S&W 66-3 .357 Question

[10 Ring]

I just bought a S&W 66-3 .357 6" barrel in like new condition.  Paid $550.00 (Not sure if that's a good price).  I am not as familiar with the model 66 compared to the 586 and 686.  I understand that it is not made anymore and it is built on the smaller K frame.  I also was made aware that the barrel throat can crack if you shoot magnum loads at 125 grain or lighter.  Does anyone have any other knowledge of this problem or can anyone share useful information, thoughts, experiences etc... regarding this model .357?  Personally, I couldn't pass it up once I saw it in person.  If this gun shoots as good as it looks I am sure that I will not be dissapointed.

[Graybeard]

I've been shooting M19s and M66s for at least 45 years and have never had a problem with them. When I got my first 6" M19 factory ammo from Browning was listed as 158 JSPs at 1550 fps. I can assure you the ammo we shot back then isn't remotely similar to the loads they call .357 magnum these days. Night and day difference.

I have both the 4" and 6" M66s and don't worry that they'll wear out before I do. Shoot it and be happy.

[10 Ring]

Thanks for the information.  I appreciate your input.

[popplecop]

We were issued 66s for about 15 yrs. before switching to 686s.  The problem we had with them was shooting them loose.  We used .357 Mag. commercial reloads for practice and we did a lot of shooting in those days.  I was a S&W certified revolver armorer after going to the factory school in Springfield.  These are fine revolvers, very accurate and a delight to carry, but don't shoot copious amounts of full throttle .357 ammo through it.  I am a great fan of shooting .38 special WCs for probably 90% of my .357 shooting.  Treat the 66 well and it will last you a lifetime.

[10 Ring]

Once again, thanks for the input.  I appreciate the information you provide.  I do have quite a bit of .38 special components ready to load.  Like you stated, I will probably use that for practice.

[Lloyd Smale]

In full power ammo id stick with the 158 stuff. Id avoid the heavy stuff as it will eventually shoot loose with it and I avoid shoot large quantitys of like bullets stuff especially with ball powers in any revolver. My best advice is if your a handloader take the top end loads in the manuals and back off one grain of powder and your grandsons will be still shooting that gun.