My First Outing With My New M66-2

[dwpmusic]

Well, new to me anyway. This is only the 3rd S&W revolver that I've owned and one of those is my dad's old M&P. I had wanted a new 686 but when this 66-2 4" came along I snatched it up. Bought it from a real nice individual locally for $400. No box or books. I have no idea of how to rate a gun % wise. It's not scratch free but it looks good to me. So I got 200 rounds downrange yesterday and I'm thrilled with the results for a novice shooter such as myself. Shot some .38 Spl 130gr WWB, 158gr Blazer and a box of .357 Hornady 158gr JHP/XTP. Noticeably more recoil with the Hornady but not unmanageable. I'm pretty proud of how I'm did because I no where in the same league as you guys. People at the range thought I made a good buy for $400. I still love my Glocks but this M66 is really a great shooter. Hope the pics don't bore you.

 

[TNDave]

Great gun and good shooting!

 

[Ashlander]

Yeah, good job -- even better if double-action.

 

[dwpmusic]

Thanks to both of you. Nope, wish I could say it was double-action but it wasn't. Will get the nerve up for that on my next range session. I'm just happy to own a nice M66 Smith.

 

[Ashlander]

Once you get used to double action you can be just as accurate -- just think firm and smooth -- even if it's fairly slow. As they say, the art of handgun shooting is doing everything slowly as fast as you can. With practice you'll be fine. I also do a lot of dry firing to build up the strength and the muscle memory.

 

[JAREDSHS]

dwpmusic: yer doin real good with that 66. just keep on shootin, and
make yourself a promise that the next time out ---ALL DOUBLE ACTION
you will be amazed at what you can do.
Keep up the good work.

 

[C Islander]

You did just fine. The 66 is a joy to shoot. I must warn you though, revolvers are addicting!

 

[dwpmusic]

Thanks everybody. I will do some double action shooting at my next range visit. And, yes CIsland, I can see how revolvers can get to be addicting. I love my Glocks and my Rugers but there IS something about holding a Smith in you hands. Kinda like holding a piece of history, isn't it?

 

[Badkarma 1]

Thanks everybody. I will do some double action shooting at my next range visit. And, yes CIsland, I can see how revolvers can get to be addicting. I love my Glocks and my Rugers but there IS something about holding a Smith in you hands. Kinda like holding a piece of history, isn't it?

You said it dwpmusic, the Smith K frame is the backbone of the lineup. And although the J and N frames seem more "sexy" or "tactical", it's the K that has been there and done that. And that's a nice Combat Magnum you got and the price was outstanding! Dale

 

[dwpmusic]

Thanks, Badkarma 1. I'm definitely in love with it. People around here say I made a pretty good deal and it is a joy to shoot. Gun show here tomorrow and Sunday so I'll check things out and see what 66s are going for there.

 

[ckprax]

Very nice gun! I would love to find a 66 for $400.

 

[CWH44300]

Nice find , shoot as much as you can and really enjoy that sixgun

 

[Continental Op]

That's a nice looking gun, dwpmusic. And at a great price. I know what you mean about feeling like you're holding a piece of history. That's a nice way to put it.

What kind of grips are those? I've never seen those.
Thanks,
Continental Op

 

[Sportsterguy]

Once you get used to double action you can be just as accurate -- just think firm and smooth -- even if it's fairly slow. As they say, the art of handgun shooting is doing everything slowly as fast as you can. With practice you'll be fine. I also do a lot of dry firing to build up the strength and the muscle memory.

Ditto to what Ashlander said. I dry fire frequently with snap caps. Really will help you with your DA shooting. Make sure you have a designated area for doing it away from people and have a wall that will absorb a .357. I have 3 level III vests hanging on my cinder block garage wall with a white dot in the center for my dry firing exercises. Have seen or heard of many well trained people (SEALS, SWAT Team members and instructors) who have had ND's and they can happen to the best of us due to complacency. Mostly happen with semis, but triple check that you do indeed have the snap caps installed, versus a live round. I also use a coil spring gripper to keep my hand and arm strength up. Do both hands for max effect. Helps immensely with handling recoil.

That was some good shooting. All 4 targets had kill shots on them. Keep up the dry firing and practicing and you'll be shooting like a champ in no time at all.

Congrats on the 66. One of the best all around models ever built IMO

 

[dwpmusic]

Much obliged, Sportsterguy. Good advice on the dry firing. Got to get some snap caps. There was a gun show here today and I saw a Mod 66 no dash which was no where in as good shape as mine and they had $535 on it. So this made me feel pretty good. Everyone that has seen my 66 says I made a good deal on it for $400. I'm happy.