The KING of K frames!

[PALADIN85020]

For many years, I pretty much ignored K-frames, choosing instead to concentrate on the larger N-frames. In time, I began to see some advantages in the K-frame revolvers - handier, easier to carry, honed to perfection since the dawn of the 20th Century.

So I began to acquire a few. Some were just too anemic for my tastes - If you are going to have a certain amount of bulk (larger than the J-frames), you really need some power to go with it.

The Model 19 seemed the answer - same K-package, but chambered for the .357 Magnum. The snubbies were nice for concealment, but sacrificed some in the velocity area. The longer-barreled guns cured that problem, but they were awkward for carry. The best compromise seemed to be the 4-inchers.

Then, along came the Model 66 - everything the Model 19 offered, but in rust-resistant stainless steel! I searched for some time before I found a perfect as-new 4" 66-1. The last of the classic pinned and recessed Model 66s. This one left the mother ship in May, 1978. I have no use for 2-piece barrels, key locks or guns that were never touched by true craftsmen's hands at the factory.

This gun seemed perfect, but I wanted to make it even more perfect. Accordingly, I called on my friend Nelson Ford to do his magic action job on it. Now I had my dream gun. The very best of the K-frames - as perfect an all-purpose gun as could be had.

In my mind. the 66-1, when properly tuned by someone in the know, represents:

THE KING OF K-FRAMES!

John


(Click for larger image)

 

[Baxter6551]

I'm the reverse. Only a couple of N frames but lots of K frames.
I have posted in another thread but waiting to purchase a friends 66-1 with tools / papers / box that I believe to be unfired outside factory. He had purchased for a duty gun at the same time the City decided to issue model 65s instead of personally owned weapons. He carried it for a couple of months but never shot it. For some reason he had the grips off and misplaced one of the panels. Waiting for him to locate it.
I wish I still had the 66 six inch and the 4" Coltguard Python that I sold off when they decided we couldn't carry our own guns anymore.

 

[Telecaster]

Nice disco-era 66-1!

 

[oddshooter]

Those K frames are near and dear to my heart. Maybe my favorites.

My 6" model 19 has perfect balance for me; I don't carry or use holsters 90% of the time. So I'm centered around shooting and not drawing from a holster. It's fun all day long.

When walking the backcountry, I have a 13oz model 340 J frame. It is brutal to shoot, but easy to carry all day. It's NOT a fun range gun, but it can keep you alive.

I've been lucky, like Paladin, I've gotten to try lots of guns. It seems to me, the situation usually dictates my choice of the day.


Prescut

 

[two-bit cowboy]

The very best of the K-frames - as perfect an all-purpose gun as could be had.

Please stop beating around the bush, and tell us what you really think.

Handsome 66. Congrats. Enjoy it.

 

[Grimjaws]

But blue is nice too

I'll see your 66-1 and raise it with a 19-5 safe queen.

Now I know this is a later model but the bluing is outstanding. The previous owner didn't shoot it much if at all but did have someone do an excellent job of gold lettering the logo and stamps.
She's a beauty
Just like yours!

And yes 66-1 is a favorite of my family too. So much so my son took it for his EDC since it was a snub. That hurt but I told him he could have his pick of my collection once he settled down after his stint in the Marines. Kid has good taste!

 

[Hasbeen1945]

That is a beautiful 66. With my favorite grips.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Paladin, I don't see your pictures, but agree with everything you said about the M19 and M66. I don't mind the snubbies, though, and found a great M66-1 to go with my M19-3. I still have the factory stocks for both, the M19 is a 3-T gun. I also picked up a M48-4 along the way, no collection is complete without a .22, and also a magnum, at that.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I like "em" all.

 

[Dvus]

My favorite is a 66-2 4" that I found at a local show. Came with box, docs and tools, 3Ts and RR/WO. Whoever fit the innards was a master because it has the best action of all my revolvers, not just the Smiths.

 

[LPD256]

Great gun. Who made the grips?

 

[cadmike]

John, Beautiful gun, but it looks like it needs to get out for some shooting.

I also enjoyed your write up on this gun in the blue press. Thanks,

Mike

 

[LEO918]

Great choice, John. Here's one of my Model 66-1s, stretched a little.

 

[SS336]

I also think the M66 is King of the K-frames. Best all around revolver I own.
Mine is an early "70's that I have owned since new. Have the original target stocks. These are are presentation modified by Curt Harlow.

 

[MajorD]

I have always preferred K frames- despite trying with a number of them over the years, I just can't grow to like the bigger frames.
I pretty much detest stainless, and even with hard use in humid environment never had issue with blue steel.

 

[TheTinMan]

Very nice revolver!

Here's my Model 66 (no dash)

 

[LPD256]

I had a No dash and dash 1 that recently were re-homed. I still have these three, a -1, -2, and -3. I happen to enjoy the shorter barrels, but agree the 4 inch 66 is a great all around gun.

 

[snubbyfan]

My wife's 66-3.

 

[boykinlp]

I, too, love my Model 66. It is a 6 incher, and was my first gun purchase after I turned 21. Because of that, it has a lot of sentimental value. Mine is a transitional model. It is a -2, but the -2 was actually stamped over-1. Mine is pinned but not recessed. It has the small S&W trademark on the left side, like it was supposed to be an engraved revolver. I still have the complete package, but it is now wearing a nice pair of Culina grips. This is the only picture I have of it on this computer, so just ignore the terrific carved Heiser Holster.
Larry

 

[SWFan27]

What sort of magic did Nelson Ford perform on your 66? I do agree that a K frame, Smith & Wesson model 66 is pretty much perfection.