After many years of not owning a revolver I am thinking of getting S&W 66. I found almost new older one with firing pin on the hammer, cylinder recessed for rims, very tight in excellent condition. I also looked at new with floating firing pin and new type barrel. Money a side which one should I get? I am planing on to shoot a lot of light loads in 38 special range with occasional full loads and like the size and balance better than 686. Or should I go for more durable 686?
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What to get?
- Thread starter lwj
- Start date
The 66 is a fine gun. I am biased toward the older ones, but I own both the hammer-nosed firing pin variety and the floating pin types. I also own a 686 that I think is a fine handgun. The best balanced gun for me is a 66. The 686 tends to be nose heavy. That ain't a bad thing for shooting, but it is an observation of fact.
My most favorite 66 has a 3" barrel. I briefly owned a 2 1/2 inch gun and I still have a 4" gun. All are excellent. The 4" would be my choice for an all-around gun. My 3" does CWP duty for me when I can carry a belt gun.
Good luck!
Clemson
My most favorite 66 has a 3" barrel. I briefly owned a 2 1/2 inch gun and I still have a 4" gun. All are excellent. The 4" would be my choice for an all-around gun. My 3" does CWP duty for me when I can carry a belt gun.
Good luck!
Clemson
Sir William
New member
I prefer pinned and recessed S&Ws with hammer mounted firing pins. They are of excellent quality in general. Check it over and if it passes, buy it. I have a 4" heavy barrel and would like a 3" round butt M66 too.
XavierBreath
New member
All things being equal except pinned and recessed, I would ALWAYS choose pinned and recessed. In fact, a pinned and recessed gun in worse finish condition is worth more to me than one that is not, especially one with a frame mounted firing pin.
FWIW, the M66 is a great gun. You are saying if you buy it used, you get a great price along with a hammer mounted firing pin, a pinned barrel, and a recessed cylinder? Buy the gun. Quick, before it is gone.
JMHO.
FWIW, the M66 is a great gun. You are saying if you buy it used, you get a great price along with a hammer mounted firing pin, a pinned barrel, and a recessed cylinder? Buy the gun. Quick, before it is gone.
JMHO.