Durability of a 66-6 pc Comp Carry vs reg. M66

hihosilver13 · #1 12-28-2010, 10:58 PM

Is the durability of a 66-6 pc F Comp Carry better than that of the regular 66 as far as shooting full power 357's? I'm thinking about the forcing cone. the comp with the naked eye looks thicker. Anyone know or have an opinion?

Wayne M · #2 12-29-2010, 09:47 AM

The barrel in front of the forcing cone can be any thickness the manufacturer wants, it's that flat on the bottom of the cone that was problematic. 66's were less troublesome than 19's but as long as you avoid those 125gr and less bullets either gun will handle the Magnum better over the long haul than you. I use nothing but HOT 158 grainers(hard cast) in my 66's. Both 38's and 357's, they just keep on shooting.

To be honest, in all the years I've shot including the time my Department issued 66's(and we ALWAYS shot 125's) I've yet to see a cracked cone/barrel. I know it happens but it's not as common as you might think. You read about it and may even see examples here because we are a BIG sampling of S&W shooters with lots of access to the guns of lots of shooters.

I'd take that gun and use it.....just as much as you want. Or sell it to me:I'll be glad to try and wear it out while feeding you progress reports!

hihosilver13 · #3 12-30-2010, 01:04 PM

bump for the day.

hihosilver13 · #4 01-02-2011, 12:44 AM

any other opinions

BUFF · #5 01-02-2011, 01:07 AM

I doubt it is any better or any worse than a standard Model 66.

hihosilver13 · #6 01-02-2011, 08:23 PM

bump for the day

calward · #7 01-02-2011, 09:14 PM

[QUOTE=Wayne M]...but as long as you avoid those 125gr and less bullets either gun will handle the Magnum better over the long haul than you. I use nothing but HOT 158 grainers(hard cast) in my 66's. Both 38's and 357's, they just keep on shooting.

I have a Model 65 - does the same thing apply? I had read so much about problems, I have been reluctant to put full-boat 357's through it and have been sticking to 38+p. How does the weight affect the potential for damage? I would love to find out I can just run 357s and not worry about it.

Chop · #8 01-03-2011, 11:36 AM

I have four Model 66's 2 1/2" and a PC F-Comp 66-6. I certainly like the F-Comps trigger and the 3" ported barrel better. Have not see any real wear after several years of use in any of the 66's. I shoot a mixture of factory .38's and .357's, mostly 158 gn FMJ.
Chop