I just picked up this model 66 2.75 inch today and love the look and size. I have a question about a stiff cylinder release. All my other Smith revolvers the cylinder opens with little effort. On this one it seems tighter than normal. I think it's the little pin thing that comes out of the cylinder to lock it up because it seems very stiff. Anyone else have this issue before and does it work itself out or should I send it in ?


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Check that the ejector rod is screwed in tightly- if it is not it can cause some binding, IIRC.

Smarter people will be along soon, I am sure.

Thanks I checked it and it's tight.


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There is another thread about the "tight" lockup on the new 66's. Nothing wrong with it, just a different design.

Picked Up The New 66

Might we worth reading.

Yes, the ball detent in this 2.75" is an updated design over what is in the previously released 4.25" 66 and 69 models. I just picked mine up last night, and mine is the exact same way as the OP reports, somewhat stiff to open. It's sort of like S&W's take on Ruger's "triple lock" revolver design. Nothing wrong with it at all, and I do like it better than the previous design, in part because it's camouflaged. Quite a few owners at first thought there was something wrong with their 4.25" models because the ball bearing didn't fully seat into the "V" notch, which you could easily see from the botton front of the revolver. The new design solves that problem, and provides a much firmer lock-up than the previous version.

Thanks, I read another review of it and it said the same thing. I'm good with it as long as it's the norm. I can't wait to get out and shoot it.


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I just read it thanks.


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Congratulations!