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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 08-25-2012, 01:04 PM
MikeChandler MikeChandler is offline
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Default Tell me about the M66-2 and Magnums...

I have an opportunity to buy a very good condition model 66-2, with a 4" barrel. I would be shooting mostly 357 magnums in it, and I've read that this is a problem with the model 66.

Is the issue only with the higher speed lighter weight bullets, like the 115 & 125gr JHPs, or also with the 158gr JHP?

If I am only shooting 50 rounds a week of 158gr .357 through the gun, would I experience any issues?

When (and if) I return to inspect the gun before purchase, is there anything in particular I should be looking for?

Thanks again!

Mike C
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Old 08-25-2012, 01:10 PM
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the problem with the K frame magnums was that the forcing cone was cut flat at the bottom to allow the crane to close. this created a weak spot in the forcing cone.

the lighter magnums (125gr in particular) burn hotter, hit the forcing cone harder, and generate more initial energy that the 145gr. and up loads.....

using standard magnum loads of 145gr. or heavier will not hurt your gun....
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Old 08-25-2012, 03:44 PM
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It has been suspected that some of these forcing cone issues were exasperated by the gun having lead deposits in its forcing cone then firing the lightweight "screamer" ammo.
A Lewis Lead Remover is a useful tool. It has a handy tip that quickly cleans the forcing cone.
I use it on my revolvers and always find lead there when the barrel is clean
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Old 08-25-2012, 05:13 PM
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The K frame magnum revolvers were developed to be carried a lot and shot a little. So I generally limit my K frame .357 magnums to 38 special +p or +P+ ammo. I see no need to abuse them, that's what my L and N frames are for. When I do shoot .357 Magnum ammo in them it's 158Gr. bullets, and REALLY clean then after every shooting.
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Old 08-25-2012, 05:17 PM
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Old 08-25-2012, 05:26 PM
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I picked up one not long ago.

Silly me traded a G17 for it (sarcasm). And yes the forcing cone needs to be checked.

Mine has some top strap wear, but everything else checked out fine.

It's a tool, not a museum piece.....mine anyway.
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Old 08-25-2012, 06:58 PM
Mike, SC Hunter Mike, SC Hunter is offline
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FWIW......I bought a 4" nickel 19 and a 2 1/2" 66 back in the early 70's. In 1986 the FC split on the 19 and I replaced the barrel. The 66 from then until today(I still have both) has never given me a problem. Both guns from purchase have lived on a diet of cast(357) 150-168 gr cast bullets pushed by unique and 2400.
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Old 08-28-2012, 01:32 AM
MikeChandler MikeChandler is offline
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I passed on the gun. For me a 6" .357 would be shot a lot, and carried very little

I did get a new .357, but it was a LNIB L frame 686-3, with 6" barrel. I am sure it's not going to have any issues at all, it's built for abuse.

Thanks for all the advice (yet again)!
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Old 08-28-2012, 02:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeChandler View Post
I passed on the gun. For me a 6" .357 would be shot a lot, and carried very little

I did get a new .357, but it was a LNIB L frame 686-3, with 6" barrel. I am sure it's not going to have any issues at all, it's built for abuse.

Thanks for all the advice (yet again)!
Show that 686 NO MERCY It can take it.............
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Old 12-20-2012, 09:12 AM
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These guys are right . My first firearm was a 66 no dash & my first time out shooting it I used a variety of ammo & the hornady 125 gr locked the pistol up completely. I love everything about the 66 & now that I've learned more about what I like I don't care for those 125 grain loads . It's all about what you like but i wouldn't abuse a 66.
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