Bought my first revolver and...

C

Crazi

New member
I bought a S&W 66-4 with Serial BSHXXXX. I am wondering what time frame it was manufactured in and whether I should hold on to it or trade it for a GP100? I plan to shoot 357 magnum exclusively and while lurking around here for the past week, I found that I needed to measure the Barrel/Cylinder gap so I went out and bought some feeler gauges.

The gap is 7 thousandths and I assume that its a little excessive based on what I have read. I also researched into getting it fixed and saw that it requires the barrel being set back. Based on the price to have that done right, I figure it would be better in the long run to just sell or trade this gun for a ruger that will stand up to what I plan to shoot. Since I have had it, I have put at least 200 rds through it and thats only cause I am being cautious about it being possibly damaged by gas cutting of the top strap or beat to death by magnum loads. I would have done at least twice that number if there wasn't a concern about durability.

Any ideas or opinions??? Thanks! :cool:
 
.007" is still within factory specs.

However, if you plan on shooting nothing BUT full charge .357 ammo, you might be better off with a gun specifically built for unlimited Magnum shooting.

I recommend the S&W 686 which is built for unlimited Magnum ammo, and is still the best DA revolver currently made.
The Ruger is a nice gun, but the S&W is a more refined design, and is an all around better quality gun.

The 686 will last at least as long as any Ruger, and is usually a more accurate shooter.
 
I don't think you have anything to worry about the m66 is one great revolver. As far as I know the one round to worry about is the 125 grain it won't gas cut the top strap it cracks the forcing cone. If you are that worried shoot .38 are a lot cheaper and just as much fun to shoot. Not sure just an average shooter could shoot enough to hurt anything?????????:confused: :p
 
"Not sure just an average shooter could shoot enough to hurt anything????????? "


What would be an average number of rounds? I am pretty sure I will be shooting 100 rds minimum per range trip and I tend to go as often as time/money permits or as stress demands :))

I have tried 158gr but seem to enjoy the recoil and flash/bang of 125gr more. I have never shot a revolver for accuracy and have a LOT of practicing to do. I will also have a Glock 20 and Taurus 24/7 to shoot with soon so maybe they can share the burden. I really like the "wheelgun" so far, just don't want to damage it vs giving it to some one that will "care" for it with gentler loads.
 
Russ5924 is correct. 125 grain and lighter are where the problems come in. Gun will last a long time with 158 grain Magnums. IMHO it is the perfect carry piece, powerful ,light, accurate. Until recently, the blue version 19-4 was my carry piece. Went to alot of bad places ,never felt under gunned.Regards 18DAI.
 
Crazi,

Shoot your revolver plenty, and don't worry about it. I don't think the regular, once a week 100 round session is going to wear out your 66 anytime soon.
 
Good news/Bad news

I have always worried about the durability of anything I buy when it is new. I have learned to relax a little and think of it this way;

Bad news: Every machine may eventually wear out.

Good news: Every machine may eventually wear out. (Read: legitimate excuse to buy a new one!)
 
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