I am trying to figure out if the newer Smiths have faster barrel velocities than the older Smiths. For example, does anyone have data showing that a newer PC model like the 686 PC 2.5 inch is faster than a model 66 2.5 inch barrel from the 70's for a given load? Thx in advance. I will sit back and see what you guys say.
You would have to chronograph hundreds of revolvers from both manufacturing/rifling methods to reach any valid conclusion as to whether one or the other tended to be faster!
I can guarantee that if there were any speed advantage to the new ECM barrels that S&W would be bragging this up in their advertising!
I really think it would be impossible to reach any valid conclusion one way or the other. Chronograph two identical revolvers and you can get wide velocity variation; in fact, I have seen a 2.5 inch revolver beat a 4 inch by nearly 100 fps with the same load. There are a lot of variables that can make a difference from one revolver to another.
...I have seen a 2.5 inch revolver beat a 4 inch by nearly 100 fps with the same load. There are a lot of variables that can make a difference from one revolver to another.
Exactly. Here's an example where 2.5 inch S&W 686 Plus (7-shooter) yielded higher velocity than 686 Plus Mountain Gun (also 7 shooter):
.357 muzzle velocities
Linear Mode
