Dear Forists
I am wishing to buy in a near future one of this excellent revolvers, it might be a used gun or a brand new one.
I would like to know what was the last 66-????, 19-????, and Model 686-???? in 21/2 inches built in order to see the date of manufacture of these handguns.
I wish That the Smith and Wesson Importer in Argentina called SIR Representaciones will get on of these handguns for me!!!!!
Best Regards
Roberto Renauld

What's a "Forist"? Do you mean Forumists? We usually just say members.

Welcome to the board. There are several other South Americans here, including at least one Argentine.

Some specialist will probably be along to answer your question fully. But you may wish to think of the overall size of the gun if you want that short a barrel, and of the advantages of stainless steel in maintenance. I'd suggest a Model 66, unless you plan to fire many .357 Magnum loads. The M-686 is a rather large gun to easily conceal.

Which handguns are widely sold there? I've seen some made at the arsenal in Rosario. We have those here, and some Bersa products.

I'm glad to know that you can buy a .357 Magnum. Brazilians seem unable to buy more than a .38 Special.

Good luck on getting the gun that you decide that you want.

Thank you very much for your quick answer, as I was thinking, the gun I like best, the best good looking one, is the Model 66 21/2 inches, I will not shoot plenty .357 Magnum ammo with it, but only some cartridges, for range practice I will use +P .38 Special ammo, the rate between the to types of ammo is 70/30 beeing 70% .38 Special and only 30% .357 in 158gr SWC or JSP bullets, I think this rate is adecuate, is this OK?????...
Regards
Roberto Renauld

I traded for a mod 19-3 nickel 2 1/2" years ago. Great size and balance after I replaced the original checkered grips with a pair of S&W smooth round butt targets with cut out for extractor star. Grips were somewhat hard to find but really are a much better fit for my hand. You can't go wrong with the 66 in 2 1/2 either. They are just great revolvers in this barrel size for carrying and shooting.

All the Best,
Ischia

Roberto, welcome to the forum. All 3 revolvers that you have narrowed your search down are all great guns. Since you have indicated that they must be 2 1/2 inch barrels, I would assume you want one that can be used for concealed carry. The 66 or 19 are both k frame and a little smaller than the L frame 686. The 66 and 686 are both stainless while the 19 can be blue or nickel.

I have the Mod 66 2 1/2" and it is a very nice gun. For your shooting needs in both 38spl and 357mag, since you said your shooting would be 158g 357s, the 66 will be a good choice. If you want a larger gun the 686 is a more stout version and can handle more powerful 357 mags.

66-2
Recessed, no pin

Dear Member
Thanks a lot for this fine picture!!!
Beautiful handgun!!, that´s the one I need, and like best!!!.....
Unfortunately the last Smiths models 66 come with other grips, I like the wooden round butt factory issued they fit perfectly in my hand!!, my hands are not so big!!!!...
Did the US Secret Service issued this gun for thir agents some years ago 1960-1970?????...
Best Regards
Roberto Renauld

Roberto-

I think the Secret Service did issue them, and many FBI agents had them, although they bought their own. It was on the approved list for private purchase.

I think various US Treasury agents also had them. Some were issued; some private purchases.

Your idea of firing maybe 30% .357 loads is probably okay, but depends on the total rounds fired. I try to stay around 15% of magnum use in my M-66, which has a four-inch barrel. The guns aren't being made anymore, so you want to make one last well.

Other than possible defense use, what will you use .357's for there? .38 Special ammo will kill snakes and small game. Even if legal, I don't think I'd use a snub .357 to hunt wild pigs or red deer. Hmmm...don't you have a big bird there called a rhea? Do they ever attack people? Do caimans get that far south? Jaguars? Pumas?

And do gauchos really hunt with bolas? Which species, if so?

T-Star

Dear Mr Texas Star

Thank you very much for your information on the Smith Model 66.
First of all I have to find a revolver used in very good shape or new, then,I will adopt the 15% .357Mag ammo diet to make it last!!!!!,using .38 Special for practice.
I will be using the Model 66 snubnose for fast draw matches at 15yds, called here in my Country FBI contest, also as home defense handgun, and occasionaly for shooting at 25 to 50yds in the outdoors or the range, it is very accurate even with a short 21/2 inches barrel.
I own a Model 10-9 in .38 Special "pencil barrel" it has 4 inches barrel and its a real pleasure to shoot out to 50yds!!!, plincking with empty peaches cans!!!
Its a 2 to 21/2 inches grouper at 25yds using standard Lead 158-150gr bullet, using wadcutter Match 158gr ammo it makes 1 to 11/2 inches groups at the same distance!!!, very "forgiving" gun to learn revolver shooting my wife and sons loves it!! ideal for the people who does not shoot very often, thats why I call it very "forgiving"gun it forgives human errors!!!!!!!!!!!!!......
I am also enthusiast of your Classic Texas Songs among them my favorite is YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS this song reminds me the Country life and the Outdoors!!!
Best Regards
Roberto Renauld