S&W 357 Magnum

[socialmonsters]

Hey everyone, this is only my second post and I'm pretty new to the handgun world in general. I've shot multiple times with my dad (20 year military vet) but I don't really have any in depth knowledge on firearms. I was recently given my first revolver, that belonged to my uncle (also ex-military), and I'd love any tips and suggestions on customizing and getting to know it better.

It's a Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum, 66-1, 4" barrel. I took it to the range for the first time yesterday and am already a big fan of how it shoots. It's got some nice weight to it, without being too heavy for my girlfriend, and seems to be very accurate. I used both .357 and .38 specials.

I apologize in advance if these questions are overly amateur or if they're in the wrong forum. So far, only the grips have been changed from wood panels to rubber Pachmayrs. Other than that everything looks to be stock. I'd like to have it custom painted but don't know where to start with having that done. Also, I was wondering if it's possible to purchase a 2"-2.5" barrel to replace the 4" with. If so, where would be the best place to start looking?

Any info would be really appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

[Arik]

Barrels you'd have to look on Gunbroker.

The 66 was the workhorse of police.

Why paint it? What is the point of this gun? Range? Carry? Competition? There are places that do gun paint but that gun is a classic. They are not exactly rare but it looses all value once the original finish is destroyed. First it looses collector value, second if you were to ever sell it it hard to sell something that's been permanently customized. Not everyone is going to want that look. Think of it this way. It's like taking a classic car and letting a 5 year old decorate it using power tools.

There are plenty of new guns that have zero collector value that you can customize

 

[sandmansans]

Hey everyone, this is only my second post and I'm pretty new to the handgun world in general. I've shot multiple times with my dad (20 year military vet) but I don't really have any in depth knowledge on firearms. I was recently given my first revolver, that belonged to my uncle (also ex-military), and I'd love any tips and suggestions on customizing and getting to know it better.

It's a Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum, 66-1, 4" barrel. I took it to the range for the first time yesterday and am already a big fan of how it shoots. It's got some nice weight to it, without being too heavy for my girlfriend, and seems to be very accurate. I used both .357 and .38 specials.

I apologize in advance if these questions are overly amateur or if they're in the wrong forum. So far, only the grip have been changed from wood panels to rubber Pachmayrs. Other than that everything looks to be stock. I'd like to have it custom painted but don't know where to start with having that done. Also, I was wondering if it's possible to purchase a 2"-2.5" barrel to replace the 4" with. If so, where would be the best place to start looking?

Any info would be really appreciated. Thanks guys!

I'd leave it alone and try to find another 66 model that fits the bill of what your looking for...for the reasons the previous response pointed out. Part of your accuracy that you like is due to the longer barrel. I have a model 66-2. 2" , barrel,Very similar to yours but harder gun to shoot as accurate. If you did that, then you can use one for carry purpose only and the other as a range gun. Also the recoil feels nicer on a longer barrel than a shorty. My 2" wants to break your hand with some loads. It honestly kicks more hurtful than my s&w .500 magnum

 

[socialmonsters]

Barrels you'd have to look on Gunbroker.

The 66 was the workhorse of police.

Why paint it? What is the point of this gun? Range? Carry? Competition? There are places that do gun paint but that gun is a classic. They are not exactly rare but it looses all value once the original finish is destroyed. First it looses collector value, second if you were to ever sell it it hard to sell something that's been permanently customized. Not everyone is going to want that look. Think of it this way. It's like taking a classic car and letting a 5 year old decorate it using power tools.

There are plenty of new guns that have zero collector value that you can customize

Understandably so. It would simply for be aesthetics, as I have a few handguns with almost identical finishes. It's actually not showing too much wear at all, so this isn't a MUST by any means. I definitely hear what you're saying in terms of potential resale.

As far as the shorter barrels, how will I be sure that the fit would be perfect? Thanks again for the reply!

 

[sandmansans]

Understandably so. It would simply for be aesthetics, as I have a few handguns with almost identical finishes. It's actually not showing too much wear at all, so this isn't a MUST by any means. I definitely hear what you're saying in terms of potential resale.

As far as the shorter barrels, how will I be sure that the fit would be perfect? Thanks again for the reply!

Unless of you have experience in smithing, I'd bring it to a gunsmith.But By the time you do that, plus cost of new barrel, you are getting close to the range of probably just buying a second one in that configuration.

 

[Arik]

If it's made for the 66 it will fit however, some minor gunsmithing, like fitting, may be required.

 

[colt_saa]

Understandably so. It would simply for be aesthetics, as I have a few handguns with almost identical finishes. It's actually not showing too much wear at all, so this isn't a MUST by any means. I definitely hear what you're saying in terms of potential resale.

As far as the shorter barrels, how will I be sure that the fit would be perfect? Thanks again for the reply!

Welcome to the Forum

There is no such thing as a perfect fit.

Changing a barrel is not a kitchen table job.

It needs to be done by a gunsmith.

In addition to several special tools involved that insure you do not spring the frame, tolerances need to be check and possibly adjusted.

Plus will will need a few other parts to complete the conversion.

Why not just find a gunsmith in your town and ask how much to do the job. Let him get the parts, then if issues arise, it is his responsibility and not yours.

Also, he may just have the barrel you want in his S&W parts drawer. I know that at least 3 of the 19/66 2 1/2" barrels are in my parts drawer

 

[socialmonsters]

Why paint it? What is the point of this gun? Range? Carry? Competition?

There are plenty of new guns that have zero collector value that you can customize

Arik, initially I was looking for a 2.5" barrel to make this a concealed carry but after these responses, I will take your advice and look into a different gun all together...leaving this one completely as is.

Do you or sandmansans have any suggestions on some smaller carries?

colt_saa Great point in general about me needing to find a local gunsmith solely for the sake of any future purchases or issues I run into.

 

[Arik]

Are you dead set on a revolver?

Small revolvers are harder to shoot accurately. Need a lot more training to be proficient.

Ruger makes a solid compact revolver called SP101 5 shot. 357 or 38spl. 2 - 3 inch barrels. Plenty of aftermarket customizable parts. S&W makes a bunch of 5 shot short barrel 38spl or 357.

 

[Ashlander]

My snubbie 66 is a bit heavy for summer carry, but when bundled up in the winter, it's fine. My summer carry are lighter and smaller J-frame snubbies: either a Model 36 in .38 Special, a Model 60 in 357 (a couple ounces heavier with a slightly longer, beefier barrel, or a Ruger LCR357 (the lightest of the pack for the greatest ease of long carry).

 

[socialmonsters]

Are you dead set on a revolver?

Small revolvers are harder to shoot accurately. Need a lot more training to be proficient.

Ruger makes a solid compact revolver called SP101 5 shot. 357 or 38spl. 2 - 3 inch barrels. Plenty of aftermarket customizable parts. S&W makes a bunch of 5 shot short barrel 38spl or 357.

I'm definitely not set on a small revolver. I'd love the idea of a lightweight pistol, as it's pretty warm almost year round for me, the less bulk the better.

My snubbie 66 is a bit heavy for summer carry, but when bundled up in the winter, it's fine. My summer carry are lighter and smaller J-frame snubbies: either a Model 36 in .38 Special, a Model 60 in 357 (a couple ounces heavier with a slightly longer, beefier barrel, or a Ruger LCR357 (the lightest of the pack for the greatest ease of long carry).

Do you carry any pistols or just snubbies? As mentioned, the heat is here quite often so I'm rarely (if ever) bundled up.

 

[BigBill]

I would add a snubnose in 38 special.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Welcome to the "slippery slope" of handguns........... LOL

The 4inch 66-1 is a classic ..... early stainless, last of the P&R (pinned barrel/recessed cylinder) guns... thousands made but

One of the best carry revolvers made..........stainless, adjustable sights, shoots light .38 target loads to full bore .357 magnums.......even with a 4" barrel small enough to carry concealed (check your state laws)......yet light enough to carry all day hiking in the wilds of your state.......almost the perfect first centerfire revolver.

Urge you to hang around and do some reading for a week or two and you will be hooked........Questions?....... just ask; someone or twenty will answer..... and one or two will hijack your thread down the rabbit hole........but often a very interesting rabbit hole!!!

Welcome aboard.

 

[3rdRRU_PhuBai]

Give the .357/.38 S&W 3" 60-10 and 2-1/8" 640-1 a test drive.

 

[Sconnie]

One thing that I don't think has been mentioned is your 4 inch 66-1 is likely a square butt model. While you might find an exception, the 2 1/2 inch model 66's were round butts. A little better for concealment but either way it is a heavy gun. I know, I have both versions, 4 and 2 1/2 inch and I love them both. I do not conceal carry but if I did I would look for a lighter gun for that but many here love even bigger for concealed carry. Whatever you prefer is what matters.

I am in the camp that you look for a 2 1/2 inch, hold it, touch it and caress it....and if you fall in love, buy it. They are around and now you have an excuse to look around.

Painting it sounds well, don't do it...

 

[Ashlander]

I'm definitely not set on a small revolver. I'd love the idea of a lightweight pistol, as it's pretty warm almost year round for me, the less bulk the better.

Do you carry any pistols or just snubbies? As mentioned, the heat is here quite often so I'm rarely (if ever) bundled up.

I also rotate in and out a Taurus PT709 Slim that's been super reliable at the range as well as a Kahr PM9. I prefer the revolvers if I am carrying while driving and doing a lot of getting in an out of my car because one can fire from awkward positions without fear of jamming. If I am mostly on foot, I'll strap on a pistol.

 

[bananaman]

It is your gun to do with what you would like! Just remember paint will not hold up forever. If you want the 66 jazzier looking, you could polish the finish with Flitz or Mothers to make it shine. As far as a range shooter goes, it should be a dandy! If you are going to carry, another gun MAY be in your future. 1 Smith tends to lead to MORE! Bob

 

[Biggfoot44]

A 4in K Frame is the paragon of All Around, All Purpose handgun, particularilly in .357 . During the Revolver Era these were considered comparitivly light weight, and comfortable to carry. They still are.

Concealment ? It has and can be done. Just as with any full size pistol , requires good belt, decent holster, and dressing around the gun. If carried OWB , the 4in bbl requires care in shirt tail porportions , if not using additional garmet. Some people (whom are not me) like IWB with these, but that is individualistic if that works for you. Boot Style grips on a Sq Butt will cpnceal fine.

I have a fetish for 2in K Frames for carry. But I'd be hard pressed to recomend making the switch to 2.5in on your gun. If you only have one more or less serious cal revolver it is better to have it in 4 inch . The cost of bbl, ejector rod assy, etc plus gunsmith charges would be more than the difference of selling the 4in and buying a 2.5in, and a good chunk of adding a smaller revolver.

As to finish, realize you are asking a group of S&W collectors. Our automatic response is to retail the origonal configuration. Beyond that, it is already practical and functional as-is . But at the end of the day, it is your property , and your choice. If you decide that your personal enjoyment is for a different finish, and you will keep the gun long term & resale is not top priority, there are high durable, practical high tech finishes available.

I presume from your comments you want different color(s?), rather than somthing that looks stainless-ish. The two most popular choices are CeraKote and DuraCoat. DuraCoat is durable, and has near infinate color choices. CeraKote is near indestructable, has moderate color choices. Check their respective websites to see if either has an Authorized Applicator in your area ( shipping is expensive, so local is a plus). As far as coloring, search the site here for pictures of "Pinto" and "Reverse Pinto" .If so inclined visualize those with different colors. Also popular back in the day when revolvers were plain 'ol guns, and not collectables, was most of the gun one color, and hammer, trigger , cylinder latch, ( and optionally ejector rod, and other small parts), an accent color. ( In the '80s OD green w/ black accents was popular for a few years.)

 

[rwsmith]

Number one thing.....

We were all beginners at some point. Honest questions are usually honored here, unless it's something a person could know if they bothered to take a minute to they if they looked for it.

You have come by a very fine gun. No wonder you like it already.

A stainless steel gun can be restored with a succession of Scotchbrite pads from course to fine. That info is available here on other posts and many people are more knowledgeable than I am on it.

You're welcome to do with your gun what you want, but I'd keep the 4" and get another snub if you like. Changing the barrel takes more than just screwing a new one on.

 

[Sailfish 40]

Don't mess with your uncles gun that he gifted to you! that 66 is perfect as is. if your interested in a snubby, time to start looking.