New K-Frame (model 66)
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MisterMills357
Inactive
I would love to have one.
From what I have read and people that I have talked to, I would get a S&W M66 and love it. I don't know if the trigger would be as good though. I read some posts here, and I am disappointed to learn that S&W may have cut corners.
From what I have read and people that I have talked to, I would get a S&W M66 and love it. I don't know if the trigger would be as good though. I read some posts here, and I am disappointed to learn that S&W may have cut corners.
Technosavant
New member
I have one of the new 66's.
Great gun. My only complaint is the trigger is stiff, but then, it's a new gun. It doesn't have 20 years of firing to smooth it out yet. I do think it's a better candidate for a long life of magnums; the ball detent and the lack of a flat pot in the forcing cone can only help it stay in good shape over the years.
If a person wants to shoot magnums and doesn't want to move up to the L frame 586/686, I'd recommend it over one of the older ones. You aren't going to have the concern about hot loads that you might have with the previous models.
Great gun. My only complaint is the trigger is stiff, but then, it's a new gun. It doesn't have 20 years of firing to smooth it out yet. I do think it's a better candidate for a long life of magnums; the ball detent and the lack of a flat pot in the forcing cone can only help it stay in good shape over the years.
If a person wants to shoot magnums and doesn't want to move up to the L frame 586/686, I'd recommend it over one of the older ones. You aren't going to have the concern about hot loads that you might have with the previous models.
Model12Win
Moderator
Yeah, the new Model 66 isn't even a true K-frame in size. S&W missed this one by a mile methinks. Oh well, at least Ruger still knows how to make a revolver (GP100).
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lwestatbus
New member
American Rifleman Review
American Rifleman had a review of the new 66 (as well as the 69, I believe) two issues ago. I don't have it in front of me but I do remember two things from the review of the 66.
First, they had beefed up some part of the frame to address potential failures shooting magnums through it. I don't recall exactly which part but the article addresses it.
Second, they added 1/4" to be barrel so it could be sold in Canada. Not sure what that is all about.
My local dealer doesn't have them and says they are on major back order.
American Rifleman had a review of the new 66 (as well as the 69, I believe) two issues ago. I don't have it in front of me but I do remember two things from the review of the 66.
First, they had beefed up some part of the frame to address potential failures shooting magnums through it. I don't recall exactly which part but the article addresses it.
Second, they added 1/4" to be barrel so it could be sold in Canada. Not sure what that is all about.
My local dealer doesn't have them and says they are on major back order.
Technosavant
New member
Red Ramp said:
Nonononono.
The 66-8 isn't a true K frame, S&W lost their way when they went to the round butt, and honestly, everything since the top break has been heresy.
The curmudgeons are never going to believe that new guns can be good too. Their guns were a generation old even when they left the factory. Yes, there's been some changes made in the name of keeping the things affordable but the 66-8 is one very fine wheelgun.
lee n. field
New member
GeoJelly,
Many of us who own the newly engineered 66-8 and the 69 are hoping for a 2 1/2 or 3" offering soon. Judging from their popularity I believe it will be inevitable.
Another much hoped for caliber for the "L" framed platform is a .41 Mag. in both the 4" and 2 1/2 or 3" barrel lengths.
Whatever the future provides these newly engineered guns they are sure to revive much new interest in revolver production again.
Many of us who own the newly engineered 66-8 and the 69 are hoping for a 2 1/2 or 3" offering soon. Judging from their popularity I believe it will be inevitable.
Another much hoped for caliber for the "L" framed platform is a .41 Mag. in both the 4" and 2 1/2 or 3" barrel lengths.
Whatever the future provides these newly engineered guns they are sure to revive much new interest in revolver production again.
Red Ramp - Thanks - I hadn't even thought about an M69 in 3-inch - that would be quite the powerhouse. I'm still saving my nickels and dimes for a 686 3-inch - and it looks like I'll be saving for quite a while at around $850 a pop. I'll gladly substitute a 3-inch new 66 when S&W introduces it ... 
The only thing that keeps me from total K-frame jealousy is I do have a NIB M19 4-inch, a 3-inch 65 and a (recent acquisition) like-NIB pencil barrel M10.
The only thing that keeps me from total K-frame jealousy is I do have a NIB M19 4-inch, a 3-inch 65 and a (recent acquisition) like-NIB pencil barrel M10.Maybe it's my eyes playing tricks on me, but in the pictures that have been posted, it looks like perhaps S&W placed the barrel slightly higher in the frame on the new gun to eliminate the need to grind the flat spot on the bottom of the forcing cone. If anyone who has both a new and vintage model would care to measure the distance between the top of the forcing cone and the topstrap, it may confirm or disprove my theory.