Newer Smith and Wesson Model 66 or 686

[lyman]

"...MIM parts are..." Nothing to worry about. Everybody knows how strong Ruger's are. Ruger built their entire business on investment cast parts.
The new offerings are the same internally as any Smith revolver. And no revolver not made before 1980 is old.

cast parts and MIM are different processes,

not sure which has the most strength, thinking most cast is stronger, but not sure

[p246]

Thanks for all the feedback. I’m fond of Smith revolvers and will probably stay loyal. My 66-2 2.5 inch barrel used to be a 4 inch. Like Arts a steady diet of 125 and 158 grain .357 cracked the forcing cone at the flat. The 686 will eat them all day. My model 66-2 6 inch is the most accurate, but too big to carry. I prefer to carry the 66 2.5 inch concealed. I figure 6 rounds of .357 should create some separation. I’d like to find a 3 inch to replace the 2.5. The 2.5will get passed down. If I go new the Smith lock would have to be plugged. I’m interested in the 7 shot 686, but have always like the 66. Anyway might look for a nice used gun and if that falls threw I can always try new. Seems like the little pocket rocket semis are all the rage but I still like the wheel gun.

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I've sold a handful of new models (both ) and have had no complaints or returns for repair on any Smith Revolver (honestly, very few Smiths ever go back, may be one out of 100 if that,, )


I own a 6" 686 Silhouette (bought used) and a 66 3" Lew Horton special (3" full length ejector, round butt, bought new)
both from the early mid 80's

nary a problem with either,

I have not shot a new model, to compare,


my dislikes are strickly my own, that being said, I like the finish and grips of the old models better,
the new SS looks more matte, and a different color (maybe a different grade of SS??) and the grips on the new stuff does not fit my hand well,

(my 686 wears S&W Targets,, the 66 was changed out the Hogue's wood)

and yes, I know you can change the grips off the new stuff,

Lyman, your Lee Horton set up is exactly what I’m thinking I want (3 inch, with full length ejector and round butt). Obviously yours is a custom but that’s my basic idea. I bet that’s a fine rig.

[lyman]

Thanks for all the feedback. I’m fond of Smith revolvers and will probably stay loyal. My 66-2 2.5 inch barrel used to be a 4 inch. Like Arts a steady diet of 125 and 158 grain .357 cracked the forcing cone at the flat. The 686 will eat them all day. My model 66-2 6 inch is the most accurate, but too big to carry. I prefer to carry the 66 2.5 inch concealed. I figure 6 rounds of .357 should create some separation. I’d like to find a 3 inch to replace the 2.5. The 2.5will get passed down. If I go new the Smith lock would have to be plugged. I’m interested in the 7 shot 686, but have always like the 66. Anyway might look for a nice used gun and if that falls threw I can always try new. Seems like the little pocket rocket semis are all the rage but I still like the wheel gun.

I never jumped on the pocket rocket bandwagon,

my most often pocket gun is a 60's vintage Centennial, (J frame) in a Kramer pocket holster,

or a Seecamp LWS 32

never felt outgunned,

infact, with the exception of a Hi Power I carry once in a blue moon, the other 3 pistols I rotate when I carry on my hip (pancake style leather) are all single stack auto's (SIG P6, 220 or a 1911 commander)

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Lyman, your Lee Horton set up is exactly what I’m thinking I want (3 inch, with full length ejector and round butt). Obviously yours is a custom but that’s my basic idea. I bet that’s a fine rig.

it's a nice easy to shoot revolver, that I for whatever reason never carry,

I even have a couple of pre mod 10 snubbies, one a bit too nice to carry, but I just like my mod 40, it just fits my hand, and pocket, right

[Art]

My model 66-2 6 inch is the most accurate, but too big to carry. I prefer to carry the 66 2.5 inch concealed. I figure 6 rounds of .357 should create some separation. I’d like to find a 3 inch to replace the 2.5. The 2.5will get passed down.

Lyman, your Lee Horton set up is exactly what I’m thinking I want (3 inch, with full length ejector and round butt). Obviously yours is a custom but that’s my basic idea. I bet that’s a fine rig.

My last duty gun was a 3" Model 66 I got at a great price NIB in the late 1980s. Unfortunately the old 3" guns were mostly made for law enforcement agencies especially in the Treasury Dept. where they were sometimes referred to as the "CS-1." If you found one for sale back then it was almost surely a Treasury overrun. They are not exactly rare but are a scarce pricey collectable now, starting at about $1500.00 in good shape. It was far and away the best duty carry gun I ever had. The new Combat Magnums with the 2 3/4" barrel should approximate that gun very well. They are also supposed to have improved lock up.

[Faulkner]

I still carry my 3 inch S&W M65 on occasion when I'm on plain clothes duty. I bought this one new in 1995 in my rookie year and it's been a good gun.

[p246]

I broke down and ordered a 686 plus deluxe. It will be the first Smith I own past a -3. I’m going to delete the lock for sure. Some reviews of the wood grips aren’t favorable. If I’m not happy those are easily changed.

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Faulkner,
Looks like you took good care of that rig. Very few of my guys/gals still carry a Revolver off duty. I still think they are a great choice.

[tmark]

I bought my 686 with six inch barrel in the eightys. After firing around 50,000 rounds of 357 reloads using blue dot powder, my revolver had severe forcing cone erosion and top strap flame cutting, as diagnosed from a S and W repair shop. They replaced the barrel and top strap assembly free of charge. I did have to pay labor. Basically, the only original major part of the revolver I retained was the cylinder whose SN is now different from the rest of the handgun.

I've since changed powders and put over 50k more rounds through it.

[p246]

[QUOTE=tmark;551310]I bought my 686 with six inch barrel in the eightys. After firing around 50,000 rounds of 357 reloads using blue dot powder, my revolver had severe forcing cone erosion and top strap flame cutting, as diagnosed from a S and W repair shop. They replaced the barrel and top strap assembly free of charge. I did have to pay labor. Basically, the only original major part of the revolver I retained was the cylinder whose SN is now different from the rest of the handgun.

Tmark your street cred just went way up. Those steel revolvers will take a beating. 50,000 rounds with any powder is an accomplishment. I shoot the 6 inch 66 a lot, the 4 inch 64will get some to. Hopefully the 3 inch 686 balances well and I can try to beat it to death. I cast 140 grain range scrap and have a lot of free brass so shooting is not to expensive.

[JB White]

My 586 (M) is a former duty weapon. A lot of holster wear and a blemished side plate, but lived most of its life practicing and qualifying with 38 specials. I have no idea as to how many rounds have been through it. Looks fine to me and it's still tight as a drum.

I replaced the Pachmayer grippers with cocobolo Houges/w contrasting grip cap. Recently loaded up some Bullseye midrange loads with 158gr JHP's in virgin brass.

My N frames and K frames were minor tuned for a slick 8# DA and a crisp 3# SA. This L frame is right there the way I like it. Within an ounce or so either way.
Need to get in some pistol range time, soon! I just recently joined a private range where it doesn't cost $28 per hour and am restricted to their ammo and PC influenced targets.