Model 19/66 S&W

[LawofThirds]

They're still making the K frame.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=15705&isFirearm=Y

I think it has more to do with the changing expectations of the end consumer. Today people expect a firearm to be able to digest any load of whatever the marked caliber is. I suspect that current metallurgy would allow the K frame to again take the 357...but that would almost certainly kill most of their L frame 357 sales, which from a tooling standpoint, would be a horrible move.

 

[ElToro]

They're still making the K frame.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=15705&isFirearm=Y

I think it has more to do with the changing expectations of the end consumer. Today people expect a firearm to be able to digest any load of whatever the marked caliber is. I suspect that current metallurgy would allow the K frame to again take the 357...but that would almost certainly kill most of their L frame 357 sales, which from a tooling standpoint, would be a horrible move.

the model 10 is .38, which the gun was designed for 110+ years ago.. The K in 357 was replaced by the 686 to many peoples dismay. i will keep my 13, 19 and 66 and 65 thanks.

 

[dogrunner]

Well, I own a 19(no dash) mfg'd in about 1960.........picked it up slightly used & had the factory refinish it. Carried that gun for way over twenty as a LEO and know for a fact, based on the qualification schedules we once did, that it's had WAY over fifty thou. thru it. Granted, most of that was semi wadcutter, but a substantial amount also included some rather hot handloads using the old Lyman version of the Keith 168 grain bullet.

That gun has NEVER required the replacement of a single part, has never failed to function and to this very day I'd stake my life on it. Yep, it's loosened up, the front and rear sights are actually worn round from holster carriage, but it STILL works every time.

Now personally, I was never a fan of the light, high speed stuff as I once had a coworker get into a shooting scuffle with a guy that used a vehicle for cover....that co worker was using the early light high speed stuff and had blow ups on window glass and an abject failures in penetrating that cars body......It so concerned my Chief that he mandated a return to the heavier 158l's.............incidentally, my hard cast Keith's cut thru that same vehicle, side to side and front to back. Carry all the light crap you want....I strongly prefer something that'l bring blood!!!!

 

[Confederate]

The light crap has proven itself more than adequately, as long as it's not lighter than 125 grains. It also works well against cars.

As far as the guns themselves, I have a Ruger 4-inch Security-Six, but it may as well be a S&W 66, because it only gets .38s with an occasional round of .357s. I do this solely for practicality and the fact that the .38 is a splendid caliber. In fact, the 66 was intended for those who wanted an outstanding .38, but who might someday need something a bit more powerful, such as when camping or hiking. (I'd love to have an early 4-inch 66 with a pinned barrel and a stamped sideplate.)

In short, the 66 is for people who want a .38, not a .357. And though S&W makes excellent .38s, Bill Jordan thought that a slightly reinforced .38 that would take magnum loads would make a perfect combination for .38 shooters who might someday need to protect themselves from a black bear, cougar...or a crazed criminal on PCP.

Since law officers don't carry .357s anymore, and modern shooters like shooting magnums, the 66 was dropped. If I wantd to buy a good 4-inch .38, it's a shame that I can't get a good K-frame that would take magnums. Even Ruger doesn't seem to offer a good medium-sized .38.