M66 in 38 Special 3"

[jwk]

Since M66s won't hold up to a big diet of .357s, why not make a M66 with a 3" barrel chambered for .38Special +P. I'd like a front sight on a dovetail so I could install an AO Big Dot tritium sight.

I'd settle for a M64 or M65 done the same way but if M65s will hold up to big diets of .357s, I'd be happy with that. I've always liked 3" M65s but as I get older, I can't see the front sight without my glasses and holding my head just right. I have noticed that I can see the Big Dot sights well enough even without glasses to shoot center of mass.

I prefer matte finish and no lock.

 

[Combat_Diver]

Won't that be a 3" M67? I need to find myself another 3" HB, RB K frame in either .38 or .357.


CD

 

[RightWinger]

Not trying to sound sarcastic here, but why not get a model 66, 65, 64, or have a 3 inch barrel installed on a 67? Just because it's a .357 doesn't mean you HAVE to shoot magnums, I have never put a magnum through any of my K frames, and you can get a used 3 inch K frame at a cheaper price than S&W would be selling you a new one for, and the old ones have more desireable features.....

 

[Doug M.]

Actually, as I recall, the limited production "M66 in .38" for CHP was an M68, and that is likely what this revolver would be. As for standing up to a steady diet of .357s, there are a lot of variables, including bullet weight, and recoil tolerance. The folks who had trouble with the K frame 357s were shooting a LOT, and mostly with the lighter bullet weights.
Myself, I had little use for anything that is solely .38; a J frame, sure, and of course the K38. Other than that, the added flexibility of shooting .357s as needed or available renders this a limited utility proposition.

 

[remo]

Their was some 3" model 10 police revolvers that came back into the country from Australia. They was to rated for +P.

 

[ultra45]

Since M66s won't hold up to a big diet of .357s, why not make a M66 with a 3" barrel chambered for .38Special +P. I'd like a front sight on a dovetail so I could install an AO Big Dot tritium sight.

I'd settle for a M64 or M65 done the same way but if M65s will hold up to big diets of .357s, I'd be happy with that. I've always liked 3" M65s but as I get older, I can't see the front sight without my glasses and holding my head just right. I have noticed that I can see the Big Dot sights well enough even without glasses to shoot center of mass.

I prefer matte finish and no lock.

Model 67 is the 38 Spl variant of the Model 66. There were 3" 67's Mfgr'd, but I do not believe they were a catalog item.

 

[Doug M.]

Nope, the M67 is a stainless version of the Combat Masterpiece (M15 in blue/nickel).

 

[chud333]

Am i missing something here?
Why not buy a 3" Mdl 66 and just shoot your .38's
and .38 +p ammo in them ?????

You don't have to shoot magnums out of them right ?

Chuck

 

[remo]

Chuck Gun America has one 3" model 66 listed for $1250.

 

[ultra45]

Nope, the M67 is a stainless version of the Combat Masterpiece (M15 in blue/nickel).

Correct, just as the Model 19 is the blue version of the Model 66.

 

[ultra45]

Am i missing something here?
Why not buy a 3" Mdl 66 and just shoot your .38's
and .38 +p ammo in them ?????

You don't have to shoot magnums out of them right ?

Chuck

You are 100% correct. I'm not understanding where this post is going either.

 

[ultra45]

The Combat Masterpiece is a K Frame revolver chambered for the .38 special ONLY. It's Model designations are M-15 (Blue or Nickel) and M-67 (stainless).

The Combat Magnum is a K Frame revolver chambered for the 357 Magnum cartridge and as we all know also 38 special. It's model designations are M-19 (Blue or Nickel) or M-66 (stainless).

So to JWk the OP, if you only want to shoot 38 Special, buy a Model 67. If you want the capability of shooting both 38 and 357, get a Model 19 or 66. I would bet you would gEt the better deal on a 67. Good Luck on whatever you decide.

 

[remo]

Buds guns has used S&W model 10 with 4" HB for about $280-$290. Be sure that you check it out before you accept the transfer from your FFL. They said THAT YOU OPTION TO REFUSE AND RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT OR FULL REFUND

 

[Road Rat]

Their was some 3" model 10 police revolvers that came back into the country from Australia. They was to rated for +P.

Smith and Wesson revolvers with the word "Model" are all good for +P ammunition.

I was lucky enough to get one of the 3" Model 10's from Australia............then unlucky enough that my youngest daughter grabbed it and hasn't given it back!!! I may never see that gun again...............

 

[qrachel]

Smith and Wesson revolvers with the word "Model" are all good for +P ammunition.

I was lucky enough to get one of the 3" Model 10's from Australia............then unlucky enough that my youngest daughter grabbed it and hasn't given it back!!! I may never see that gun again...............

Dear RR: You did a great job letting your daughter 'borrow' your 3" M10. That's what dads are for concerning their little girls.

Take care,

Rachel (a holder of many IOUs and promissory notes from my daughters, each redeemable with love paid in full upon request)

 

[chud333]

You are 100% correct. I'm not understanding where this post is going either.

Also, Where or When has it been determined that a model
66 won't "hold up" to a steady diet of .357 mag ???
Mine have seen plenty of full house .357 mag loads with
nary a problem. Use 158 gr bullet with .357 mag loadings
and you'll not have problems from a model 66.
Some forcing cone issues and flame cutting have been
reported from "some" K-frame .357's but its been my
understanding this is usually caused as a result of shooting lighter bullet weights at higher velocities.
If you stick with 158 gr. bullets no problems should
occur.

Chuck