My Model 66-2 Just Back From TK Customs

[Model39]

I have had a project in mind for a while, and it has finally come to pass. Late last year I bought a 6" 1983 Model 66-2 from a fellow forum member and acquired a second Model 66-2 cylinder off an internet site to get the project started. Remembering the old Ruger SA 357/9MM convertible revolvers, I wanted the same in a Smith&Wesson Model 66. I contacted Tom at TK Customs to make this a reality. I wanted the original 357 magnum cylinder cut for full moon clips, and the extra 357 magnum cylinder to be fitted to the revolver and bored out to 9MM for use with full moon clips. I also had them do an action job on the revolver. Tom's grandson Eli, did a terrific job on the action, one of the nicest ones I have ever had on any of my revolvers, and the cylinder work was superb. Turn around time was just about a week. I now have the convertible revolver I had always hoped to own. To finish off this custom revolver I added fancy wood checkered Hogue one piece grips to it.

 

[theoneff]

Real nice setup 39. Please post some paper after you break it in. I am interest in the accuracy of the 9mm in that rig, Theo

 

[jpage]

Got to be the only one on Planet Earth.......

 

[KLYDE]

Interesting conversion. I'd say the moon clip seating depth is probably different between the two cartridges in order to achieve correct headspace. The magnum being rimmed versus the 9. Just for kicks if you have a caliper compare the two. Curious also on the thickness of the different moonclips. The clips for my Speed Six 9mm are .032 from the Factory. Clips I bought from TK measured .035. Plenty of free floating room for the moonclip on the 9 rim area as it headspaces on the case mouth as designed on the Ruger. Your 66 won't have the headspace step in the chamber.

CORRECTION: read post #22

9mm headspaced on chamber step


half moon clip. Still a few thousands of free float space between clip and case rim.




Keep us filled in on performance.

Did you get a chance to take any measurements????

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The world's first 6-inch M966-2.

Wonder how the typical plinker 0.355" 9mm FMJ will work in the slightly oversized barrel. I think that was theoneff's concern, as well. A lead bullet will expand some to fit a barrel, with FMJ it is what it is.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Very nice!

I'm looking forward to the range report as well.

 

[theoneff]

The world's first 6-inch M966-2.

Wonder how the typical plinker 0.355" 9mm FMJ will work in the slightly oversized barrel. I think that was theoneff's concern, as well. A lead bullet will expand some to fit a barrel, with FMJ it is what it is.

Yep exactly. Should still catch the rifling enough to stabilize it but maybe not as well as the 357. What is the land diameter, I cant remember

 

[SuperMan]

I had a 3" 66-2 done two years ago and it is one of the best .357s I have ever owned. Kept the original .357 Magnum cylinder intact and bought a new second cylinder that dropped right in with no fitting. It was rechambered and machined so it would take not only the original .38 Special/.357 Magnum but also .38 Super and 9mm in moon clips.





Also had them do the same for a 60-10 3" and a 2" 649...

As to accuracy, mine shoot 9mms better with 124 grain and above.

Bob

 

[poordevil]

I had a 3" 66-2 done two years ago and it is one of the best .357s I have ever owned. Kept the original .357 Magnum cylinder intact and bought a new second cylinder that dropped right in with no fitting. It was rechambered and machined so it would take not only the original .38 Special/.357 Magnum but also .38 Super and 9mm in moon clips.





Also had them do the same for a 60-10 3" and a 2" 649...

As to accuracy, mine shoot 9mms better with 124 grain and above.

Bob

NOW you're talking!

 

[SuperMan]

Thanks....

 

[LMWIS]

Y'know, I'd been considering that very thing.
Nicely done.

I look forward to the range results.

 

[one eye joe]

CONGRATS ON A BEAUTIFULLY DONE CONVERSION. I HOPE THAT IT IS ALL THAT YOU HOPED IT WOULD BE. OUT OF CURIOSITY, WHAT WAS YOUR PERCEIVED NEED / WANT FOR SHOOTING 9MM OUT OF YOUR .357, WHEN YOU COULD ALREADY SHOOT .38 SPL. IMHO, IT CERTAINLY ISN'T GOING TO BE MORE ACCURATE THAN .38SPL TARGET LOADS THAT ARE ACTUALLY THE CORRECT DIAMETER FOR THE BARREL. PERHAPS IT WAS JUST THE NOVELTY OF IT, OR TO RENDER IT MORE FLEXIBLE RE AMMO, AS A SURVIVAL WEAPON……...

 

[Model39]

Ammo Availability

CONGRATS ON A BEAUTIFULLY DONE CONVERSION. I HOPE THAT IT IS ALL THAT YOU HOPED IT WOULD BE. OUT OF CURIOSITY, WHAT WAS YOUR PERCEIVED NEED / WANT FOR SHOOTING 9MM OUT OF YOUR .357, WHEN YOU COULD ALREADY SHOOT .38 SPL. IMHO, IT CERTAINLY ISN'T GOING TO BE MORE ACCURATE THAN .38SPL TARGET LOADS THAT ARE ACTUALLY THE CORRECT DIAMETER FOR THE BARREL. PERHAPS IT WAS JUST THE NOVELTY OF IT, OR TO RENDER IT MORE FLEXIBLE RE AMMO, AS A SURVIVAL WEAPON……...

For the type of recreational shooting I do (when the weather is good) acquiring 9MM FMJ ammo is much easier and far less expensive than 38 special or 357 magnum loads. All ammo is very expensive here in my area of upstate New York. The local Walmart always has Winchester 9MM 100 bulk packs for less than $38, and hardly any 38 special or 357 magnum loads (in 50 round boxes), and when they do it is always more expensive. Like I said before I had in the early 1970's, a 3 screw Ruger 357/9MM SA revolver, and I always enjoyed shooting 9MM out of it.That gun was traded away along time ago (probably toward a Smith), and since I didn't recall having any major accuracy problems despite the slight bore difference I thought a 6" Model 66 would be the perfect gun for such a conversion project. I do have two 3" Model 547's and a 2" Model 940, but having a 6" Model 66 with the ability to fire 9MM's will be a much more enjoyable gun for outdoor plinking/shooting, plus being able to reload with full moon clips versus the single action loading and unloading will be a lot easier. I got 20 full moon clips with the conversion, so that will be plenty of rounds to enjoy when I go shooting.

 

[gtoppcop]

I'm considering on doing the TK Custom or Pinnacle 9mm conversion. I've shot .356" (9mm Hard Cast Lead) in .38 and .357 revolvers with wonderful results.

Most Smiths run .357" bore diameter, whereas the Colts would run around .356".

I think that the 9mm is a VERY valid revolver cartridge, provided the vehicle is the right size (I secretly wish S&W would reintroduce the 547 and 940). The 986 is just too big of a gun to be considered as a daily carry piece.

If I had one, I would send it to Mag-Na-Port to have them cut it to 4 or 5 inches. The properly-fitted full moon clips (on the weak pinkey finger offer instantaneous reloads) offer very fast reloads.

I have several K-Frames that I would like to convert. In fact, I have a spare Model 64/67 cylinder that I would like to have converted for my 67-1 to become a 9mm Combat Masterpiece.

Please post pics of your collective results. Great Thread!

 

[629shooter]

I think that the 9mm is a VERY valid revolver cartridge, provided the vehicle is the right size (I secretly wish S&W would reintroduce the 547 and 940).

You're not the only one. I'd also like to see them introduce a 9MM 340, bring back the 65, as well as a Scandium version of the 65. Last but not least, a 9MM 386 w/a a 6 round cylinder would be nice too. (I know I'm dreaming. )

 

[Kaedan]

Great conversion, I am jealous!

I would love for Smith to offer a K frame smith, maybe an airweight. A model 942 airweight J frame would be great too.

 

[SuperMan]

I have not run all the different ammo over a chronograph yet but I think that the .38 Super is going to be the winner in a .38 Special/9mm/Super contest.

Besides the above pictured 66-2 3" I also have a 60-10 3" and a 649 so converted. In the spring I am going to run the best defensive rounds over a chrono and see what is most effective...

Not sure about those who have 940s but I had had one and would lockup with CorBon 115s and PowR'Ball. This 649 will do the same... So it will be interesting to see what will run the best in a snub..

Bob

 

[Biggfoot44]

No, I get the wish to shoot 9mm , if only because of the wide availability of cheap 9mm ammo. And from experience with dual cylinder Blackhawks even if not as accurate as godd .38spl with good loads, it will still be favorable compared to a bottomfeeder.

I'm still trying to figure out the "boring out" process ? The .357 chambers will already be 9mm sized in dia or slightly larger (give or take chamber to chamber and lot ot lot of ammo) , and already MUCH longer than a 9mm chamber. Now if it were a K22 cylinder or somthing, it could be bored out to a proper 9mm chamber.

 

[JJEH]

I have had a project in mind for a while, and it has finally come to pass. Late last year I bought a 6" 1983 Model 66-2 from a fellow forum member and acquired a second Model 66-2 cylinder off an internet site to get the project started. Remembering the old Ruger SA 357/9MM convertible revolvers, I wanted the same in a Smith&Wesson Model 66. I contacted Tom at TK Customs to make this a reality. I wanted the original 357 magnum cylinder cut for full moon clips, and the extra 357 magnum cylinder to be fitted to the revolver and bored out to 9MM for use with full moon clips. I also had them do an action job on the revolver. Tom's grandson Eli, did a terrific job on the action, one of the nicest ones I have ever had on any of my revolvers, and the cylinder work was superb. Turn around time was just about a week. I now have the convertible revolver I had always hoped to own. To finish off this custom revolver I added fancy wood checkered Hogue one piece grips to it.

That looks very nice. I'm sure it's a pleasure to shoot. On top of that, you sure have a one of a kind revolver here...

 

[SuperMan]

No, I get the wish to shoot 9mm , if only because of the wide availability of cheap 9mm ammo. And from experience with dual cylinder Blackhawks even if not as accurate as godd .38spl with good loads, it will still be favorable compared to a bottomfeeder.

I'm still trying to figure out the "boring out" process ? The .357 chambers will already be 9mm sized in dia or slightly larger (give or take chamber to chamber and lot ot lot of ammo) , and already MUCH longer than a 9mm chamber. Now if it were a K22 cylinder or somthing, it could be bored out to a proper 9mm chamber.

If you check in the reloading books where they have the schematics of the cartridges you will find that the .38/.357 are slightly smaller in the body than the .38 Super and 9mm. That is why revolvers chambered for .38/.357 can be rechambered for .38 Super, 9mm and 9x23...

Bob