S&W 66-5 Question

[David S]

I recently purchased a used model 66-5 manufactured in 1999 and I noticed that the flutes on the cylinder are not centered between the chambers. Is this typical on a -5? I have looked at several pictures posted in this forum of model 66's, including -5's and I cannot discern by looking at the pics whether or not the flutes are in the same location as mine or not. I own a -4 that I bought new and the flutes are centered. Thanks for any input.

 

[murphydog]

Hi, and welcome. This does not sound typical - your -5 should look the same as your -4 cylinder-wise. Does your -5 line up the chambers properly when you cycle it, and have you shot it yet without problems? If so, it may just be a cosmetic issue, but it sure sounds suspicious.

Can you post photos? Interested to read what others think.

 

[David S]

Thank you for the welcome.

The chambers line up fine and the lockup is excellent. I shot it for the first time about 3 weeks ago and after getting the rear site dialed back in from whatever the previous owner did to it, it shoots fine. What I don't like is the fact that when shooting magnums through it the chambers that the flutes are closest to are exhibiting hot spots like I have never seen before on any of my 357's.

I will try and post pictures later in the week.

 

[noah.c.hardy]

sounds fishy to me.... im no expert but if the flutes arent centered then one chamber isnt getting the needed support. i would not fire it until this issue is resolved. i would also guess that smith & wesson would take care of this as it is a blatant manufacturing defect, and a potentially dangerous one. if the chamber isnt getting the support it needs you could blow up the gun (worst case scenario), or bulge a cylinder.

 

[David S]

Here are a couple pictures of the cylinder.

 

[flagman1776]

Agree, that is some wierd. Even if it is deemed to be strong enough, I'd think that S&W would not want this obivious mistake out in public.
Russ

 

[fatbob]

I have a 66-5, and just went and looked at it. My flutes seems to be centered almost perfectly. It doesn't seem right that yours are off a bit.

 

[enfield]

On my 66-1, the flutes are centered between bores. My guess is that you have a defective cylinder.

 

[David S]

Thanks for the replies guys. You confirmed my suspicions that this gun is defective. I can't believe that I didn't notice this before I purchased the gun.

I guess I will get in touch with Smith & Wesson and see if replacement cylinders are still available before I send it back.

Just my luck, two purchases in a row, one used and one new are defective. I have a brand new unfired model 63 I had on order for two months and when it finally comes in I find that it has a canted barrel and rear sight, a partially unfinished frame and a terrible double action trigger pull. I am still waiting on Smith & Wesson to return it to me.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I don't think it is defective at all, you have a one of a kind I would say. They had the machine off when they cut the flutes, send your pictures to S&W and see if they have a problem with it.

 

[tongix]

Can someone point to me where the flute is ? Sorry for the newbie question.

 

[gunny4053]

Can someone point to me where the flute is ? Sorry for the newbie question.

In layman's terms, the flutes are the large grooves that run between the charge holes (chambers) on the cylinder.

David S, definitely unique. Call S&W, I'm sure they'll make it right, and quickly.