gun would.

If you want a more robust carry revolver, the M66 might work but there are, IMO, better choices. The 442, 642, 637 or 638 are chambered in .38SPL; are +P rated; & weigh 15oz. The M60 is chambered in .357MAG & weighs about 10oz more.

But - if you just like the M66 or are looking for a 6 shot .357MAG snub, it might be a wise purchase. I'd try to keep the M38 & buy the M66 - but I'm weak in the knees that way

 

[duckjihad]

I'd keep the J frame. I seem to have been on a search for max firepower/max cartridge/max concealibility for 15 years. It's rare I can conceal anything more than a J frame. I periodically convince myself a 45 auto, or a 44 mag with a shorter barrel, or a medium frame 357 would be just the thing, but 99% of the time, they stay in the safe and the snubbie goes in a pocket. If you're going to carry it, keep the j frame.

 

[isp2605]

You're in a no win situation.
If you don't do the trade you'll wish you had gotten the 2.5" M66 which is a great carrying gun but really requires a holster. The M66, along with the 2.5" M19, are just one of the classics that everyone should own.
If you trade off the M38 you're going to be kicking yourself for getting rid of one of the best carry revolvers made. They're lightweight, very durable, carry very well in a pocket or wherever else you deside to stick it, and the old humpbacks are a classic ugly duckling that you just can't help but like.
Best solution is keep the 38 and go without eating for a month to buy the 66. A few yrs from now you'll be glad you have both.

 

[Shear_stress]

Thanks for the good advice, folks. After trading away some guns I wish I had back, I have become leery of getting rid of anything. Though it's almost too pretty to carry, I'll hold onto that M38 for now. Maybe I can secure a 66 on layaway.