S&W model 66

[Tim Whittaker]

I found a used model 66 and I think I'm in love. I regularly carry a 686 but I sometimes find that it's a little big for CC. I tend to shoot my carry guns alot and will more than likely put alot of full-house .357's through the gun. In your opinion, will I be better off just staying with the 686? Are the K-frames significantly weaker than the L-frames? (top strap erosion, forcing cone cracking?) Seems that I hear about these problems but have never actually seen them first hand. Thanks in advance for any help. .........Whit

 

[lonegunman]

There are some things that are talked about much more than actually happen.

Examples:
Beretta slides breaking
Glocks Kabooming
Pythons going out of time
S&W 66's "wearing out"

If the 66 appeals to you, by all means get it. You will be too old (or cold) to shoot when it needs fixing.

 

[Mark IV Series 80]

I would say that if you shoot many full-house, 125 grain, .357 Magnum JHP's, your M66 will not last as long.

I use 158 grain, .38 Special LSWCHP's in the M66. This load is accurate and controllable for me.

If I needed to rely on the M66 in bear country, I would use the full-house, 158 grain, .357 Mags.

 

[Dfariswheel]

The 2 1/2" M-66 is THE classic defense snubby. I have a 2 1/2" and a rare early 3". They are an ideal comprimise between compactness, and "shootability". It's apparent why the M-65 (essentually the same gun with fixed sights) was the FBI gun for years.
In a 4" version, you have a more compact, lighter carry gun than the M-686.
I totally recommend either barrel length. I doubt that you will ever wear one out, even with magnum loads.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All;

I think a good, used Smith & Wesson model 66
will long surpass most of us; if the weapon
has been taken care of. By all means, if a
model 66 is what your heart desires; then
grab it while you can.

Keep 'em All In The X,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.