New model 66-8

[Just Tripp]

This is my first post on this forum, so hello to everyone. I recently sold another revolver (model 36) and bought a new Smith model 66-8. I’ve found a few posts on this particular model on other forums, but not very much. Just wondering if anyone else on here has bought one of these and, if so what are your impressions? I’m having difficulty finding a holster listed specifically for it, also. Any help is appreciated!

 

[Prosecutor]

Yup, I snatched a 2.75" Model 66-8 as soon as it hit the shelves earlier this year. It's a solid gun. We had been asking Smith & Wesson to revive the 2-3" K Frame .38/.357 for years. Glad it happened. The frame is beefed up just a bit where the old K Frames were weak. Fit and finish were generally good; however, I think the forcing cone was not beveled enough. Go a lot of blow back at the range. Shrapnel caused bleeding at one point (pics below). I was not the only person who experienced this issue and understand that it has been corrected by the factory. Regarding holsters, I like custom holsters by TT Gunleather.

Here is the 2.75" Model 66-8 with the holsters:

Here is the TT Gunleather OWB. It is very comfortable and secure.

Here is the TT Gunleather IWB.

This is my first trip to the range, with the blow back problem.

 

[Just Tripp]

Thanks, Prosecutor. Wow, those cuts to the face must’ve gotten your attention! I’ve yet to get mine out to the range. Just bought it Monday. Thanks for all the info. I’ll look into TT holsters!

 

[SLM]

While I don't personally own one, I have very closely smoked one over. I really like the engineering changes made to the forcing cone and the forward spring-loaded ball bearing detent in the front of the crane....

Excellent changes designed to strengthen the forcing cone (really the only weakness to the K-frame).

I also like the fact that S&W followed the "Night Guard" style of two-piece barrel rather than the weak two-piece of the 619 & 620 of a few years ago...

There were some reports of the forcing cone being milled "too flat" thus causing it to "spit lead" but for some reason that has only occurred on a few of the 2.75" versions (which happen to be my favorite version of the new M66-8).

All in all, you made an excellent choice!!

The standard HKS speed loader, size 10-A will also fit the 66-8.

As to holsters, anything made for the S&W 4" K-frame w/ adjustable sights will fit, even though S&W saw fit to set the 66 and all other newly produced 4" revolvers with a barrel that is actually 4.25" so they can sell them in the People's Democratic Socialist Republic of Canada.

I hope you really enjoy your new revolver!!

 

[Tim]

What Prosecutor may not have been totally clear about with regard to holsters...you won't likely find one listed specifically for a 66-8. You're looking for a "K Frame" holster.

Looks like a nice one to have! Welcome to the forum

 

[doose]

so, on the older k frames... if there is a forcing cone failure, that requires barrel replacement?

 

[SLM]

so, on the older k frames... if there is a forcing cone failure, that requires barrel replacement?

The short version is yes, on the Magnum versions when using the light fast full powered .357 magnum loads in 110 & 125. While this didn't happen all that often, it happened enough that S&W put out a warning and it became a well known concern amongst the public and LEAs and individual LEOs.

The reason for the cracking of the forcing cones was the flattened bottom portion of the forcing cone to make room for the "gas rings" on the front of the crane assembly was the weak part of the cone, The shorter, lighter projectiles, when they left the cylinder were short enough that they let a bit of high pressure gas "plasma" sneak around the projectiles, get ahead and cause damage (gas erosion) to the forcing cone (and the top strap of the frame) then the projectile would make contact with the cone and over time the combination of gas erosion and continued pressure from the projectiles could and sometimes did cause cracks to develop.

This didn't happen with the longer, heavier projectiles from 140 grs and up, because they were long enough to actually enter the forcing cone and still be in the forward portion of the cylinder thus effectively sealing off the forcing cone until they projectile had fully entered the barrel and the following gases hit the top strap and forcing cone with less effect due to the gases being much lower in pressure and velocity.

This in part led to the introduction of the L-Frame series (581, 586, 681 & 686), which were a heavier frame with a larger diameter cylinder and a full diameter forcing cone similar to the big N-Frames.

 

[Just Tripp]

Thanks a lot guy! Lots of good stuff here. While this isn’t my first wheelgun, (I just sold a model 36 and had a 627PC [wish I had that one back!] before) it’s one I intend to invest some time into and learn to shoot well. I’ve been shooting bottom feeders for a while and would like to get better with revolvers. I intend to change the grips to something wood like maybe the Miculek smooth type, and I’m toying with the notion of putting a gold bead front sight on in place of the factory ramped one it came with.

 

[GeorgeBush]

Are these the ones with the ball bearing lockup? Does yours line up perfectly?

 

[Just Tripp]

Are these the ones with the ball bearing lockup? Does yours line up perfectly?

Yes, and it seems to.

 

[Prosecutor]

Smith and Wesson did a fine job with some of the design updates / improvements....that said, I still prefer the brushed look of its older brothers. Here are a couple old school 2.5" Models 66.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mightyox04]

Yup, I snatched a 2.75" Model 66-8 as soon as it hit the shelves earlier this year. It's a solid gun. We had been asking Smith & Wesson to revive the 2-3" K Frame .38/.357 for years. Glad it happened. The frame is beefed up just a bit where the old K Frames were weak. Fit and finish were generally good; however, I think the forcing cone was not beveled enough. Go a lot of blow back at the range. Shrapnel caused bleeding at one point (pics below). I was not the only person who experienced this issue and understand that it has been corrected by the factory. Regarding holsters, I like custom holsters by TT Gunleather.

Here is the 2.75" Model 66-8 with the holsters:

Here is the TT Gunleather OWB. It is very comfortable and secure.

Here is the TT Gunleather IWB.

This is my first trip to the range, with the blow back problem.

WTH happend

 

[Prosecutor]

WTH happend

Well, not entirely sure. It didn't happen all at once. Probably fired 100 or so rounds that afternoon to function check the gun. Overkill for a routine "new revolver check," but was having fun. I felt stuff hitting my face every so often. A couple times it stung pretty good. As I mentioned above, it seems that the forcing cone was not beveled enough. It was times properly but still blowing back a little lead and other crap. Seems to have gotten better. Never actually sent it in the S&W. Will probably have somebody local hit the forcing cone next time I think of it.