[Ret_Eng]

Traded away a mint two year old S&W Mod 686+ 357 Mag and 150 bucks for a 1975 2.5 inch S&W Mod 66 (no dash) 357 Mag at the LGS today. Once all the paperwork was done and all the property/money changed hands--I went out back and proceeded to shoot the "new" Smith along with a 1968 2 inch S&W Mod 10 38 SPL. I tried a bunch of reloads and the "new" Mod 66 seemed to like my +P 158 gr hardcast/CFE Pistol loads the best. I will have to experiment a little more with the Mod 66 to fine tune that loading so it shoots closer to POA. It was a great way to enjoy the day before the oncoming rain hits us (again).

 

[deerhog]

Damn !
The 686 is one of my favorites.
Wish I knew you had it to get rid of.

 

[Ret_Eng]

The 686+ had the dreaded key lock but shot pretty good. It was definitely expendable when it comes to an original Mod 66. I had one of the 2.5 inch models until selling it about 20 years ago. I regretted that ever since--but finally rectified that mistake.

 

[JWC1951]

Nice trade. Congrats.

 

[bassetman1974]

Out of my nice S&W collection, I have one (below) K frame 2"... a pre model 10. The K frame 2" guns are sweet. Congratulations!

 

[Ret_Eng]

Out of my nice S&W collection, I have one (below) K frame 2"... a pre model 10. The K frame 2" guns are sweet. Congratulations!

Love that old K frame. :adore:I don't know if my old Mod 1902 HE in 32-20 is officially considered a K frame--but its the oldest pre-Mod 10 that I have.

 

[JACKTW]

Jay, those mod 66's are a fav but are few and far between to come across. I consider them one of the very best and should I find one, it's coming home with me.

I'm about to do a bit of gun shuffling myself. Just none of my Marlins. LOL

Jack

 

[Ret_Eng]

Jay, those mod 66's are a fav but are few and far between to come across. I consider them one of the very best and should I find one, it's coming home with me.

I'm about to do a bit of gun shuffling myself. Just none of my Marlins. LOL

Jack

I hear ya Jack. I don't have anymore Marlins that I want to trade away. But newer handguns for old timers--that is a no-brainer! LOL!

 

[Youper]

The 66 is a jem, but it's too bad you had to lose the 686+. If your interest is in shooting .357 magnum it was a bad move. If you prefer to usually shoot .38 special then you did good.

 

[Ret_Eng]

The 66 is a jem, but it's too bad you had to lose the 686+. If your interest is in shooting .357 magnum it was a bad move. If you prefer to usually shoot .38 special then you did good.

I have other pistols more suited to shoot full power 357 Mag loads--like my S&W Mod 28. I will never miss the 686+.

 

[Marlinjunkie]

I would have made that trade without hesitation. I've been looking for exactly the same 66 you traded for. But as Jack pointed out, they are few and far between. One day! Congratulations!

 

[kingstrider]

That's a nice gun Jay, congratulations. I would have done the same thing but don't care much for the locks on the newer guns.

 

[OLSKOOL]

You did good! I would never own any gun I had to use a key on or a marlin with the obnoxious button! Here is the cousin to your gun. my model 19 2in made in 78 wearing Tyler T grip and with a vintage strong pancake holster...

 

[Steve_In]

I have a 4" S&W 66. It was a police duty gun, but in very good condition. I love this gun, shoots fine with whatever I feed it.

 

[Ret_Eng]

you did good! I would never own any gun I had to use a key on or a marlin with the obnoxious button! here is the cousin to your gun. my model 19 2in. made in 78 wearing Tyler T grip and with a vintage strong pancake holster,,,,,,,,,,,, View attachment 712314

Very nice Smith! I had one of those as well that I stupidly traded away for a S&W 9mm Mod 59--like I said stupid!​

 

[Ret_Eng]

I would have made that trade without hesitation. I've been looking for exactly the same 66 you traded for. But as Jack pointed out, they are few and far between. One day! Congratulations!

Thanks and keep looking as the right Mod 66 will come around. I waited a very long time to find mine.

 

[Owen49]

The only way I'd like this trio better is if the Marlin was stainless steel too.

Marlin 1894 C with 18.5" bbl. Smith & Wesson Model 66-2 with 2.5" bbl. Smith & Wesson Model 66-1 with 4" bbl. I am well heeled with this trio of .357 Magnums but I have convinced myself I NEED a larger framed .357 with a longer bbl. I used to have a Model 28 and when finances will allow it, I intend to have another one.

 

[Ret_Eng]

The only way I'd like this trio better is if the Marlin was stainless steel too.

View attachment 712370
Marlin 1894 C with 18.5" bbl. Smith & Wesson Model 66-2 with 2.5" bbl. Smith & Wesson Model 66-1 with 4" bbl. I am well heeled with this trio of .357 Magnums but I have convinced myself I NEED a larger framed .357 with a longer bbl. I used to have a Model 28 and when finances will allow it, I intend to have another one.

I have been very lucky to have replaced both my Mod 66 and Mod 28 in the past two years. I will never sell them off again--they will be going to my son after I pass on.

 

[Drm50]

I'm normally a blue and P&R S&W hoarder. The 66 is a fine revolver and I would trade a keyhole anytime for an older S&W. In fact, if the rain down here doesn't let up I may be trading my blue P&Rs for stainless models or spear guns. :shot:

 

[gunscrewguy]

As a new deputy on the east coast in the salt air I chose a 6" 66. It helped me earn a Master's badge. Switched over to a Colt Series 70 with a non stock solid collet (that's another story for another time). Only the 66 got me the Masters.

AC