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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,695 Likes: 4
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,695 Likes: 4 |
I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I want a relatively lightweight DA revolver to carry along while out woodsbumming, fishing, etc.
We don’t have large predators here in ky so I was thinking a nice 22 would really be what I needed, ( pop an occasional groundhog and plinking mostly) but the more I think about it, the more I think a 357 and it’s abilty to shoot 38s would make a better choice. I’m really liking the look and feel of the model 66, however the internal lock is really messing with me. Some people hate it, some don’t seem to mind it. I have looked at gp100s, redhawks, sp101s and I just don’t like anything about them. Shape, weight etc.
So for those that have them, would you let the internal lock deter you from buying a new Smith, and if so what route would you go for a 4” barreled 357?
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,323
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,323 |
If the lock bothers you why don't you look for an older model without one? You can probably find an older model in pristine condition for about the same price as a new one.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121
Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121 |
Lots of used guns out there without them. Don't let a Model 64 or 67 scare you either. You can still find them for a 'song' with a little looking.
"Dear Lord, save me from Your followers"
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 131,706 Likes: 17
Campfire Sage
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Campfire Sage
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 131,706 Likes: 17 |
If the lock bothers you why don't you look for an older model without one? You can probably find an older model in pristine condition for about the same price as a new one. This.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,313
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,313 |
The 66 is a good choice. Mine doesn't have the lock, but the lock wouldn't deter me from buying one. The lock is more of an aesthetic problem than functional, analogous to the crossbolt safety on modern lever actions. That said used makes at least as much sense.
Brushbuster: "Is this thread about the dear heard or there Jeans?" Plugger: "If you cant be safe at strip club in Detroit at 2am is anywhere safe?" Deer are somewhere all the time To report a post you disagree with, please push Alt + F4. Thank You.
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 8,069
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 8,069 |
I wouldn't let the lock stop me. I have several with the lock and don't even notice it or pay it any attention.
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,008
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,008 |
" what route would you go for a 4” barreled 357? "
Security Six , if you could find one............
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,377
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,377 |
For woods rambling I think that your first idea of the .22 is a better one than the M66. I had a pre-lock 4" M66 and sold it as rather non-useful for what I do with a handgun. The M66 was the state patrol standard issue years back and they shot them loose from what I'd been told. I didn't have that much opportunity or ammunition to shoot mine that often, but it was loud with magnums, a 6" would have been better for hunting and a plinker it wasn't either. A S&W 4" M34 .22 on the J frame with a larger set of grips is a way better choice for my woods rambling. That little M34 replaced the K frame 6" M17 that I had too as that one was too heavy imo for a .22.
My other auto is a .45
The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 131,706 Likes: 17
Campfire Sage
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Campfire Sage
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 131,706 Likes: 17 |
The 66 is a good choice. Mine doesn't have the lock, but the lock wouldn't deter me from buying one. The lock is more of an aesthetic problem than functional, analogous to the crossbolt safety on modern lever actions. That said used makes at least as much sense. It's not like a cross bolt safety. If a cross bolt safety gets inadvertently engaged, you just push it to where it belongs. If that happens to one of these guns, you've got to hope you have a key handy ... a highly unlikely circumstance. And they do get inadvertently engaged on occasion by recoil. Just something else that can potentially go wrong, and therefore has no place on a serious defensive tool.
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 9,631 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 9,631 Likes: 1 |
66-5 was the last without the lock, not hard to find on line.
I sometimes let the lock steer me away from certain guns, but think it's mostly just a mental thing. I have a sadistic 329 that recoils worse than most, & the lock in it hasn't stopped the show, yet.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,083
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,083 |
While the internal lock wouldn't bother me, it's something I'd prefer to avoid for aesthetic reasons. S&W made several literal tons of K frame 357's without the funny hole in the frame. It's easy enough to find one you'll like.
Another option would be to go to a 3" model 60, the adjustable sight version. You'll lose a round, and it's not the most pleasant with full power 357, it's a bit lighter and handier, though (IMO).
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 44,369 Likes: 7
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 44,369 Likes: 7 |
Decided to find a pristine pre-lock Model 66 a couple years ago. Found this one for a good deal a couple months ago. Just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Gun came in the front door of favorite LGS. Bought from store owner. Came home with me. Model 66-2
Slaves get what they need. Free men get what they want. Rehabilitation is way overrated. Orwell wasn't wrong. GOA member disappointed NRA member 24HCF SEARCH
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,073
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,073 |
It’s not just the lock. You can remove that and plug the hole. It’s the MIM parts that I don’t like. It’s not that there are not strong it’s that as I understand it they are only surface heat treated. Hasbeen
hasbeen (Better a has been than a never was!)
NRA Patron member Try to live your life where the preacher doesn't have to lie at your funeral
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Joined: Mar 2015
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3,587 Likes: 1 |
I've had both a 4" Model 66 and a 4" GP100. The 66 had a better trigger but the GP100, with the old style grips, fits my hand better and I shoot it better too. You'll never wear out a Ruger.
Wag more, bark less.
The freedoms we surrender today will be the freedoms our grandchildren will never know existed.
The men who wrote the Second Amendment didn't just finish a hunting trip, they just finished liberating a nation.
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,133
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,133 |
I have a Model 19-3 that is about perfect for packing, IMHO. In snake country, I have the first round up as a snake shot handload with Speer capsule and #12 shot. I mostly shoot .38s in it, but it is nice to have the magnum option if I am in predator country.
�That rifle on the wall of the labourer's cottage or working class flat is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there.� George Orwell
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 651
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 651 |
This is a -2 I bought in the mid 80s. They are still widely available. Very useful revolver. I keep it loaded with 357s but I keep 38 wadcutters and shot shells around for plinking and snakes. Mine has seen a zillion miles of being carried by various means.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,408
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,408 |
a snubby 66 shoots just about as good as a 4”. both my 19 and 66 snubbies shoot better than they should. you can find a shooter grade for about 5 bills
My diploma is a DD214
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,073
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,073 |
a snubby 66 shoots just about as good as a 4”. both my 19 and 66 snubbies shoot better than they should. you can find a shooter grade for about 5 bills I agree with everything but the price. K frames have skyrocketed in price in my area. 700 minimum. Hasbeen
hasbeen (Better a has been than a never was!)
NRA Patron member Try to live your life where the preacher doesn't have to lie at your funeral
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512 |
60, 66, or a small 327 would also be sweet. If one liked SA, a Ruger Single Six, probably in 5.5" with Magnum would be handy but Woodchuck worthy....
Now if one were inclined, a 38 Super.....or 357 Sig would also work, assuming accuracy was there.
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Joined: Apr 2013
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Sure like those 66 snubies. Finally found one last year that met my price criteria. Don't care for the MIM parts or the hole.
Charter Member Ancient order of the 1895 Winchester
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