New Model 66's??

[Buzzsaw]

The prices of the no lock guns has left me in the dust. I have read and watched several articles and videos on the new model 66's and like everything I see and hear about them, except the dreaded and feared "lock".

I would love some comments on this gun, especially if you own and shoot one.

Thanks

 

[uncleted327]

The lock is a non-issue. A few incidents of the lock engaging on 329PDs using heavy loads and it's morphed into this big thing. Nobody likes them from a purely cosmetic point, but the fear of them locking up on you is not a concern worth loosing sleep over.

 

[gwpercle]

I would buy one in a heartbeat , my model 64 , 38 special , with fixed sights shoots just fine and is nice with selected loads but an adjustable sighted 357 magnum on a K frame, that's just about as good as it gets !
I have 3 no lock and 4 with lock and have never had one lock itself, the lock has never bothered me....some just get all bent out of shape about it and I just can't figure out why all the hoopla
Based on my experience , I'm voting non-issue , Go for it !
Gary

 

[Dennismn]

The prices of the no lock guns has left me in the dust. I have read and watched several articles and videos on the new model 66's and like everything I see and hear about them, except the dreaded and feared "lock".

I would love some comments on this gun, especially if you own and shoot one.

Thanks

I have a wide production range of model 66 and model 686.

Some are going to argue with me here... but a tool is a tool. You can add gold inlay on your hammer - but it's still a hammer.

What S&W has been doing since about 1980 is typical of all industries - cheapen production while trying to maintain quality. "functional" quality that is, not "aesthetic" Quality.

Sooo what does this mean. My model 66-6 with the pimple on the side is as accurate as my gorgeous fashion Model 19 from 1976 with it's pinned barrel and deep bluing.

Soooo if you want a good tool? The modern model 66 is a darn good tool.

 

[ankona]

You can always remove the lock and plug the hole. It's an easy fix.

 

[Ashlander]

I have a new 2.75" 66-8, a new (as of last year) 617-6 and a 2012 686-6. All have been great guns. I have several with "the lock" and none have ever engaged on their own. Frankly, I suspect folks buy new S&W revolvers and never make sure the lock is fully disengaged when they first take it shooting.

BTW, the new cylinder lockup on the crane with the 66-8 is great. The old style lock-up with the ejector rod caused a multitude more failures than the lock ever did when the ejector rods "backed out."

 

[TENWOLVES]

I have a new 2.75" 66-8, a new (as of last year) 617-6 and a 2012 686-6. All have been great guns. I have several with "the lock" and none have ever engaged on their own. Frankly, I suspect folks buy new S&W revolvers and never make sure the lock is fully disengaged when they first take it shooting.

BTW, the new cylinder lockup on the crane with the 66-8 is great. The old style lock-up with the ejector rod caused a multitude more failures than the lock ever did when the ejector rods "backed out."

Ashlander, you took the words right out of my mouth..

 

[Buzzsaw]

I'm on the hunt.

 

[ChiefTJS]

I have a 66-8 and it shoots great and accuracy is as good or better than any .357 I've ever owned. Think of how many millions (yes, millions) of rounds have been fired through lock guns and nobody can really put their finger on any proven specific lock failures other than a lot of "I heard" accounts.

 

[iPac]

The prices of the no lock guns has left me in the dust.

I don't understand the above quote. A new production 66 is MSRP at $849.

So old model 66s can't be found for that much or less?

I think they can.

You guys make some good points for buying new production models, but I have never considered the price to be one. I just see too many older models for the same or cheaper.

Doesn't matter to me though, buy whatever you like. Just wanted to point out that certain models' prices aren't that much different between new production and old.

 

[justintyme]

I saw a current production the other day with price of around 730.00, before taxes and fees of course. you can find a prelock 2.5 inch 66 for less than that, a 3 inch probably not.

 

[hogblue]

Well, I'm old and old school. All of mine are pre lock no MIM and I'm keeping it that way. Haven't heard that much bad about the MIM but if it's not broke I'm not fixing it.
Didn't mean to open a can of worms. Just my humble opinion.

 

[shocker]

The old style lock-up with the ejector rod caused a multitude more failures than the lock ever did when the ejector rods "backed out."

This. My one failure on a SW revolver was a no-lock N frame and the ejector rod was the culprit.

I've locked and unlocked my guns and there is no issue with the function.

 

[dogdoc]

I own several lock guns but my 329pd did lock up years ago with some full house loads. Had to take it home half cocked and loaded and disassemble to get the gun unloaded. Sent it to smith and the did nothing . Took the lock out . Problem solved. I do not worry with my steel guns. Just purchased a new 57-6 and I have no intention of removing the lock.


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