Hi,
I've owned 2 other revolvers which were both 686+'s (the 6" super tuned and a 2.5") but never fell in love with them and sold them as the market got crazy (6" in Sept. 2011 and 2.5" in May 2013).
In June, I purchased one of the new Model 66-8 4" pistols. I feel like the 4" K frame is the Goldilocks Gun for me meaning not too big, not too small, etc. and overall I've been very quite happy with it. I spend a lot of time in Southern Utah climbing and canyoneering and unwanted critters can wander into camp and it now serves as my "desert gun" with a set of Altamont conversion finger grooved grips.
After about 600 rounds I've decided it needs some work (no pistol can be left stock, right?). I will be sending this to a smith for an action job, front sight change, barrel crown, lanyard ring install and maybe TK moon clip conversion. I'll also be posting updates/pics here afterwards.
My questions are:
1) Anyone have a good smith with a reasonable turn around time (ten ring is who I'm currently looking at)? I'll need it as a cougar/coyote gun this winter so a 4 month wait is a bit hard.
2) Let's hear holster endorsements! I'm looking for a thumb break, lined/suede that will accommodate the 4.25" barrel. It would be an OWB, with a big enough belt loop that I could attach to my backpacking waist strap (2.5" maybe?) for desert trekking.
Thanks,
-Stephen