Issues with my 66-8 2.75"

[Hopper]

Southpaw, still watching this thread, and hoping you have a good update to share with the group soon. Your issues don't seem to be yours alone, but so far so good with my piece. This video was just posted by iraqveteran8888, and I tend to like his reviews (he's no Hickok, but I like him nonetheless). His fired without a hitch with a variety of ammo, so really hoping some of the problem reports in this forum are truly few and far between. What is it they used to say in the auto world... maybe you got a "Friday" gun?? Anyway, I thought this was overall a pretty nice and favorable review, though they had some crown burrs to work out.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4pCqA2Zf-g&t=1416s"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4pCqA2Zf-g&t=1416s[/ame]

 

[CDelta]

Combat Magnum back from S&W

Just wanted to give an update on the 66-8 2.75 I sent back to smith a month ago.

First, I received it back yesterday so almost 1 month to the day I shipped it out so roughly 30 days turn around time. Not too bad.

Inside the box was a work order that said "evaluate/repair. Cut forcing cone". So I can only assume that was done. It also came back with three blank sheets of paper with the exception of a R on one and a L on another. On one of these I noticed a very faint speck. this appears to be how they tested for the spitting lead problem after cutting the forcing cone.

So today I hit the range today with 6 different types of .357 and .38 to run it through its paces. Im happy to say it made it past 16 rounds of magnums and the cylinder didn't bind! I had absolutely no problems with blowback or the cylinder locking up from jacketing on the forcing cone. After 200 rounds there were no fragments of bullet lodged anywhere near the forcing cone and was clean with the exception of burnt powder.

I am glad that this gun is finally starting to run like it should and how others have reported theres to be in good working order.

With that said I have only a couple other issues now.

After about 100 rounds I noticed that when I would open the cylinder to reload, when cycling the cylinder by hand it had noticeable drag and would squeak every now and again like the wheel on a old bicycle. I assume its just getting fouled up and needs to be cleaned but I have never experienced that with any of my other revolvers.

Accuracy. Has anyone had any accuracy issues with theirs?
Before anyone starts hitting me with the "operator error" answer, let me say I had 4 other smith revolvers with me today all .38/.357, varying barrel lengths, and a new 442. The 66-8 was first shooting low and right so I adjusted the sights. after adjusting the shots were landing at least in the direction of aim but could not get a group smaller than a basketball at 10 yards. With all other revolvers I was hitting softball sized groups at 10-15 yards and the 442 with the 1.875 inch barrel was landing groups tennis ball size at 10 yards.

I might post this question in another thread , but Ive noticed how the rifling just seems to protrude from the muzzle on these 2 piece barrels leaving what appears to be an unfinished look. Maybe I just got one made on a Friday?

Overall smith fixed the issue I was having so that is a plus. I just really want to like this new 66. Feels great in the hand, has everything I want in a .357. Hopefully another trip to the range and a cleaned up yoke will yield better results or it will get sold off until I can find one that is right like others have mentioned owning.

Southpaw- hopefully you will be getting yours back soon!

 

[Ashlander]

Hmmm? My new 2.75" 66-8 (shipped 4/13) had none of the problems. In particular, it is accurate, doesn't spit lead and the muzzle looks well finished. The store had two to chose from and both looked fine. I suppose I was either lucky or the employees producing them are getting the hang of the new design and the quirks involved in manufacturing it.

 

[riverrat38]

Mine was spitting "something" with plated and jacketed bullets (Xtreme and Speer GDSB) and BB lead FBI load. Accuracy was as good as I can shoot, tennis ball at 10 yards, even with the "spitting" bullets.
My 66 was accepted by S&W on June 6, so 2 weeks next Tuesday. Glad to hear I should get mine back in a couple of weeks.
I have long wondered if getting a revolver that needs to go back for warranty work might have any good points. I have this idea, right or wrong, that the gun is being checked out by someone with more experience than the assemblers that screwed them up in the first place. Many of the parts are MIM, and just need to be assembled, but who does the work like cutting the crown and forcing cone, low paid assemblers or real gunsmiths? Not sure I want to know the answer. The say that making laws is like making sausages, something you don't want to see happening, but I would like to think that building guns is not in the same category.

Best,
Rick

 

[southpaw187]

Southpaw, still watching this thread, and hoping you have a good update to share with the group soon. Your issues don't seem to be yours alone, but so far so good with my piece. This video was just posted by iraqveteran8888, and I tend to like his reviews (he's no Hickok, but I like him nonetheless). His fired without a hitch with a variety of ammo, so really hoping some of the problem reports in this forum are truly few and far between. What is it they used to say in the auto world... maybe you got a "Friday" gun?? Anyway, I thought this was overall a pretty nice and favorable review, though they had some crown burrs to work out.

S&W Model 66 Combat Magnum - YouTube

Howdy Hopper, I will check this video out when I get a chance. I have seen some of his other videos and I am a fan.

 

[southpaw187]

Just wanted to give an update on the 66-8 2.75 I sent back to smith a month ago.

First, I received it back yesterday so almost 1 month to the day I shipped it out so roughly 30 days turn around time. Not too bad.

Inside the box was a work order that said "evaluate/repair. Cut forcing cone". So I can only assume that was done. It also came back with three blank sheets of paper with the exception of a R on one and a L on another. On one of these I noticed a very faint speck. this appears to be how they tested for the spitting lead problem after cutting the forcing cone.

So today I hit the range today with 6 different types of .357 and .38 to run it through its paces. Im happy to say it made it past 16 rounds of magnums and the cylinder didn't bind! I had absolutely no problems with blowback or the cylinder locking up from jacketing on the forcing cone. After 200 rounds there were no fragments of bullet lodged anywhere near the forcing cone and was clean with the exception of burnt powder.

I am glad that this gun is finally starting to run like it should and how others have reported theres to be in good working order.

With that said I have only a couple other issues now.

After about 100 rounds I noticed that when I would open the cylinder to reload, when cycling the cylinder by hand it had noticeable drag and would squeak every now and again like the wheel on a old bicycle. I assume its just getting fouled up and needs to be cleaned but I have never experienced that with any of my other revolvers.

Accuracy. Has anyone had any accuracy issues with theirs?
Before anyone starts hitting me with the "operator error" answer, let me say I had 4 other smith revolvers with me today all .38/.357, varying barrel lengths, and a new 442. The 66-8 was first shooting low and right so I adjusted the sights. after adjusting the shots were landing at least in the direction of aim but could not get a group smaller than a basketball at 10 yards. With all other revolvers I was hitting softball sized groups at 10-15 yards and the 442 with the 1.875 inch barrel was landing groups tennis ball size at 10 yards.

I might post this question in another thread , but Ive noticed how the rifling just seems to protrude from the muzzle on these 2 piece barrels leaving what appears to be an unfinished look. Maybe I just got one made on a Friday?

Overall smith fixed the issue I was having so that is a plus. I just really want to like this new 66. Feels great in the hand, has everything I want in a .357. Hopefully another trip to the range and a cleaned up yoke will yield better results or it will get sold off until I can find one that is right like others have mentioned owning.

Southpaw- hopefully you will be getting yours back soon!

Howdy CDelta, Yes it sounds like they did cut a throat into the forcing cone if you are no longer experiencing blow back. At least they properly diagnosed that part. And regarding the 3 pieces of paper, one each with L and R and one blank, I believe what that represents is they hold a piece of paper on each side of the cylinder and probably the blank one back by the shooter when firing shots seeking evidence of lead particles, as you suggested. Sounds like a reasonable approach to the repair by them.

Regarding the retardation of cylinder movement after 100 rounds, you should definitely disassemble the cylinder assembly, clean it thoroughly and lubricate it. I am willing to bet your cylinder will spin freely once those tasks are complete. I find it very concerning that these 66-8's experience cylinder drag after a relatively small amount of fouling from normal use. I believe this is due to the unusual gas ring configuration on these guns. On all my other smiths with "normal" gas ring configurations, I do not have this specific problem. In fact, the cylinders on those guns spin like a top after countless rounds. This is an issue I raised with S&W when I sent it in, so I am curious to see if and how they address it. I am what I consider a medium volume shooter, and I don't have the patience to clean my cylinder assembly after every time I go to the range. So I hope this problem on my gun works itself out with use or is solved by S&W.

Regarding accuracy; this is not the most accurate handgun I own, and frankly in my experience with it so far, albeit limited, it is not very easy to shoot it accurately due to trigger pull weight and short sight radius. That being said, my groups at 10 yards are what I would consider softball sized when shooting DA. And if I cock it into SA, I can about squeeze them into maybe a hardball sized group. A basketball sized group would definitely concern me, I mean that is like a 10-12" spread. I am not a gunsmith so I don't want to opine on the condition of the lands and groves, but I do believe that if they are cut properly and consistently across all of them, I don't think it should matter too much if the muzzle isn't recessed crowned. But if there is any damage to the lands and grooves, that certainly can affect accuracy.

Please let us know what results you have at your next trip to the range. I am curious to see if you experience cylinder binding issues again, and if you can tighten up your groups, especially shooting single action.

-Southpaw

 

[southpaw187]

Mine was spitting "something" with plated and jacketed bullets (Xtreme and Speer GDSB) and BB lead FBI load. Accuracy was as good as I can shoot, tennis ball at 10 yards, even with the "spitting" bullets.
My 66 was accepted by S&W on June 6, so 2 weeks next Tuesday. Glad to hear I should get mine back in a couple of weeks.
I have long wondered if getting a revolver that needs to go back for warranty work might have any good points. I have this idea, right or wrong, that the gun is being checked out by someone with more experience than the assemblers that screwed them up in the first place. Many of the parts are MIM, and just need to be assembled, but who does the work like cutting the crown and forcing cone, low paid assemblers or real gunsmiths? Not sure I want to know the answer. The say that making laws is like making sausages, something you don't want to see happening, but I would like to think that building guns is not in the same category.

Best,
Rick

Howdy Rick,

I hope your theory about the folks inspecting warranty guns being more qualified is accurate! If there are problems with their items they should be fixed right the first time by a qualified professional. And I am not sure who is in charge of cutting forcing cones and crowning muzzles, etc, on the production line but I would think any competent person with enough training can manage those relatively easy tasks (easy compared to detailed parts fitting anyway). So I would guess they are lower paid assemblers as opposed to certified smiths. That is just my guess. And I am with you on the sausage analysis... just deliver me a delicious sausage I really don't need to know that there are pig ears, eye balls, and lord knows what else inside of it.......

 

[southpaw187]

Hello everyone, I received an email today with a FedEx tracking number from Springfield, MA, so it looks like my 66 will be back in hand this Wednesday the 21st. I mailed it off on the 16th or 17th, So essentially it took just over a month to go full circle. I will report back to you guys upon inspection of the gun and explanation of work from S&W. And of course I will also give a range report after I get to shoot it.

 

[gnystrom]

Good news. I look forward to a report on the work done.

 

[Hopper]

C'mon Southpaw, we're all ready for an update! Hope you receive your 66 back on schedule today, and that you get a chance to give it a workout soon. Even if it takes you a day or three to get to the range, hoping you have some positive initial impressions on getting the gun back, and can give a rundown on the fixes they document on the return sheet.

FWIW, I have given mine another good workout, but again with WWB 38 Specials, I ran out of time to get any +P or 357 through it due to sharing it with my younger brother who loved it. Accuracy remains excellent, no binding after roughly 100 rounds on this most recent range trip, and still no concerns or disappointments to report.

 

[southpaw187]

C'mon Southpaw, we're all ready for an update! Hope you receive your 66 back on schedule today, and that you get a chance to give it a workout soon. Even if it takes you a day or three to get to the range, hoping you have some positive initial impressions on getting the gun back, and can give a rundown on the fixes they document on the return sheet.

FWIW, I have given mine another good workout, but again with WWB 38 Specials, I ran out of time to get any +P or 357 through it due to sharing it with my younger brother who loved it. Accuracy remains excellent, no binding after roughly 100 rounds on this most recent range trip, and still no concerns or disappointments to report.

Thanks for the update! Im doing my best to make sure i will be present to sign for the package. I am working from home today so i can be around. There will be 1 hr this morning at my house with no one home. Im hoping Murphy and his laws don't rule the day and cause that driver to show up then. Cross your digits!


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[southpaw187]

I received the following today:

Got my gun back with some paperwork. Had to stash the gun in the safe without giving it much inspection due to much activity in my house. But the Cylinder is spinning freely and the trigger pull feels right through multiple strokes.

Paperwork is as follows:

A small piece of paper indicating a test was performed for "VENT PARTICLES" with a result of "A" meaning Accept. On the bottom of this sheet is a note saying "DIRTY" with the following codes "02,07,37,52,60". No idea what this part means.

3 pieces of white paper, one marked L, one marked R, one blank. All free of debris. Obviously part of the vent particle test.

A repair order confirmation sheet. Of interest on this sheet is the following: Yoke Bind - Excessive Lead Fouling On. High Screw - Screws Back out. Misfires - Light Strikes, Excessive Blow. So that matches the email I sent in describing my issues. Then it says, Performed Service: Evaluate/Repair, Clean Gun, Cut Forcing Cone, Replace Strain Screws, Replace Thumbpiece Nut, Repair Yoke. Then this paper lists a bunch of part numbers, but I don't think they replaced this long list of parts on my gun. This paperwork is frankly a bit confusing.

A packing slip not relevant to the repair.

As they say the proof is in the pudding so I will get this to the range, probably Friday, and ring her out. Stay tuned.

-Southpaw

 

[Hopper]

I have no idea what all those codes mean either, but it sounds like they gave it a thorough going-over, which is great. The strain screw backing out would explain light strikes, and that's an easy fix with some blue Loctite. The part I'm most interested in hearing about is how it handles the various 357 grain loads after they did some forcing cone work. Hoping you have good results here without any shavings or blowback. The few times I've used the S&W warranty service were all good experiences, never ever had to send anything back a second time, so I'm optimistic, and hope you have a good report to share soon!

 

[southpaw187]

Howdy Fellas, well I have an update for you.

I went to the range Friday, shot a decent variety of ammo and observed the following:

Overall function - Gun worked as it should. Zero blowback. Zero shavings at forcing cone. Zero light strikes. No screws backing out. Cylinder didn't bind. One thing about the cylinder assembly is that it was screwed together very tight by S&W warranty repair; so tight that I can't unscrew it with hand strength. I am going to leave it like this for a while as long as the cylinder keeps spinning freely and correctly.

Accuracy - I have some work to do in order to perfect my double action shooting with the puppy. The DA pull is pretty stiff. But in SA, I was getting nice groups. I even shot a group at 25 yards seated at the bench with my gun resting on my range bag, and I kept all 6 shots within the black circle on my targets, probably 4". And this is not representative of the gun, rather my ability to shoot a group at 25 yards. So I am going to declare that accurately on my sample is a non issue.

Ammo shot:

38sp Federal AE 130gr FMJ 50 rounds - This has been my go to practice load. No issues to report.

38sp Freedom 158gr LSWC 50 rounds - This is the ammo that binded up my cylinder last time. No such problems this time. But I have to say, I am going to stop using this ammo. Extremely smokey and extremely messy. Not worth the neatly punched holes they leave in my opinion. Better choices out there. Just too filthy and smokey for my like.

357 Freedom 125gr FP 50 rounds - I believe these are plated bullets. I had no problem with these. Decently hot 357 loads and flawless function. A nice 357 practice load.

357 Federal 158gr JSP 50 rounds - I got these at Walmart for $25 and they are marked CHAMPION on the packaging but I think these are also offered in the American Eagle line. Guys, HOLY COW. This is some hot factory range ammo. Let's out a boom that everyone on the range can feel and the recoil is STOUT. I am not sure the muzzle velocity out of my gun but I would love to clock these. The only time I felt this level of concussion and recoil was when I was handloading H110 & N110 and filling the powder to the gills. This is one hell of a factory round I must say. KA-BOOM. I would not have made it through this box of 50 without a shooting glove. I bet this rounds would be devastating out of a lever action rifle. Kudos to Federal.

357 Hornady Critical Duty 135gr FlexLock 25 rounds - These are stout rounds in their own right. They definitely feel hotter than the Critical Defense 357's. These will get the job done, that is for sure.

So all in all it was a range day that made me smile. If I can keep getting these results, I am considering having Dave Lauck work on this gun for me (i.e. his sights fitted and tuned to my carry ammo, an action tune and perhaps a hard chrome refinish).

Once I break down the cylinder assembly, I will report back to the thread if there is anything note worthy; especially if there is fouling on the yoke.

Thanks gents,

Southpaw

 

[Kframerbluvr]

This is truly sad. Years ago, when K frames were pretty much universal in LE, an academy student could purchase a new S&W revolver for the Basic Jailor firearms training and be assured that it would function for a couple of hundred rounds of low budget .38 lead reloads before needing a good scrubbing. Sounds like too many of the new production K frames aren't built with professional use in mind.

 

[Hopper]

Howdy Fellas, well I have an update for you.

I've been waiting for this, and it sounds like great news all the way around. Glad you finally were able to wring out your 66 and end your range time with a smile. Excellent news, really happy to see you have an outstanding report to share!

Also, I second your opinion on the lead rounds being dirty and smokey. Great fun to shoot, but they are messy.

 

[CDelta]

So all in all it was a range day that made me smile. If I can keep getting these results, I am considering having Dave Lauck work on this gun for me (i.e. his sights fitted and tuned to my carry ammo, an action tune and perhaps a hard chrome refinish).

Once I break down the cylinder assembly, I will report back to the thread if there is anything note worthy; especially if there is fouling on the yoke.

Thanks gents,

Southpaw

Glad to hear you had a great trip to the range and everything is working as it should!

Headed back to the range over the weekend. I posted earlier about accuracy issues I was having with this particular gun. Well the rear sight blade was loose, moving left right up down. I adjusted it 2 clicks to the right, where it needed to be, and the blade seated tight. Not sure why it was loose when in the other position but I will keep an eye on it. With the sight blade seated, I was hitting baseball to softball size groups at 10 yards, which is more a reflection of my ability with the gun than the actually accuracy of the gun when the sight blade isn't bouncing all over.

Southpaw- Keep us posted on any upgrades you make to the 66!

 

[southpaw187]

Glad to hear you had a great trip to the range and everything is working as it should!



Headed back to the range over the weekend. I posted earlier about accuracy issues I was having with this particular gun. Well the rear sight blade was loose, moving left right up down. I adjusted it 2 clicks to the right, where it needed to be, and the blade seated tight. Not sure why it was loose when in the other position but I will keep an eye on it. With the sight blade seated, I was hitting baseball to softball size groups at 10 yards, which is more a reflection of my ability with the gun than the actually accuracy of the gun when the sight blade isn't bouncing all over.



Southpaw- Keep us posted on any upgrades you make to the 66!

Sure thing! And im glad to hear you resolved your accuracy issue!!!


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[BLUEDOT37]

M66-8 Snubbie Forcing Cone Issue

Hi folks, I just want to vent a little frustration regarding my 66-8 2.75".

1. Throat Improperly Cut - This issue was discussed in another thread but I will recap it here. I took it to the range after purchasing it and experienced tremendous amount of shrapnel being thrown back in my face, plus copper was being shaved off at the top of the forcing cone and deposited between the top of the cone and the top strap, causing the cylinder bind and lock up the gun. I took this to my gunsmith, the master Frank Glenn, and he identified the problem as a barrel throat that was not properly cut (it was too shallow). He identified this with a plug gauge (a go/no-go gauge) from Brownells. he used a reamer to open up the throat into spec. And this solved the problem as far as I can tell. Although on two instances since then I have taken bits and pieces to the face and arms.

I bought one last weekend. Been "tweeking" a few of my normal things before I head to the range later this week.

Worked on the SA trigger & got it down to 3# by changing to a Wolff 14# & cutting 1/2 a coil off and polishing things up. Also took .015" off the strain screw.

Chamfered the muzzle to rid it of the abrupt opening & it's few burrs.
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I was pretty satisfied with things & then I took a last look at the forcing cone as I was getting ready to put it away. I usually brag on how smooth the two-piece barrel's FC are done. This was no exception but then the shallow/short contour of it made me look closer.

A quick check with a new 158gr JHP bullet got my attention when the base of it wouldn't even start to enter into the FC !!

(Bullet stops before the full diameter of the bullet (at the cannelure) is inserted into the FC.)
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That's not good. Apparently the same trouble others have encountered with this new revolver.

Having already had to deal with rough, ragged, & minimally cut FCs (on one-piece barrels) in the past I had what I needed on-hand to correct the factory's flaw.
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Used my Brownells 5 degree cutter as this has worked best in the past on fixing existing FCs (since most factory cut FCs tend to already have a larger diameter opening than is optimal, ~.020" over bullet diameter).
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Used a sized 357 case (.372" OD) as a gage since my plug gages are too long (2") for the frame window.
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Finished up with a light polishing with the lapping tool.

Definitely this was not the best work from the factory, & I can understand other people's frustration with it.

At least this one is sized right now & should shoot fine.
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For comparison, here's a factory FC on a two-piece barrel that was right.
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Now I'm ready for the range.

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[mikethebike67]

Sadly mine is at Smith & Wesson now. Crown wasn't finished properly. On two different shooting sessions it made my face bleed from spitting copper jackets. Cylinder was also binding although that was getting better from use and a couple of cleanings. It's been gone almost five weeks now. I hope it comes back the way it should have been in the first place.

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