The Model 66 is Back!

[Deputy]

I will apologize publicly right now if I have offended anyone about the ugly part of my post. I own/owned S&W revolvers with the IL, MIM parts, and the two part barrel and I have no problem with any of that. I wish S&W all the luck marketing this gun, and hope all who buy them have a very satisfactory experience with theirs. It was only a comment about the cosmetic/athletic aspect of that particular model compared to the older style. Time goes on, and gun designs change as that time goes on. I'm wishing I never sold my 310NG. Great gun, and except for some minor details (not to mention very modern materials used) it is an outstanding gun, functionally and athletically.

I could go on and on about ergonomics seen on guns like the Glock and early Ruger semi-auto's. That has already been done. They both shoot very well when you get past the ergo part. BTW, after canvasing the big FFL's at set-up tonight no one had one (M-66 that is) to examine. I would like to do that.

I, for one, saw nothing objectionable in your comments and agreed with them.I would LOVE to get a brand new old one. Notice they are going for big $$$ on Gunbroker. Gotta be a reason for that.

 

[Hapworth]

I think the hard push against "bashers, criers and whiners" has had the unfortunate effect of making good members feel they can't voice sincere, subjective critical opinion of the new models without having to first establish their "don't get me wrong I like the new stuff/lock/MIM" bona fides or risk infraction.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

Out of curiosity, why? By the time they were discontinued, approximately 1982, pinned barrels and recessed cylinders were all but redundant.

The barrel pin doesn't keep a barrel from shooting loose;----- And, again, added production cost that was passed to the consumer, to no particular purpose.

I understand the association of the pinned and recessed era with superior craftsmanship and products -- ---- what value do they have now?

Honest question, I'm open to a different way of looking at it...

This is the type of information (in detail!) that sets this forum apart from all the others. Thanks Hapworth.

 

[M3Stuart]

I also am glad they brought it back. In a stroke of great luck, I found a 3" 66-3 a few months ago for $695 plus tax. I like it so much that I won't be buying any more revolvers for a long time. I now have the 2.5" 66-4 and sold a 4" 66 because it was redundant between my 67-1 and 4" 686-4.

But the vast majority of people won't go to all the hassle I did. So it's great that they brought it back. If I see one at a reasonable price I'll probably buy it just to encourage S&W to keep bringing back the popular models.

 

[Deputy]

I think the hard push against "bashers, criers and whiners" has had the unfortunate effect of making good members feel they can't voice sincere, subjective critical opinion of the new models without having to first establish their "don't get me wrong I like the new stuff/lock/MIM" bona fides or risk infraction.

I think you are correct. And that is a shame.

 

[luis]

May be I missed it but does the gun have a two piece barrel?

 

[shawn mccarver]

I have one of these on order, and will report back upon receipt. I have no idea how long it might take. I am very excited to see the return of this revolver.

 

[Speedieguy]

So at $700+ does anyone feel that this new 66 will push up the demand/value for older 66s?

I picked mine up from a private seller. I have since looked at my lgs and been to a few gun shows and have seen guns in similar condition (but needing a good cleaning) for $600+. If a NIB 66 is selling at $700+ it would seem to me that older 66s with the more "desirable" features would command a premium.

 

[Dave from Pa]

Sounds like a similar set-up as Jovino's, only reversed. I will probably get pummeled for this but I think the gun looks ugly. S&W has completely lost the S&W look. I hope it functions better than it looks, but my confidence level on their new guns in that area is way down. Here is something for comparison. 66 no dash.

Agree 100%

 

[murphydog]

May be I missed it but does the gun have a two piece barrel?

I believe it has a one piece barrel; the "three-piece" (barrel, shroud, cap) system usually has a visible seam where the cap fits on the shroud end, and this doesn't seem to show in the photos.

 

[Rick_A]

I believe it has a one piece barrel; the "three-piece" (barrel, shroud, cap) system usually has a visible seam where the cap fits on the shroud end, and this doesn't seem to show in the photos.

I got to look at one up close. It is most definitely a two piece barrel. This example was about perfect mechanically, but I hate the gun cosmetically. The barrel contours look quite disagreeable. A new model 67 right next to it looks 100% better. The forcing cone finally does away with the flat on the bottom, which was a surprise.

 

[murphydog]

I got to look at one up close. It is most definitely a two piece barrel. This example was about perfect mechanically, but I hate the gun cosmetically. The barrel contours look quite disagreeable. A new model 67 right next to it looks 100% better. The forcing cone finally does away with the flat on the bottom, which was a surprise.

Thanks for the information. The photos hide it well, or maybe the camera angle...

 

[Rick_A]

The barrel needs to be seen from the front to see it.

 

[Boge]

...The forcing cone finally does away with the flat on the bottom, which was a surprise.

Key info. Thanks.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

They could have called it the 666. Hold on- that's the devil number.
Sorry, lost my head, never mind.

 

[colt_saa]

I believe it has a one piece barrel; the "three-piece" (barrel, shroud, cap) system usually has a visible seam where the cap fits on the shroud end, and this doesn't seem to show in the photos.

The barrel assembly on product code 162662, the 4 1/2" 66, is of multi-piece design.

 

[JayFramer]

I'm kind of iffy on the looks of the new Model 66 as well, but as a practical revolver it should be great. As long as QC is tight and the gun has good fit and finish, I can easily let the cosmetic changes pass.

I'm just glad to see a return of the K-frame magnum. The L-frame guns are great for what they are, but I think in all practicality they do nothing better than the K-frames in the role of a defensive revolver with unneeded weight.

I very well might get me one of these if I the reviews are good and I can find one for a decent price.

 

[steamloco76]

Forcing Cone & Barrel Photos

Alright folks, here are the definitive answers to a couple questions about the brand new M66!
My LGS just received their first one the other day and I took the opportunity to examine and photograph the forcing cone and barrel of the $729.99 new revolver. I must say it is nicer and put together better than the late 66-6 in their used case!

FORCING CONE- no flat bottom

TWO PIECE BARREL

 

[Tycer]

Interesting. My 66 is two digits away from that one and the cylinder release is stainless on mine and also the one that was seven digits the other side of the one you show. Both of the CVC prefix guns had black ones. I wonder why the inconsistency.

 

[Ogie]

It looks nice! I may have to consider one of these. I wish I would have never gotten rid of my M-19.