I have acquired a smith model 66 and have several questions. The frame says it is a model 66-1, BUT it has the small emblem on the left side of the frame, it has a recessed cylinder but not a pinned barrel. Any ideas on how that happened? Second and probably the more important issues is that measuring the barrel at frame gives a reading of .717, At the point of the blue line in the photo below it balloons out to .729 and then tapes down to .675 at the muzzle. Once you notice it, you can feel the bulge. I didn't see the bulge when I bought it, but what could cause this and is barrel replacement the desired fix? I am afraid to shoot it.
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Smith Revolver (model 66) question
- Thread starter mbbf
- Start date
Don't shoot it.
Inspect for a ring in the bore. Possibly shot a stuck bullet out of it to cause the bulge. Gsmith can use a bore camera to know for sure.
Check for cracked/split forcing cone. The 66's were known to crack barrels at the flat when using 125g mag loads, without even shooting out stuck bullets.
If it needs a new barrel, sell it and get a 686. More robust and only a bit larger. 66s don't hold up well on a steady diet of the earlier high pressure factory 357 ammo.
Inspect for a ring in the bore. Possibly shot a stuck bullet out of it to cause the bulge. Gsmith can use a bore camera to know for sure.
Check for cracked/split forcing cone. The 66's were known to crack barrels at the flat when using 125g mag loads, without even shooting out stuck bullets.
If it needs a new barrel, sell it and get a 686. More robust and only a bit larger. 66s don't hold up well on a steady diet of the earlier high pressure factory 357 ammo.
Any info from the guy you acquired it from?
well...the barrel looks bulged. the frame looks like the barrel was never pinned...so probably rule out that the barrel was changed...cylinder is recessed...
Maybe a transition gun?
smith-wessonforum.com
Maybe a transition gun?
66-1 with recessed cylinder but no barrel pin
Hi, I have a 66-1 in very good condition. It seems as though most 66-1 .357s have pinned barrels but this one does not so my guess is that it was made late in the last 66-1 series year. It has a recessed cylinder so the shells sit flush when inserted. The serial number starts with 117kXXX with...
smith-wessonforum.com
I would contact smith and see if they can replace the barrel. would NOT shoot without an inspection of the barrel.
Sounds like someone fired on a stuck bullet. Get the barrel changed. If S&W won’t do it find you a used barrel and have a gunsmith change it. It’s really very easy to swap. I have several model 66 revolvers. It’s what I started my career in law enforcement with and I consider it the absolute best duty revolver for size and power. Sure a steady diet of 357 mags will wear them out but we never saw that except for academy guns that are constantly being used over and over again. I still have my first 4” that I bought back in 1982.
I'd try. I have had Smith work on a 686-1 that was out of time. they have parts. they also still make model 66...-9? the barrel will be the same...seeing as this example is NOT pinned.
Worst they say is no.
