Got the new 2.75" 66-8 "Combat Magnum"

[Rick_A]

And it's good. It is literally the ugliest S&W I've ever owned aesthetically...but it is solid and well made...with no discernible tooling marks or imperfections anywhere. I was a little worried of reports of heavy DA triggers with a hitch from reviewers, but mine is the best I can recall from any new S&W. I was able to fire a few DA shots and found it mild shooting with specials and magnums...both displaying impressive flash signatures. My hits were slightly left...but I'm going to throw on a different set of grips before I mess with anything. I intend to plug it and throw some Pachmayr Compacs on it and calling it a day...which should complete the ugly. As it is I've gotta wait to pick it up. I'll have some pics and such at that time. I like the lower profile sights that people have complained about. The sight picture is no different than that of fixed sight guns, of which I have a few. An OWB leather pancake holster is inbound. I look forward to carrying it around and shooting it some more.

 

[rwt1405]

Best of luck with it!

Let us know more about it, after the new grips.

 

[Rick_A]

Here's the first quick few shots...some informal DA shooting.
20190619_195802(0) by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

 

[Rick_A]

The jagged tears are 38SPL FMJ, the cut holes are semi wadcutter semi jacketed 357.

 

[Electraclyde]

I have had mine for almost a year. Have not, and don't plan on any changes. I like it as is.

 

[Rick_A]

Now that you mention it, I plan on bobbing the hammer and converting it to DAO.

 

[Sixgun100]

Looks great! Thanks for the positive review. Keep us updated on your modifications. Good to hear nice comments about a new Smith revolver.

 

[Paul105]

Have thoroughly enjoyed mine. Got curious about velocity from 2 3/4" bbl, so when I got my new Labradar I rand the following:

For Information Only, Use at Your Own Risk
Labradar Muzzle Velocity (familiarization run)
60 Deg F
S&W M66-8 2.75" .357 Mag

130gr Fed Hydra-Shok JHP "Personal Defense" PD357HS2 H …….. 1,416 fps avg (84 fps ES) -- two rounds
140gr Underwood Xtreme Penetrator (Philips head mono metal).. 1,422 fps avg ( 5 fps ES) -- two rounds
158gr Horn Xtp - 15.0gr A2400 Std small pistol, new Starline...… 1,316 fps avg (49 fps ES) -- six rounds
165gr CSWCGC (358156) - 13.0gr A2400 New Starline ...… 1,070 fps avg (49 fps ES) -- six rounds
180gr Buff Bore …………………………………………………………………………….. 1,312 fps avg ( 6 fps ES) -- two rounds
185gr LFNGC (Beartooth), 15.0gr Lil'Gun, CCI 400 New Starline.. 1,228 fps avg (14 fps ES) – two rounds
200gr WLNGC (leadheads), 13.4gr H110, Fed 205, New Starline.. 1,102 fps avg ( 4 fps ES) – two rounds
200gr WLNGC (leadheads), 14.4gr H110, Fed 205, New Starline.. 1,155 fps avg ( 2 fps ES) – two rounds
(purported to be the "Doubletap" load info)
200gr WLNGC (leadheads) handload with Lil Gun ………………………. 1,266 fps avg ( 2 fps ES) -- two rounds
Load data not given -- maybe too much of a good thing. Spent cases fell from chambers, and no obvious signs of over pressure. Recoil was heavy. Don't even know if this stabilizes.

If even needed, I would limit useage of the 180, 185, and 200gr loads in J & K Frame guns

Also ran two Buff Bore 180s thru 16" Rossi M92 carbine ……………. 1,894 fps avg ( 6 fps ES) -- two rounds

Larger sample would change results but probably not a great deal.

Originally bought the 200gr LFNGC Leadheads to load in my Ruger Maximum. Got curious, so loaded some in the .357 mag. Haven't put any on paper, but no problem hitting various shaped steel plates at 28 yds offhand with the 2 ¾".

Was surprised at velocities from the 2 ¾" bbl.

FWIW,

Paul

 

[snowman.45]

I've had mine for about a year. It is a great little gun; quite accurate and a smooth trigger. I like the feel overall. I plugged the lock hole and added some Pachmyar Compacts, but have nothing else planned to do to it. In comparison to my 3" Model 66-2, I find little difference in trigger, with the
66-8 being a tad lighter. Makes a great little desert gun for me. I like it so much that I'm I'm now thinking about a new Model 19 Carry-Comp.

 

[DuckBeav]

Congrats, that's a sweet looking shooter ya got there!

 

[Sol-Invictus]

I carry mine often in Azula OWB leather. It is far and away my favorite Smith, favorite Smith trigger and my most accurate at 25 yards. I have a 2.5 no dash and a 2.5 ladysmith 66s and this is what I bet my life on over all my other Smiths and Snubs and I have a lot. Here are some pics of it wearing various pairs of shoes.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
I have the Big Brother to yours.[44mag]
You say the gun does not look good,,,, but,,,
"Any Gun Good--- Shootum Good!"
As to the speeds you get,,, there seems to be a "step" at or on the far side of most magnum rounds at 2 1/2 inches...
A goodly jump in speed occurs that you would not expect.
That is why 3 in guns are in demand...
Almost as fast as a 4 in almost as compact as a 2 in aka "Perfect"
Also with the updated frame/barrel you [or your billfold]will wear out before the gun.

 

[Invictus357]

Congrats, but ugly?

How the F could that ever be considered ugly?

 

[Rick_A]

I've owned what I consider to be the most beautiful S&W's ever made. It ain't one of them.

 

[dr. mordo]

I think they are one of S&Ws better guns for a few years. Just the right barrel size, full length extractor, stainless - perfect carry gun.

I've thought about buying one, but I have 3" Wiley Clapp GP100 that I love and would carry if I dropped down to carrying a 357.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

It is literally the ugliest S&W I've ever owned aesthetically...

It's look is quint essential S&W.

Glad you like everything else about it.

Mine's beautiful, even when it's dirty.

.

.

 

[ScottN]

Congrats on the 66-8. I love mine. I made a few changes to make it even sweeter.

I thought the rear sight was too low and the notch was a bit shallow. I went with the S&W taller .146" blade. For the front sight I went with the Dawson Precision .110" wide by .270" tall red fiber optic sight. The factory front sight is .125" wide. This combo was suggested by a poster on this sight and is a great option.

I also changed the grips to the Hogue bantam grips and installed a Wolff 14-lb trigger return spring. It is about as perfect as a modern revolver can get...imho. It is a woods and range revolver for me.

And last, holsters were a challenge for me to find but I ended up with a couple of good options. I have a iwb kydex holster from JM Custom Kydex that works well for my 66-8 if I want to carry iwb, which I don't do often because I feel it's a bit too bulky for extended iwb carry. I also have the following Desantis owb holster. It was on sale for $45 and had good reviews. It works well and didn't break the bank.

DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard Belt Holster Right Hand - MPN: 001BA13Z0



Enjoy it and be safe!

 

[Rick_A]

I changed the rebound spring on one gun and it led to occassional short strokes. I'll never do it again.

I have a nice Desantis thumb break for an N frame, but decided to go with something different this time around.
Handcrafted Leather Belt Holster Black Tan For Smith and | Etsy

 

[ScottN]

Rick, you bring up a good point on trigger rebound springs. You do have to be careful to not negatively impact the trigger reset. I have never had a problem with the 14-lb spring but results may vary and I'm certainly not a gunsmith.

 

[HamHands]

The only thing ugly about that new Revolver in my opinion OP are those hideous grips and the "Stink-Hole" in the frame... Both of which you are Moot because you are replacing them anyway... Might I suggest Original Precision's Lock Delete in either the same finish of the gun or flat black to match the trigger, rear sight, hammer, ejector rod, cylinder release etc... I did my the same in regards to the "Lock Delete" with my 3" Talo... Your new gun would look and handle perfectly for me with a pair of 90's "Combats Morados" Pau Ferro Wood...

Below is a pic of my idea of a "Combat Revolver"... even if it's designation from Smith is "Mountain Back-Packer"... Both the "DX" and Mountain Back Packer sport 90's Morado's I mentioned above. Below that is the Talo I sold to my Lil' Brother!

Below is the Talo I sold to my Lil' Brother with the flat black "OP" Lock Delete...