Hi all
I just inherited a model 66 no dash with an interesting flaw in the top strap, any advice from you guys whether the pistol is still safe to shoot, the forging problem is about 3mm deep, 3mm wide, and 8mm long.
Its fired at least 100 rounds of full factory and about 8,000 target and its still tight.
Thanks

We need pics...

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Run Fast, Bite Hard!

here is the fault in the forging

Attached Images

model 66 frame.jpg (27.0 KB, 502 views)

If it were mine, I'd shoot all the 38's I could find through it. 357---maybe not so many. Your question is how strong is strong enough. I don't think anyone here can answer that with 100% accuracy.

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bit better photo

Attached Images

model 66 frame1.jpg (57.0 KB, 324 views)

I've never seen a top strap flaw such as that before. It's surely NOT flame cutting or any other NORMAL ware I can think of. It may very well be a casting "blow hole". If you have a top of the line gunsmith in your area it may be well the cost to have him/her inspect it, or make plans to ship it to Smith and Wesson, for inspection. One word of caution with shipping it to the factory, it's my understanding, if the factory does not believe the revolver is totally safe they will not return it to you.

Final thought post your question and photos in the gunsmithing section of the forum and see if anyone over there has a specific answer for you.

Best of luck what ever you do.

I believe that S & W forge their frames and to me it looks as if the defect was there before it was machined. Flame cutting occurs at the cylinder gap between the cylinder and the barrel. I am surprised 1) the flaw was not picked up at the factory 2) that it went all these years without anybody noticing the flaw before I got it. As if it sent to the factory, yes they will keep it but they should replace it with a new gun as it is their fault that the gun left the factory with such a flaw. I am wondering if it could be filled with weld as I believe it is in 316 SS and I believe this alloy is not affected by heat?

"this alloy is not affected by heat"

It certainly is affected by heat. S&W heat treats their frames and cylinders.
Welding will affect the heat treating, but whether that area would weaken the frame is uncertain.

As above, I'd contact S&W and ask their opinion about what, if anything to do. It's possible that won't affect the frame strength enough to worry about.
It's also possible that S&W will give you a new gun as a replacement

I'm thinking if I inherited that pistol I'd probably just clean it up & put it up somewhere & get something else I could shoot.

Thank you guys for all your input, would like to shoot the pistol but have hesitations, I have sent all the info to S&W, I am waiting for their reply

I agree with DFW on this. And I don't think 316 was used because it cannot be strengthened by heat treating procedures after it has been machined.

I've been handling handguns, mostly Smiths, for close to 40 years. I've never seen anything like that.

same here, had Smiths for 40+ and never seen a law like this before, its a puzzle to me!

I would prefer that gun to shoot target loads rather than being replaced with a new magnum from S&W.

They did not make the new 66 in the same flowing lines as the early models, don't know anything about the new 66's lockwork, but what is wrong with the new 66, yep I prefer the old one and it will probably only shoot target

Guess what S & W wants me to ship the 66 back, We have received your email regarding your firearm. We would suggest returning the product for our examination. We would like to examine the gun.
For a pre-paid and pre-insured return shipping label, please supply us with the following information so we can process your Pre-Authorized Service Notification: