I Was Wrong

[SixGunSancho]

When I'm wrong, which I am more often than I'd wish to admit, I'll admit it. My Model 66-8 is an excellent handgun. I was hoping for a vintage S&W revolver. I was working off a severe case of tunnel vision. My Model 66-8 is a new model revolver. I should have assessed it based upon it as a new model and not based upon vintage S&W revolvers.

My Model 66-8's timing is perfect. I like its new cylinder locking mechanism. It seems more solid than vintage models. It feels perfectly balanced in my hands. No, it does not have the divine natural balance of a 1911-A1, but what handgun does. For a revolver, it does have excellent balance.

I love its new firing pin system. It seems to be more reliable.

After installing Wilson springs, its action is as smooth as any revolver I've fired. The lock causes me no concern.

But for its size, I'd make it my primary CCW handgun, which is moot. I couldn't tell you the last time I've carried a handgun on my person.

I might be falling in love with my Model 66-8. I do love its 2.75" barrel. For its intended use, velocity loss vis-a-vis a 4" barreled .357 Mag would be academic. For bipedal self-defense, I've always used the FBI load, even in .357 Mag revolvers. !'d imagine over 1000 FPS with 180 grain bullets, more with hard cast. The 180 .357 Mag bullet has enviable sectional density, which translates to better penetration than 158 grain bullets. 6 180 grain .357 rounds would screw up any black bear's dinner menu.

I'd buy another new model S&W revolver in a heartbeat if I could justify it. A .22 LR would be a blast at ranges and putting holes in recyclables between trout bites.

 

[SixGunSancho]

BTW, I've applied a tiny amount of Wilson's grease to the crane mechanism. I've been working it for a day. It has loosened dramatically. I'll keep grease in it for another day and then remover it, clean the entire gun, and oil the crane mechanism.

 

[bigggbbruce]

My newest is a 60-14.. the lock doesn't concern me either..it sits in a bag in my parts box..

 

[Rock185]

I've owned a few of the later -5 and -6 revolvers with the MIM internals, one with the lock. I've owned S&Ws since the '60s and have to say the MIM internals have provided a smoother DA trigger than most of my older, pre MIM, S&Ws. Also, back in the '70s, I bought my share of brand new S&Ws that did not time up/carry up properly from day 1. The newer examples I've had all timed up properly. So there are actually some good things about these newer versions IMHO. Enjoy your new revolver.

 

[Paul105]

I was playing with my then new LabRadar chrono and my 2 3/4" M66-8 -- thought the results were interesting (a bit surprised at the velocities in a 2 3/4" bbl).


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 ...… 1,150 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

FWIW,

Paul

 

[SixGunSancho]

Merry Christmas Paul,

Thank you so much for your most enlightening data. I had figured that there wouldn't be a substantial velocity differential between a 4" barreled .357 Mag and a 2.75" barreled .357 Mag.

I have Buffalo Bore .357 Mag 180 cast rounds. I'll load those while fishing in black bear country.

For bipedal self defense and lion defense, I'll be good with .38 Special +P.

I've never been able to get much above 1250 FPS with factory and hand loaded 158 grain .357 Mag ammo.