Any S&W 66 owners? - Page 2

Model12Win · March 11, 2018, 09:02 PM

It's a good pistol for the thumpsman, the packsman, the outdoorsman, the huntsman, the securityman, the everyman, the man man, the man... etc. etc. etc. etc.

I just love the 66. A K-mag stoked with hollow tips will solve most ills.

JC57 · March 12, 2018, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Model12Win

It's a good pistol for the thumpsman, the packsman, the outdoorsman, the huntsman, the securityman, the everyman, the man man, the man... etc. etc. etc. etc.

I just love the 66. A K-mag stoked with hollow tips will solve most ills.

It's also a good handgun for the woman. My wife loves her 66-1 2 1/2". I've never seen a more accurate shooter than her with that revolver.

bassJAM1 · March 13, 2018, 03:47 PM

A few years ago I got an idea that I wanted a .357 mag, mostly to pair with a .357 lever action I was also buying. Anyway, my wife must have casually mentioned this to her dad because a few weeks later he showed up at our house and said "I hear you're looking for one of these" and showed me a 66-1 and that it was mine on “permanent loan”. I’m not sure where he got it, probably from one of his buddies that he used to do a lot of trading and shooting with. He still had the original box though which is pretty cool.

I love it (my wife does too with .38’s) and it’s become our living room gun. It actually prompted me to get something with a 6” barrel so I could hunt deer so I recently got this 19-7. The 19's trigger isn't nearly as nice, not sure if it's not "broken in" yet or if it has more to do with modern S&W quality. Either way, I’ll probably try to pick up a snubby 66 now with a 2.5” barrel as well, I love the size of these things.

langenc · March 14, 2018, 11:27 AM

That is it--#3. Got mine from a retired officer. Dont know if he used it on duty or what.

He has left the range now and I truely enjoy the use of it. One of my boys or S-I-L's will get it bye and bye as Gramps used to say.

It is a 66 no dash-4" barrel.

In The Ten Ring · March 19, 2018, 12:57 AM

I'm not trying to push anything on you, but revisit my offer in your other thread. I've got everything you need (except the gun and ammo) and you're welcomed to borrow it to check out a match or two before committing to buying gear.

Mr Borland, what did you offer? I cannot remember.

MrBorland · March 19, 2018, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

Mr Borland, what did you offer? I cannot remember

You didn't have to remember - the search function works, too

At any rate, I offered you a kydex IDPA-legal holster to try...

...but in this thread, I offered you everything else you'd need...speedloaders ("Bubberized" Jetloaders; see pic below), speedloader holders, loading blocks, and even a 5.11 vest (if a medium fits). I might even be able to find a few dummy rounds so you can work on your reloads at home, or at least figure out how to load the speedloaders so you don't have to figure it out at the match.

I'll have to dig around to find this stuff, but if you want to hold off on buying gear until you figure out if you like shoot IDPA with a revolver, you can borrow any or all of it in the meantime.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBorland

I've got everything you need (except the gun and ammo)

John D · March 19, 2018, 08:42 AM

Carry my 2-1/2" 66-2 every day on my ranch. Three rounds for snakes (and to scare off coyotes) and three for other critters. Don't usually carry in the dead of winter - but, feel a little "off balance" without it!

**Tom Servo** · March 19, 2018, 09:14 AM

I have a couple.

A 4" model from 1988, same year the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan and somebody thought it would be a good idea to make a sequel to Crocodile Dundee.

A 3" model from 1994, the year Tip O'Neil died. All the musicians wore flannel shirts and growled a lot.

In The Ten Ring · March 19, 2018, 02:09 PM

Mr. Borland,

Thanks! I really hadn't seen that reply!

I sent you a reply message but it lost all bearing when I found your reply here. I won't be able to do any competition before mid May.

That's a great offer though, very considerate!

texagun · March 20, 2018, 12:29 PM

The S&W 66 is one of my all-time favorites, 2nd only from the S&W Model 19. This Model 66 was made in 1984 and the previous owner installed a Millett Target Sight on the rear to complement the S&W front sight with the traditional red ramp. It's a bit unusual but it makes the sight picture really stand out

joed · March 20, 2018, 02:05 PM

I only have 1, a 66-5 that I picked up when I lived in FL. I traded a Beretta 92 for the 66-5 and felt I got the better of that deal. I had always had a 19-4 but sold it as it was the worst S&W I'd ever owned. The 66 offers what the 19 had with a stainless finish.

357 Python · March 21, 2018, 07:54 AM

I carried a 2 1/2" 66-2 for a while when I was a private security supervisor and Private Investigator. My wife later decided that was her gun when I became a police officer and had to carry a Beretta 92FS. It served me very well and has served her equally well.

joed · March 21, 2018, 09:23 AM

The 66-5 is probably a gun I will still have when I die. To me it is the perfect size for carry. I agree with Dfariswheel, the model 66 seems to hold up better then the 19 which I had for a long time.

Viper225 · March 24, 2018, 11:31 PM

I have a 66-2 Custom Shop DAO 3".
It came with a Trigger Job, Ball Loc, and Chamfered Chambers.
The front sight was a pinned on Tall Partridge Target Sight with a Tall Solid Black rear sight. No White Outline.
I have the same Pachmayr Compac grips on mine as the 3" shown by Dfariswheel several posts back. I did change the front sight to a Fiber Optic that I can see.
I suspect that the original owner passed away. It probably will not change hands again till I pass away either.

Bob

walnut1704 · March 25, 2018, 10:19 AM

I have a 6" 66-2 and it's my favorite. I found it all beat up at a gun show. It was missing it's rear sight and had end-shake issues. I sent it off and had a Weigand interchangeable front sight base installed, which uses S&W DX style sight blades. Also a Weigand rear blade (which is bigger than the stock blade) and had a steel .500" target trigger installed. A trigger job, barrel set-back, bead blast...pretty much a total rebuild. I should have just put a target hammer in it too.

In The Ten Ring · March 25, 2018, 09:18 PM

I've been handling my 66-1 again just now....it truly is a beautiful piece.

USSR · March 26, 2018, 10:45 AM

Got a couple of 66's. A no-dash with 4 inch barrel, and a 66-1 with 2.5 inch barrel. Prefer it's older brother the Model 19. By the way, that Remington +P load you referred to as the "FMI Load" is actually the "FBI Load". Very effective and what I shoot exclusively out of my Model 19's.

Don

boondocker385 · March 27, 2018, 02:42 AM

I carry my 66-2 2.5" routinely. I sent it to the performance center when I acquired it. Love shooting it. I love my 4" version too! I shoot and carry magnum loads (158grains, 1050fps, various JHP)regularly, no forcing cone erosion. YMMV.

Jbar4Ranch · March 27, 2018, 10:21 PM

Born in 1980 and adopted from a local pawn shop in '05 for a one-time re-homing fee of $375.

old bear · March 28, 2018, 07:27 AM

I've owned two model 66's, a 4" no dash with stainless sights, and a 2 1/2" dash 1. Sadly I sold the 4" 40 + years ago. I still have the 2 1/2" version, and have every intention of keeping it.

The model 66's have all the advantages of the model 19's, along with the added advantage of the stainless construction. If you really want a model 66, get it as soon as you can as prices are going up.

ma96782 · March 29, 2018, 12:19 AM

I bought this one used. Traveled 200 miles one way just to pick it up.

Aloha, Mark

In The Ten Ring · March 30, 2018, 08:20 PM

Here is the pic copied from the Gunbroker ad....I can say the pic doesn't do the weapon justice.

cw308 · March 31, 2018, 08:37 AM

I have the 65 with a 3" heavy barrel , also a great revolver .

In The Ten Ring · March 31, 2018, 11:55 PM

Shot her today! I wish I had pics.

Hits touched or went into same hole! Plinking single action at a 1 inch stick was child's play. Even double action was impressive.

Mostly shot Winchester .38 +P but I bought a box of Federal 158 grain .357 Mag. Recoil with the Magnums was more stout and even sharp, but groups were still impressive.

My friend and I both noticed the gun sank lower and lower into the hand with each shot though....I guess those grips are just too big for our hands. I'm thinking Hogue grips and storing the originals.

I definitely plan to shoot this thing IDPA this coming summer and contacting S&W for a history look up on her with letter.

223 shooter · April 1, 2018, 07:04 AM

Sounds like a shooter! I may break out my 66-1 today and fire a few rounds.

March 13, 2018, 03:47 PM	#28
bassJAM1 Senior Member Join Date: March 31, 2017 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 147	A few years ago I got an idea that I wanted a .357 mag, mostly to pair with a .357 lever action I was also buying. Anyway, my wife must have casually mentioned this to her dad because a few weeks later he showed up at our house and said "I hear you're looking for one of these" and showed me a 66-1 and that it was mine on “permanent loan”. I’m not sure where he got it, probably from one of his buddies that he used to do a lot of trading and shooting with. He still had the original box though which is pretty cool. I love it (my wife does too with .38’s) and it’s become our living room gun. It actually prompted me to get something with a 6” barrel so I could hunt deer so I recently got this 19-7. The 19's trigger isn't nearly as nice, not sure if it's not "broken in" yet or if it has more to do with modern S&W quality. Either way, I’ll probably try to pick up a snubby 66 now with a 2.5” barrel as well, I love the size of these things. Last edited by bassJAM1; March 13, 2018 at 03:52 PM.

March 19, 2018, 09:14 AM	#33
Tom Servo Staff Join Date: September 27, 2008 Location: Foothills of the Appalachians Posts: 13,059	I have a couple. A 4" model from 1988, same year the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan and somebody thought it would be a good idea to make a sequel to Crocodile Dundee. A 3" model from 1994, the year Tip O'Neil died. All the musicians wore flannel shirts and growled a lot. __________________ Sometimes it’s nice not to destroy the world for a change. --Randall Munroe

March 20, 2018, 02:05 PM	#36
joed Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2014 Posts: 442	I only have 1, a 66-5 that I picked up when I lived in FL. I traded a Beretta 92 for the 66-5 and felt I got the better of that deal. I had always had a 19-4 but sold it as it was the worst S&W I'd ever owned. The 66 offers what the 19 had with a stainless finish. __________________ The 6 gun was once as common as the cellphone is today, and just as annoying when it went off in the theater.

March 21, 2018, 09:23 AM	#38
joed Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2014 Posts: 442	The 66-5 is probably a gun I will still have when I die. To me it is the perfect size for carry. I agree with Dfariswheel, the model 66 seems to hold up better then the 19 which I had for a long time. __________________ The 6 gun was once as common as the cellphone is today, and just as annoying when it went off in the theater.

March 26, 2018, 10:45 AM	#42
USSR Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2017 Location: Finger Lakes Region of NY Posts: 1,442	Got a couple of 66's. A no-dash with 4 inch barrel, and a 66-1 with 2.5 inch barrel. Prefer it's older brother the Model 19. By the way, that Remington +P load you referred to as the "FMI Load" is actually the "FBI Load". Very effective and what I shoot exclusively out of my Model 19's. Don __________________ NRA Life Member NRA Certified Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor

March 11, 2018, 09:02 PM	#26
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	It's a good pistol for the thumpsman, the packsman, the outdoorsman, the huntsman, the securityman, the everyman, the man man, the man... etc. etc. etc. etc. I just love the 66. A K-mag stoked with hollow tips will solve most ills.

March 14, 2018, 11:27 AM	#29
langenc Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Montmorency Co, MI Posts: 1,551	That is it--#3. Got mine from a retired officer. Dont know if he used it on duty or what. He has left the range now and I truely enjoy the use of it. One of my boys or S-I-L's will get it bye and bye as Gramps used to say. It is a 66 no dash-4" barrel.

March 19, 2018, 12:57 AM	#30
In The Ten Ring Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2018 Posts: 380	I'm not trying to push anything on you, but revisit my offer in your other thread. I've got everything you need (except the gun and ammo) and you're welcomed to borrow it to check out a match or two before committing to buying gear. Mr Borland, what did you offer? I cannot remember.

March 19, 2018, 08:42 AM	#32
John D Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2000 Location: No. Arizona Posts: 436	Carry my 2-1/2" 66-2 every day on my ranch. Three rounds for snakes (and to scare off coyotes) and three for other critters. Don't usually carry in the dead of winter - but, feel a little "off balance" without it!

March 19, 2018, 02:09 PM	#34
In The Ten Ring Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2018 Posts: 380	Mr. Borland, Thanks! I really hadn't seen that reply! I sent you a reply message but it lost all bearing when I found your reply here. I won't be able to do any competition before mid May. That's a great offer though, very considerate!

March 20, 2018, 12:29 PM	#35
texagun Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2004 Posts: 230	The S&W 66 is one of my all-time favorites, 2nd only from the S&W Model 19. This Model 66 was made in 1984 and the previous owner installed a Millett Target Sight on the rear to complement the S&W front sight with the traditional red ramp. It's a bit unusual but it makes the sight picture really stand out

March 21, 2018, 07:54 AM	#37
357 Python Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2007 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 941	I carried a 2 1/2" 66-2 for a while when I was a private security supervisor and Private Investigator. My wife later decided that was her gun when I became a police officer and had to carry a Beretta 92FS. It served me very well and has served her equally well.

March 24, 2018, 11:31 PM	#39
Viper225 Senior Member Join Date: September 20, 2009 Location: SC Missouri Posts: 663	I have a 66-2 Custom Shop DAO 3". It came with a Trigger Job, Ball Loc, and Chamfered Chambers. The front sight was a pinned on Tall Partridge Target Sight with a Tall Solid Black rear sight. No White Outline. I have the same Pachmayr Compac grips on mine as the 3" shown by Dfariswheel several posts back. I did change the front sight to a Fiber Optic that I can see. I suspect that the original owner passed away. It probably will not change hands again till I pass away either. Bob

March 25, 2018, 10:19 AM	#40
walnut1704 Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2009 Posts: 156	I have a 6" 66-2 and it's my favorite. I found it all beat up at a gun show. It was missing it's rear sight and had end-shake issues. I sent it off and had a Weigand interchangeable front sight base installed, which uses S&W DX style sight blades. Also a Weigand rear blade (which is bigger than the stock blade) and had a steel .500" target trigger installed. A trigger job, barrel set-back, bead blast...pretty much a total rebuild. I should have just put a target hammer in it too.

March 25, 2018, 09:18 PM	#41
In The Ten Ring Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2018 Posts: 380	I've been handling my 66-1 again just now....it truly is a beautiful piece.

March 27, 2018, 02:42 AM	#43
boondocker385 Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2013 Posts: 640	I carry my 66-2 2.5" routinely. I sent it to the performance center when I acquired it. Love shooting it. I love my 4" version too! I shoot and carry magnum loads (158grains, 1050fps, various JHP)regularly, no forcing cone erosion. YMMV. __________________ No second place finishes in a gun fight.

March 28, 2018, 07:27 AM	#45
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	I've owned two model 66's, a 4" no dash with stainless sights, and a 2 1/2" dash 1. Sadly I sold the 4" 40 + years ago. I still have the 2 1/2" version, and have every intention of keeping it. The model 66's have all the advantages of the model 19's, along with the added advantage of the stainless construction. If you really want a model 66, get it as soon as you can as prices are going up.

March 29, 2018, 12:19 AM	#46
ma96782 Member Join Date: November 18, 2000 Posts: 63	I bought this one used. Traveled 200 miles one way just to pick it up. Aloha, Mark

March 31, 2018, 08:37 AM	#48
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	I have the 65 with a 3" heavy barrel , also a great revolver .

March 31, 2018, 11:55 PM	#49
In The Ten Ring Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2018 Posts: 380	Shot her today! I wish I had pics. Hits touched or went into same hole! Plinking single action at a 1 inch stick was child's play. Even double action was impressive. Mostly shot Winchester .38 +P but I bought a box of Federal 158 grain .357 Mag. Recoil with the Magnums was more stout and even sharp, but groups were still impressive. My friend and I both noticed the gun sank lower and lower into the hand with each shot though....I guess those grips are just too big for our hands. I'm thinking Hogue grips and storing the originals. I definitely plan to shoot this thing IDPA this coming summer and contacting S&W for a history look up on her with letter.

April 1, 2018, 07:04 AM	#50
223 shooter Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2008 Posts: 557	Sounds like a shooter! I may break out my 66-1 today and fire a few rounds.