On my way to the gunstore

[chaim]

I'm on my way to buy a new 2.75" S&W 66 Combat Master.

I'm sure my overthinking and several threads have annoyed some, and yet, this isn't what I last said I was going to buy.

I decided against the Taurus 66 or 65 due to size. I want something I can sometimes carry. I already wanted a .357 that could handle full power .357mag rounds (or more accurately, where I can handle quick follow up shots with most .357mag rounds) but that I could add to my carry rotation when in the mood to carry a revolver. The Taurus medium frame revolvers measure in at longer than a 4" S&W N-frame (though width, weight and height are closer to S&W L-frames).

I might pick up a new 4" S&W 19 if the store that shows a 2.75" 66 online doesn't actually have it in stock (they have a section for firearms in stock and another for those you can order). If neither are in stock, I'm ordering the 66.

That means I still want a 4" .38spl or .357mag soon, but I want to go more concealable this time...

For the first time in my memory, there have been multiple bear sightings within 2-2 1/2 miles from my house. It isn't uncommon within about 30min from here, but never within 5min from here. This time of year, young males are kicked out of the den by their mothers and are looking for territory and mates. Young male black bears aren't particularly large (about the size of an adult man), and they'll likely run at first sight, sniff or sound of me. However, it isn't likely I'll need a gun against a human attacker and I carry just in case. By the same token, I want something a bit more powerful than my 9mm P365 (though 9mm will likely be fine against a 150-250LB bear) or my .38s I usually carry. So, while this gun was on my list for after a less carryable 4", the order has reversed.

I'll likely carry it with good old fashioned 125gr or 158gr SJHP.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Some pictures please, in due course.

 

[Dave T]

While you're po-poing young male black bears remember, they may be the size of an adult human but they're 2-3 times stronger. Yea, they mostly run away...except for when they don't.

Dave

 

[Armored farmer]

I'm on my way to buy a new 2.75" S&W 66 Combat Master.

I'm sure my overthinking and several threads have annoyed some, and yet, this isn't what I last said I was going to buy.

I decided against the Taurus 66 or 65 due to size. I want something I can sometimes carry. I already wanted a .357 that could handle full power .357mag rounds (or more accurately, where I can handle quick follow up shots with most .357mag rounds) but that I could add to my carry rotation when in the mood to carry a revolver. The Taurus medium frame revolvers measure in at longer than a 4" S&W N-frame (though width, weight and height are closer to S&W L-frames).

I might pick up a new 4" S&W 19 if the store that shows a 2.75" 66 online doesn't actually have it in stock (they have a section for firearms in stock and another for those you can order). If neither are in stock, I'm ordering the 66.

That means I still want a 4" .38spl or .357mag soon, but I want to go more concealable this time...

For the first time in my memory, there have been multiple bear sightings within 2-2 1/2 miles from my house. It isn't uncommon within about 30min from here, but never within 5min from here. This time of year, young males are kicked out of the den by their mothers and are looking for territory and mates. Young male black bears aren't particularly large (about the size of an adult man), and they'll likely run at first sight, sniff or sound of me. However, it isn't likely I'll need a gun against a human attacker and I carry just in case. By the same token, I want something a bit more powerful than my 9mm P365 (though 9mm will likely be fine against a 150-250LB bear) or my .38s I usually carry. So, while this gun was on my list for after a less carryable 4", the order has reversed.

I'll likely carry it with good old fashioned 125gr or 158gr SJHP.

Think about shooting 158s exclusively because of the forcing cone cut. Not a big deal....but it is claimed that hot 125s are more likely to Crack your cone.
BTW...look the cone over for a hairline Crack before you buy. I'm sure it's already been mentioned.....but worth a look.

 

[chaim]

Think about shooting 158s exclusively because of the forcing cone cut. Not a big deal....but it is claimed that hot 125s are more likely to Crack your cone.
BTW...look the cone over for a hairline Crack before you buy. I'm sure it's already been mentioned.....but worth a look.

The forcing cone and weakness with 125gr magnums (and possibly extensive use of other weights) is why I wanted the new production K-frames with the strengthened/thicker forcing cones. That was a well known issue with the older .357mag K-frames (and part of why my 20 something year old 65LS with well over 10K rounds now only sees .38spl with only an occasional 158gr magnum shot through it). However, S&W supposedly fixed that issue with the redesigned forcing cone in the new production K-frames.

 

[chaim]

I just got back (the original post was truly just before I went out the door). Unfortunately, MD has a 7 day waiting period. I have ordered some .357mag ammo online (it is hard to find what I want in person these days). When the ammo comes in, I'll load up my 65LS while waiting on the waiting period, or I may go with my Taurus 431 (I've also ordered some Underwood .44spl that should be decent against either a human or bear attacker).

I won't use my Colt King Cobra with magnums (most likely). As much as I like that gun, it really doesn't provide the ability for quick follow up shots with anything but the lightest .357mag, and I haven't seen good things in gel testing reports on 110gr .357mag (too light and fast for the bullet, expands quickly but doesn't penetrate, the exact opposite of what you want against a possible bear encounter, and really, too little penetration most of the time for a human attacker). I have ordered some Buffalo Bore low recoil 158gr JHP, we'll see how they are in that gun. Actually, wanting to go back to magnums in my .357mag for carry (not for home defense due to noise) is what had me looking at the 2.75" M66. The 4.5 ounces of extra weight may not make too much difference on the belt, but I know from my 65LS that a K-frame .357mag is quite capable of quick follow up shots and extensive range practice with magnums.

While waiting on the 7 day "cooling off" period for the new gun, I'll probably order some grips (I want wood, I'm just not yet decided if I want boot grips for maximum concealability or combat grips for a bit more comfort). I'm also considering a fixed rear sight as a mod (likely through cylinder and slide) and possibly a front night sight. For a gun that will be mostly a defensive handgun, I may convert it to DAO and have the hammer bobbed, but it will also get a good amount of fun use at the range so I may keep the SA capability.

 

[UncleEd]

Answer deleted; no longer needed as
per OP's latest post #6.

 

[chaim]

Might also consider a Colt King Cobra with 3-inch
barrel, fixed sight and slightly smaller frame than
the Model 66. Or a Ruger 3-inch GP100, slightly
larger frame and also fixed sight.

While I liked fixed sights, the adj. ones are just
something I ignore when on a gun. Lock down
the rear sight after checking windage and never
give it a second thought.

The Uncle Mike style stocks on the Model 66 are
fine and much more friendly to handling .357 recoil
than a lot of wood styles.

I already have the King Cobra. It is a good CCW revolver, but not for magnums at 28oz. Light and medium recoiling magnums can be fun at the range, but other than the lightest magnums, I don't like how slow the follow up shots are. I also don't trust 110gr .357mag for defense (too much speed, you get good expansion but little penetration). I do have some Buffalo Bore 158gr tactical, low recoil, low flash .357mag on order so we'll see how those work for follow up shots. If they work, variety is a good thing, and the Smith will allow me more flexibility in choosing rounds. So far, the Colt has been mainly used with heavier .38+P that are a bit much for my 2" S&W J-frame and Taurus small framed snubs (especially the lightweights).

As for the grips, I'll likely order the wood grips before I can pick up the gun, but I will give the rubber grips on the gun a chance before replacing them.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Just get a real classic .357 Combat Magnum!

can’t go wrong!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Just get a real classic .357 Combat Magnum!

can’t go wrong!

View attachment 1156052

The older ones are prettier for sure, but new production have stronger barrel extensions and are better suited for firing hot loads.

 

[shoebox1.1]

Maybe I missed it but did we get the 66 or 19? And how’s the “cooling off” going? Nice and calm? We don’t want you reaching for the tv remote to aggressively. Lol. Pics when it comes in please. I am drooling over a new 19 as well. I like the new barrel/cone and full warranty, and the new stocks

 

[chaim]

Just get a real classic .357 Combat Magnum!

can’t go wrong!

View attachment 1156052

I still miss the old 4" P&R M19 I used to have. I'd love another, though not knowing its history, I'd likely not shoot much magnum out of it (no idea how many hot magnums have been through it and how many more the forcing cone could take). For a .357mag that I intend to be a .357mag, I'd really love an older 586 (I really miss the 6" I used to have). For a K-frame, I think my next "target" will be a M10.

Maybe I missed it but did we get the 66 or 19? And how’s the “cooling off” going? Nice and calm? We don’t want you reaching for the tv remote to aggressively. Lol. Pics when it comes in please. I am drooling over a new 19 as well. I like the new barrel/cone and full warranty, and the new stocks

I love the MD waiting period , especially since it was originally meant so that you wouldn't get angry at someone, buy a gun and go shoot them. Of course, I'd never do such a thing, but thinking about the number of handguns that have passed through my hands, and currently the number I own is in the double digits (I don't want to give an exact number online), it seems a bit silly. They also say it is so the MD State Police can conduct their background check, also kind of silly when the FBI check is usually done within minutes. In my case it is a bit silly and an inconvenience, for most people buying a first handgun it is an inconvenience, but if someone is subject to a threat and are motivated to buy a first handgun as a result it can be a real problem for them.

 

[Mark_Mark]

The older ones are prettier for sure, but new production have stronger barrel extensions and are better suited for firing hot loads.

I’m leaning on getting both old and new camp.

thinking for super hott loads:!! New Production
19
10
29

I think my Gun Dealer might be Easy Andy

 

[doubleh]

. They also say it is so the MD State Police can conduct their background check,

It is just a another way to try to discourage people from buying firearms.

 

[Pat Riot]

So, @chaim maybe I missed it, what gun did you buy?

Thanks

 

[chaim]

So, @chaim maybe I missed it, what gun did you buy?

Thanks

The 2 3/4" S&W 66

 

[Pat Riot]

Congratulations

That is a sweet looking sixgun.

 

[Old Hobo]

I just got back (the original post was truly just before I went out the door). Unfortunately, MD has a 7 day waiting period. I have ordered some .357mag ammo online (it is hard to find what I want in person these days). When the ammo comes in, I'll load up my 65LS while waiting on the waiting period, or I may go with my Taurus 431 (I've also ordered some Underwood .44spl that should be decent against either a human or bear attacker).

I won't use my Colt King Cobra with magnums (most likely). As much as I like that gun, it really doesn't provide the ability for quick follow up shots with anything but the lightest .357mag, and I haven't seen good things in gel testing reports on 110gr .357mag (too light and fast for the bullet, expands quickly but doesn't penetrate, the exact opposite of what you want against a possible bear encounter, and really, too little penetration most of the time for a human attacker). I have ordered some Buffalo Bore low recoil 158gr JHP, we'll see how they are in that gun. Actually, wanting to go back to magnums in my .357mag for carry (not for home defense due to noise) is what had me looking at the 2.75" M66. The 4.5 ounces of extra weight may not make too much difference on the belt, but I know from my 65LS that a K-frame .357mag is quite capable of quick follow up shots and extensive range practice with magnums.

While waiting on the 7 day "cooling off" period for the new gun, I'll probably order some grips (I want wood, I'm just not yet decided if I want boot grips for maximum concealability or combat grips for a bit more comfort). I'm also considering a fixed rear sight as a mod (likely through cylinder and slide) and possibly a front night sight. For a gun that will be mostly a defensive handgun, I may convert it to DAO and have the hammer bobbed, but it will also get a good amount of fun use at the range so I may keep the SA capability.

Keep the hammer. Don't bob it. One never knows if you'll need a particularly accurate shot. In this strange/beyond-complicated world, one just can't predict what will get thrown at them. Always have as many options open as you can. Another example, you can have your carry revolver loaded with the cartridge type you feel will be adequate to the task at hand. But in a speed loader(s) in your coat pocket, you can have ammo that could meet another need should it arise and should the time be afforded you to load that better ammo type.

I second your choice of going to Buffalo Bore for ammo meeting one's specific needs.

Great choice in revolver! When life and limb are at risk, suddenly it is quality, not affordability that most counts. I buy car tires that stick to the road and have my mechanic use the best brake pads. Never go cheap on safety. We all have our stories.
.

 

[Old Hobo]

I still miss the old 4" P&R M19 I used to have. I'd love another, though not knowing its history, I'd likely not shoot much magnum out of it (no idea how many hot magnums have been through it and how many more the forcing cone could take). For a .357mag that I intend to be a .357mag, I'd really love an older 586 (I really miss the 6" I used to have). For a K-frame, I think my next "target" will be a M10.
I love the MD waiting period , especially since it was originally meant so that you wouldn't get angry at someone, buy a gun and go shoot them. Of course, I'd never do such a thing, but thinking about the number of handguns that have passed through my hands, and currently the number I own is in the double digits (I don't want to give an exact number online), it seems a bit silly. They also say it is so the MD State Police can conduct their background check, also kind of silly when the FBI check is usually done within minutes. In my case it is a bit silly and an inconvenience, for most people buying a first handgun it is an inconvenience, but if someone is subject to a threat and are motivated to buy a first handgun as a result it can be a real problem for them.

My heart goes out to those women who have abusive/dangerous husbands (or boyfriend). When she gets out of the hospital -- where the abuser put her -- what exactly is she to do?! Go back home? Bad move, especially if unarmed. An Order of Protection won't get her protected.

Now, she has to wait to get the means to protect herself. Wow, how grand!

"When seconds count, the police will be there in minutes."

And speaking of revolvers, it is most often the case that someone without a particularly good mechanical aptitude is best served by purchasing a revolver. The instruction time is shorter in the use of a revolver. It is great when a gun store also has a shooting range. The woman can test fire handguns before purchasing one.

And here's the deal, that woman's life is at risk. The police can be there to gather evidence and write-up the report on her homicide.

As anyone can tell, this really gets under my skin. Men who bully and abuse women have no place in our society.
.

 

[nick22]

I have that same revolver and after a little work on it it's a sweet shooter that I'm not afraid to sweat on during our humid summer. The 66-3 is an occasional carry piece often admired and shot on occasion. Enjoy your new firearm and I like others detest the cooling off periods it's a right not a privilege. I also left my hammer stock I like to be able to use single action if no rifles are hand and there's a groundhog that needs to not be eating my soybeans.

 

[bangswitch]

thinking for super hott loads:!!

I don't understand the thoughts many have about "super hot loads" for their revolvers (or semiautos, for that matter). At most, in any particular caliber, you might get another 100 fps from a 4" barrel, and it's not really worth the extra stress you put on the gun, and they become less comfortable the more you shoot of them. You want more power for something like hunting, get a larger caliber than you already have, or one with more inherent power (such as a .357 to replace the .38 Spl., or a 10mm to replace the .40S&W). I own guns that can take hot loads, but I can accomplish what I want with mid-range loads, so there's no need to make stuff that is more expensive and less durable (shortened case life).