A Better .357 Than The SW 66
- Thread starter Bullrock
- Start date
I'm with Hal on this one...
I have a Model 66 2.5" only because I haven't found a decent used 2.5" Model 19 in a dog's age. I do prefer the blued guns to the stainless ones mostly because they appeal to me more.
The K-frame .357 is probably the "best" combination of size, weight and power you can buy, especially if you have to tote that thing around all day on your hip. The Colt Trooper, King Cobra, Python are also excellent guns, albeit slightly larger & heavier (more akin to today's L-Frame).
In my biased-towards-S&W-view, I see the S&W N-Frames as the king of the .357 crowd. From the Registered Magnum to the last of the steel Model 27's, the Model 27's and 28's were "do it all" guns. The only real criticism I've had with them was the weight of carrying one all day.
I have a Model 66 2.5" only because I haven't found a decent used 2.5" Model 19 in a dog's age. I do prefer the blued guns to the stainless ones mostly because they appeal to me more.
The K-frame .357 is probably the "best" combination of size, weight and power you can buy, especially if you have to tote that thing around all day on your hip. The Colt Trooper, King Cobra, Python are also excellent guns, albeit slightly larger & heavier (more akin to today's L-Frame).
In my biased-towards-S&W-view, I see the S&W N-Frames as the king of the .357 crowd. From the Registered Magnum to the last of the steel Model 27's, the Model 27's and 28's were "do it all" guns. The only real criticism I've had with them was the weight of carrying one all day.
For Bullrock
In general, you're correct that the Model 66 is simply the stainless steel version of the model 19. The same can be said for the model 10/64, 15/67 and the 13/65 combinations.
However the newer Model 66's carry the two-piece barrel and the locking mechanism on the side, something the older Model 19 never had. The M19, with it's polished blue with a 2.5" barrel defines "sexy" as it applies to handguns, in my biased-opinion.
In general, you're correct that the Model 66 is simply the stainless steel version of the model 19. The same can be said for the model 10/64, 15/67 and the 13/65 combinations.
However the newer Model 66's carry the two-piece barrel and the locking mechanism on the side, something the older Model 19 never had. The M19, with it's polished blue with a 2.5" barrel defines "sexy" as it applies to handguns, in my biased-opinion.
Bullrock's M19
Bullrock,
That Model 19-2 is a nickle finished gun. If it's in 98% or better condition then the asking price is fair.
The Model 19-2 was made circa 1961-1966 so this gun has the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder, both desireable features. Alas, someone has put replacement stocks on the gun as the original Model 19 grips didn't have the semi-circular cut below the cylinder release to accomodate speedloaders.
Bullrock,
That Model 19-2 is a nickle finished gun. If it's in 98% or better condition then the asking price is fair.
The Model 19-2 was made circa 1961-1966 so this gun has the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder, both desireable features. Alas, someone has put replacement stocks on the gun as the original Model 19 grips didn't have the semi-circular cut below the cylinder release to accomodate speedloaders.
fungusmunkey
New member
My dad has an older model 19, nickel finish with a 4" barrel.
It is the finest revolver i have ever shot!
It is the finest revolver i have ever shot!
Bull,
Yep - Bill tagged it. That's a bright nickle finish on that 19 and it's weraing the wrong grips.
IMHO, $275 is too high for that gun. I suspect it's been refinished. The condition of the grips, and the condition of the nickle seem to contradict each other.
Personlly, I'd pass on it @ that price. Another 50 buck or so could fetch a used but unfired specimin, complete with box.
19 vs 66.
The 19 is carbon steel, not simply blued steel. A number of people (myself included) consider carbon just a tiny bit stronger than stainless and a tiny bit smoother.
Yep - Bill tagged it. That's a bright nickle finish on that 19 and it's weraing the wrong grips.
IMHO, $275 is too high for that gun. I suspect it's been refinished. The condition of the grips, and the condition of the nickle seem to contradict each other.
Personlly, I'd pass on it @ that price. Another 50 buck or so could fetch a used but unfired specimin, complete with box.
19 vs 66.
The 19 is carbon steel, not simply blued steel. A number of people (myself included) consider carbon just a tiny bit stronger than stainless and a tiny bit smoother.
orionengnr
New member
learn something new
every day around here--thanks, guys!
I sure like my 66, but as soon as I find a 19 to go with it, I will. Not that I'd carry either one, I have a 340 for that
Can't "weight" for S&W to discontinue the Scandium revolvers, but I'm not holding my breath, might turn "blue"
Hope I get to buy one of those ugly 396's before the price goes out of sight...already missed my chnce on the 696.
every day around here--thanks, guys!
I sure like my 66, but as soon as I find a 19 to go with it, I will. Not that I'd carry either one, I have a 340 for that
Can't "weight" for S&W to discontinue the Scandium revolvers, but I'm not holding my breath, might turn "blue"
Hope I get to buy one of those ugly 396's before the price goes out of sight...already missed my chnce on the 696.