The new 66-8 and 66 no-dash. Side by side.

TDC

TDC

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Here are two S&W revolvers that are sure to generate comments and controversy for a long time. An eight generation spread of the Model 66.

Some will know me as a long time collector of P&R period guns. I've gotta admit the new 66-8 and 69 have impressed me. In this time of great economic pressures, manufacturing regulations, civil liabilities and political oppositions S&W has managed to produce innovative firearms that, IMHO, still reflect the highest standards of handgun manufacture available in the world today.

No, they are not what they were forty years ago... Nothing is. No, they can't be bought for $130.00 new like they were forty years ago... Nothing can! But what S&W is making and innovating in the variety of models and calibers today is truly a miracle, IMO.

These pictures are simply a side-by-side look. Others can criticize or praise the qualities or deficiencies of each. They are different but each is or will be a "super star" in its own right.

I'm just glad they're both here!









 
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Both very nice in my opinion, however I prefer my flash chromed 3rd generations to the later black and even later MIM controls - the same would hold true with my revolvers.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
srv1 said:
Can anyone explain to me where S&W got the idea of putting black parts on a stainless gun? It looks tacky and cheap.
Click to expand...

Try to shoot stainless or nickel sights in bright sun and you will have a good reason. There may be some other not so good reasons, but I'm not getting into it ...
 
The new model 66-8 is a looker in person for sure. My LGS has one priced $720 right now.

If they shoot even half as good as the originals they will be awesome IMO. I have a 19-4 6" in nickel and my dad has a 66-1 4". Very nice shooters. I would love to add a 66-8 to the collection. I however am going to hold out hope for a 2 or 2.5" version model 69.
 
Other than the grips the new ones I have seen seem to be built pretty well. I'm thinking about one instead of a GP 100
 
matt2009 said:
The new model 66-8 is a looker in person for sure. My LGS has one priced $720 right now.

If they shoot even half as good as the originals they will be awesome IMO. I have a 19-4 6" in nickel and my dad has a 66-1 4". Very nice shooters. I would love to add a 66-8 to the collection. I however am going to hold out hope for a 2 or 2.5" version model 69.
Click to expand...

My suggestion would be to get the current model 629 w/ 2.625" barrel for your .44 mag/spc. acquisition. Beefier frame and no wait...
 
Although I have a 627 Pro, which I enjoy and think looks pretty good, that old Model 66 is just flat out beautiful. Thanks for the side-by-side pics; great compare & contrast photo, and nice camera work too.
 
ILTim said:
I wonder how much elbow grease is needed to shine up the new bead blast finish and make it look like the older brushed finishes, or even bring it up to high polish.
Click to expand...

I really do not care for a bead blast finish on stainless guns. Reminds me of the finish on a Taurus revolver. I do not think it will take too long to put it on a buffing wheel.

James
 
Wondering what your impression is of the ball detent system compared to the old spring loaded ejector rod bolt ?

Also have you measured the new 66 barrel ?
It appears to be longer than 4" ? perhaps for our Canadadadian brothers to the north to legally import ?
 
Engine49guy said:
Wondering what your impression is of the ball detent system compared to the old spring loaded ejector rod bolt ?

Also have you measured the new 66 barrel ?
It appears to be longer than 4" ? perhaps for our Canadian brothers to the north to legally import ?
Click to expand...

The ball indent system is supposed to greatly enhance the lockup and strength on the new 66. It is also a feature on the new 69. The well known forcing cone/ crane weaknesses on the old 66 and 19 appear to have been successfully eliminated using this method. With new improvements in metals this should be a very durable K frame....

For me a noticeable visual is the smaller diameter ejector rod. Additionally like some others, I believe wood stocks would greatly enhance the look of this revolver... an easily modified change for an already handsome revolver.

The barrel length of the new 66 is 4.25 inches. The original no-dash is 4 inch. The 69s are also 4.25" in length. That is a minimum barrel length for our Canadian neighbors and that has been determined to be the primary reason for the added length.

I love my old P&R period S&Ws, but all-in-all, this outstanding package from S&W could become the "Renaissance" of a new revolver age, IMHO...
 
RevolverDen said:
My suggestion would be to get the current model 629 w/ 2.625" barrel for your .44 mag/spc. acquisition. Beefier frame and no wait...
Click to expand...
Well I mention a snub version of the 69 because I think it would be pretty easy to carry and given the popularity of 686 snubs it's a no brainer to me.

I would most certainly buy the first one I seen if they make it.
 
ILTim said:
I wonder how much elbow grease is needed to shine up the new bead blast finish and make it look like the older brushed finishes, or even bring it up to high polish.
Click to expand...


Well, the "Glass Bead" finish (if that is what you meant) likely appeals to those who prefer not to have an overly reflective finish... Personally, I prefer this and the Matte finishes over a nickel or a highly polished stainless finish by far. As for the new 66-8 itself as a shooter, I'll be at the range shooting one tomorrow and will have a more comprehensive opinion of it afterwards.


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The new 66-8 is a workingmans gun. In and out of the holster, forcing your way through the brush, toss it in the glovebox. Maybe not as pretty in the living room when you're showing off your collection but most likely the one that gets used for what it is. Everyone always says that "A firearm is a tool". Well, tools get used. I have a beautiful long barreled model 27 that I just love to look at. but I would feel terrible if I did something to the finish. My stainless guns get used. A jaguar may look "prettier" than the work truck but it's the old work truck that gets used and is most likely to get the job done. Around the farm or out in the forest yeah, gimme the plain old beadblast finish. As far as the black controls go, I think the contrast looks pretty sharp. That's all a matter of personal taste which has no right or wrong.
 
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