differences between a mod 64 and mod 66?

[681ismyfavorite]

I compared my model 64-2 to my model 66-2, side by side eyeballing them anyway..... all I see structurally that is different is the 66 has a shorter forcing cone in the frame window to allow the slightly longer cylinder. aside from sights and hammer type I don't see any other differences.

what am I missing?

 

[jinx]

Thats about it.

 

[681ismyfavorite]

so essentially the 64 could safely fire a .357 round (if it could fit in the chamber that is).

 

[Engine49guy]

Completely different frame, cylinder and barrel, internals might swap between the two size wise but your basicly comparing a SS version of the Model 10 to a SS version of the Model 19-5.

 

[kbm6893]

Completely different frame, cylinder and barrel, internals might swap between the two size wise but your basicly comparing a SS version of the Model 10 to a SS version of the Model 19-5.

Different frame? K frame is a k frame. The 66 has a standard barrel, adjustable sights, and of course a slightly longer cylinder to accept the 357 round.

There was a short run of 64's in 357, as there was a run of 10's in 357 for the NY Troopers. I am sure the 64 could handle a 357. Since S&w is still making 64's, I don't know why they don't make them in 357. They did it to the Model 60 and the 640. Don't see why they couldn't make a 357 Model 64 or 67.

God knows they charge enough for new 64's and 67's.

I've owned several 66's and 19's. And 64's and 65's. I own a 67-1 now with the standard barrel. Great gun as the 66's and 19's were. But I prefer the meatiness of the heavy barrel. Also have a Model 10.

 

[OKFC05]

so essentially the 64 could safely fire a .357 round (if it could fit in the chamber that is).

Two little words: Heat treating

 

[Engine49guy]

Different frame? K frame is a k frame. The 66 has a standard barrel, adjustable sights, and of course a slightly longer cylinder to accept the 357 round.

There was a short run of 64's in 357, as there was a run of 10's in 357 for the NY Troopers. I am sure the 64 could handle a 357. Since S&w is still making 64's, I don't know why they don't make them in 357. T..........

All K frames are not the same.
There are round butt and square butt frames,
Stainless steel, Carbon steel and aluminum frames,
Long and short action 5 screw, 4 screw, 3 screw frames,
Smooth tang, 6 groove tang and 10 groove tang frames, Pre and post barrel set pin frames,
Pre IL and Post IL , new and old cylinder stop frames,
Center fire frame mounted firing pin and non frame mounted firing pin frames,
Old style rear site cut and new style rear site ( rounded rear site pre drilled for scope mount) frames,
K Target rimfire frames for non rib barrels (pre war),
K Target rimfire frames for narrow rib barrels,
K Target rimfire frames for wide rib barrels,
K Target rimfire frames for full underlug barrels ,
K rimfire fixed site frames,
K Target center fire frames for non rib barrels (pre war),
K Target center fire frames for narrow rib barrels,
K Target center fire frames for wide rib barrels,
K Target center fire frames for wide rib ejector rod shroud barrels,
K centerfire fixed site frames for wide rib barrels,
K centerfire fixed site frames for narrow "Pencil" barrels,
K centerfire fixed site frames for non ejector rod shroud barrels,
K centerfire fixed site frames for use with ejector rod shroud barrels ,
K Target Magnum frames ,
K Magnum fixed site frames for use with shrouded ejector rod barrels,
K Magnum fixed site frames for use with non shrouded ejector rod barrels ,
The SB 2" Model 15 snub frame is unique to that model ,
The 2.5" RB snub Model 66 and 19 Magnum frames are unique to those models,
The Air Force KTX38 Model 56 frame is unique to that Model,
The PC Model 17-8 Heritage rimfire frame is unique to that model,
Lastly cant remember if the Model 53 Jet and Model 547 frames are different but they might also be unique to those models.

The Model 64's and 10's made in .357 pre date the Model 13 and 65 introduction but those had to receive the Magnum heat treating to add strength, (They didnt just drop a 357 cylinder in a run of the mill Model 64 or 10 frame.).

 

[kbm6893]

You're saying that every change S&w made to their guns, round butt over square, frame mounted firing pin, integral lock,etc, changes the frame designation?

By your interpretation, a model 66 no dash is a different frame than a Model 66-2.

I don't agree. They're still k frames. A 66 from 1975 will
Fit in a holster for a new 64. And sure the heat treating makes the 38 be able to handle a 357. So they should do it like they have the 60.

 

[Engine49guy]

Sometimes frames are the same outside of their revision and sometimes they are not,
The parts inside a 66 and 66-1 will interchange but the parts inside a 66 and a 66-5 will not.

The K frame cylinder windows are all the same to simplify production but if you say use a Model 14-6 barrel on a model 15-2 frame the parts will screw together but they wont fit flush and will look wrong cosmetically.

The Model 66-2 and 64-2 are both K centerfire frames but use different style K frames (target and fixed site) made to different strength tolerances (magnum and non Magnum).

 

[kbm6893]

The K frame cylinder windows are all the same to simplify production but if you say use a Model 14-6 barrel on a model 15-2 frame the parts will screw together but they wont fit flush and will look wrong cosmetically.

The Model 66-2 and 64-2 are both K centerfire frames but use different style K frames made to different strength tolerances.

I doubt the OP is looking to mix and match parts between models. He's wondering what the difference is between the 66 and the 64. And engineering changes like moving a firing pin off a hammer aren't what he's thinking of.

 

[Engine49guy]

I compared my model 64-2 to my model 66-2, side by side eyeballing them anyway..... all I see structurally that is different is the 66 has a shorter forcing cone in the frame window to allow the slightly longer cylinder. aside from sights and hammer type I don't see any other differences.what am I missing?

The OP is asking what are the differences between his 66-2 and 64-2.

I suppose it depends on how fine you set the microscope,
The 66-1 has target sites , grooved tangs, is longer in the yoke to mate to a barrel shroud and most importantly received extra heat treating to withstand the higher pressures generated by the .357 round.

Since both are in the same revision hammer, trigger, rebound spring , main spring, cylinder stop should swap between the two otherwise the frames cylinders and barrels are completely different parts that are not interchangeable.