How are the new S&W Model 66's?

[Mystery_Milk]

I've been trying to find more topics on this but can't seem to find very many.

I've been eyeing a Model 66 Combat Magnum. I think they started producing the Model 66 almost two years ago and the Model 66 Combat Magnum almost a year ago. Most of the topics I've found on them are about quality control issues and manufacturing defects; it seems that shallow forcing cones and rough edges were the norm when they started appearing on the market.

I know new releases can be rough around the edges; has anyone gotten one recently and have any problems with it?

Also, I heard large parts of the revolver were redesigned to make sure that the forcing cone didn't crack and the frame didn't stretch when magnum loads were regularly used. While it probably hasn't been long enough for people to know whether this is confirmed or not, has anyone had a problem feeding it a steady diet of magnums so far?

[hambam105]

I don't trust anything coming from Smtih & Weasal these days. It is my understanding that they are designing and manufacturing all their contemporary pistols, including and especially all the semiautomatic pistols, in France at the main factory commonly referred to as, 'fer-chet'. Please excuse the French lingo, I only went to public school, a few times.

[aklon]

I took my Model 66 to the range yesterday morning and fired 75 rounds Ultramax 158 gr, JHP Match ammunition at various ranges using 3" Shoot-n-Cee stickies as targets.

Before I give the results, allow me to say I've been a 1911 guy all my life, but 20 years ago succumbed to an impulse and bought a Smith & Wesson Model 686+. This revolver delivers impressive accuracy, is reliable as all get-out, and cleans up in a jiffy. So, when I read about the new Model 66 in American Rifleman I was intrigued.

I was surprised to find my LGS had one for sale (I live in California). Picking it up, I noticed it's a bit lighter than the 686, and the overall balance made it seem more "agile" while handling. I was remarking on the gun when my salesman said: "Mary Nelson is thinking about buying this one."

Mary Nelson is Paul's wife, she lives in the East Bay, and she's forgotten more about the .357 magnum revolver than most people learn in a lifetime. As soon as I heard that I knew I had to have it so I pulled out the card and started the process.

To say I am pleased is putting it mildly. The Model 66 is a joy to handle, and is as accurate as I demand all my firearms to be. The brushed stainless makes it a bit harder to clean than the 686, but the gun's performance justifies whatever work you have to put into it. Don't get me wrong: the 686 is a fine piece and has a niche all it's own, but so does the Model 66 and they are equally fine in my estimation.

Oh yes - those 3" Shoot-n-Cees? At 12 yards, every bullet of those 25 Ultramax rounds went right into it with no flyers outside using a modified Weaver stance.

(And glasses.)

['ol shooter]

Not a big fan of shrouded barrels, glad I bought my S&W's "back in the day", the 1970's.

[deadcoyote]

[deadcoyote]

Edit above, 145 and 158

[Joezamboni]

I've read numerous reports of the barrel not being lined up correctly or flat out being slightly "bent" to one side. Bought mine used and it developed the front ball detent getting stuck issue. Sent it to S&W, they fixed it, and also had them change the finish from the stupid combat bead blasted to the brushed and a trigger job at a fair cost but it took a long time. They also didn't remark the lock indicator at my request and put a proper logo stamp on RH side cover. Now it actually looks like a real S&W revolver.

My GP100 match champion is more accurate though, but the smith has a much better trigger and asthetics

[usmcspud]

I have old Smiths as well as new Smiths.
Both of my new m69s very nice. Accurate, also.
Just look the 66 over carefully before you throw down your money.

[Mystery_Milk]

Sounds like they've still got some problems. Glad you got one that works well for you aklon.

I didn't believe the gas ring thing at first but I looked it up and apparently it's so. That's very strange to me, I don't know why they'd do that. I guess I'll be looking at other options.

[usmcspud]

For the sticky cylinder rotation...
Let some Hoppe's soak between the cylinder and yoke. Then let it drain out after 20 mins. or so.
Works for me.