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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 10-29-2017, 03:14 PM
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Default Model 66 Versus 66-1

As I understand it, the only difference between the Model 66 and the Model 66-1 is that the -1s have the gas ring attached to the cylinder rather than the yoke. Is that the only difference? Does it make any functional difference in reliability or performance? Can anyone tell me why Smith & Wesson made this change seven years into the life of Model 66 series of revolvers?

Thanks so much!
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Old 10-29-2017, 10:44 PM
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I really hope someone who understands this issue comes forward with some guidance. Thanks!
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Old 10-29-2017, 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by BlueRidgeBoy View Post
Can anyone tell me why Smith & Wesson made this change seven years into the life of Model 66 series of revolvers?
Probably it was simply the fact that they were making the same engineering change on all the K frame revolvers in 1977. 10-7, 10-8, 14-4, 15-4, 17-4, 18-4, etc.
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Old 10-30-2017, 03:21 PM
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The first version early models had ss rear sights.
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Old 10-30-2017, 06:22 PM
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I think it was because Massad Ayoob mentioned in gun magazines that M-66's fired with .357 loads heated up too quickly and became difficult to operate. This got him a cold shoulder from S&W's PR people, although cop shops were reporting the same. However, their complaints weren't reaching the public.

Ayoob is a member here, although he seldom posts. He may see this and comment.

Moving the gas ring cured the problem.
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Old 10-30-2017, 06:28 PM
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The first version early models had ss rear sights.
And Skeeter Skelton at, Shooting Times mentioned that and encouraged the later black sights that you could actually see.

I think he also criticized Ruger for the same thing.
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Old 10-30-2017, 06:57 PM
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Thanks to all for clearing this up for me. The snubby 66 I just acquired has black sights on the rear and the red ramp on the front. The gas ring is attached to the yoke. It will be an EDC gun, not a range gun, so, I don't think overheating will be an issue. It was hard to find one in good shape.
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Old 10-30-2017, 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by BlueRidgeBoy View Post
Thanks to all for clearing this up for me. The snubby 66 I just acquired has black sights on the rear and the red ramp on the front. The gas ring is attached to the yoke. It will be an EDC gun, not a range gun, so, I don't think overheating will be an issue. It was hard to find one in good shape.
If it gives you problems, just fire Plus P .38 ammo. That evidently didn't cause problems. Magnum loads heat up the gun much sooner.
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Old 10-30-2017, 08:37 PM
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Anyone here remember Blazing Saddles? And the use of Holy words like "Randolph Scott?" Tossing around names like Skeeter and The Duke gets the same reverence among us. Giants of the industry. Just sayin'.
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