Issues with my 66-8 2.75"

[elm_creek_smith]

Before everyone bemoans the lack of quality in the new S&W revolvers, I bought a brand new Model 629 in 1982. The first time I fired it, I zeroed it with Remington 240 grain JHP .44 Magnum. As I continued shooting the rounds started striking across the target. I stopped shooting and looked down at my new revolver only to see that the barrel had turned in the frame enough that the grooves on the barrel rib were no longer aligned with those on the rear sight by about an eighth of an inch. Back it went. When it returned, it was fixed just fine.

This too shall pass.


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[TENWOLVES]

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.

it might have something to do with the hardness of the lead used, too soft of lead will and does foul a barrel, harder lead won't do this..a bunch of us were talking about this the other day at the LGS, and also how hard it is to get quality wad cutters, what quality lead bullets we use can make all the difference in the world...

 

[Mongo1958]

I'm biting my nails after reading every post on this thread. I see this thread is a few years old and I'm hopeful that S&W has taken care of the quality issues regarding the 66. I ordered one from GAG last week before I found this thread. The 66 will arrive at my FFL tomorrow. I'm mentally preparing myself for the worst but hoping for the best.

 

[epj]

Likely it will be ok. However, forewarned is forarmed. Inspect it closely and don’t accept if it’s not right.

 

[rvolvrwest]

I'm not sure about that last guy, but I brought home a new 66 2.75 bbl today. I did have small burs on the muzzle, and I am going to try measuring the forcing cone when life allows.

Action seems smooth, but slightly heavy. Barrel seemed straight based on top ribs. Seems Wolfe springs is behind a little, ordered last week and haven't received an update.