Educate me on revolver options

[IndyGunworks]

The problem is that we all have a tendency to "war game" a given scenario. "What can go wrong" is something we all (should) look at in a defensive firearm, I think anyone would agree.

The internal storage lock (and that's all it is, it's not a "safety") is a device whose SOLE purpose is to render the gun inoperable. There's NO other function for it to perform. Self-engagement of said device on the range would be an annoyance. Self-engagement of it on a defensive tool during an encounter would obviously be an.... issue.

It's not a situation of the locks self-engaging left and right all over the ranges and in the holsters of their owners. But the fact remains that there IS a documented history of these devices engaging under recoil and when dropped (bumped hard?).

Will it happen to you? Unlikely. Getting hit by lightning is unlikely in your life. But OH, BOY, if it happens to you, you'll know it. While it's an unlikely occurrence, I'm certainly not going to increase the chances of it happening by running around in the middle of the wet field with a metal rod in my hand in the middle of the storm, either. Nor am I going to INCREASE my chances of my gun failing me when I need it most by allowing an internal lock into the mix.

If I can REDUCE (not eliminate, you'll note) the chance of my defensive tool failing me when I need it most by eliminating a choke point in the design (again, a device designed to keep the tool from functioning), I'm going to do that. So it's either not going to have a lock in the first place, or, barring that possibility, if it can be removed, it'll be gone. If it can't be removed without hindering functionality, then I won't have it. Because I don't want even the POSSIBILITY of it being engaged when I need the gun the most.

It's not a safety that you can easily sweep off. If it's engaged, you need the little key to disengage it. And often times when they've failed you can't even unlock it WITH the key.

THAT'S the reason for the angst.

And the reason that Ruger revolvers are being mentioned so much in this thread - their current production mainline guns don't have internal locks to be concerned with. New Smiths do. Vintage Smiths don't.

Every last bit of this... and I don't agree with the politics around how the lock ended up there in the first place, and don't want to pay money for a product that supports it. Hence wanting a pre lock.

I was not aware about the new design features on the new 66's..... Ill have to look into that but it does sound appealing to not have to worry about how many full powered loads have been ran through the used piece and how many I will run through it.

 

[IndyGunworks]

Found this video of the new model 66.... and its very obvious in this video that the new model lacks the "crispness" of the old model in all aspects of operation. no CLICK when the cylinder locks in, no loud CLICK when the hammer locked back to single action.... And just watching the dry fire I can tell that its probably not what I am looking for... so I think I will be after a good condition 66 or 19.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb7yMUXN_Qg

 

[Bosshoss]

Not sure how anyone can tell how good a gun is by how it sounds in a very low quality video.
A new or old one will serve you well don't be afraid of either one. I have been working on them for years and don't believe it for a minute when someone tells you the new guns are not as good as the old ones.
I here it all the time the old one were hand fitted, etc. Well that is because they had to be as the parts were were so different that everything had to be fitted to make them work. Do the new one have problems? Yes any new gun can have problems but the new S&W revolvers are better quality pieces than the old ones for the most part. IMO

S&W doesn't make or stock parts for the older forged part guns anymore. Most interchange with the new guns except the hammer and you are at the mercy of parts sellers if you ever need a hammer.

I have seen a few new guns come from the factory that had problems and should have never left the factory. BUT I have seen more older guns that had problems than the recent guns by far. They can both be fixed and both old and new with problems are rare.

 

[IndyGunworks]

I also am not a huge fan of the glass bead finish... and since they laser engraved stuff onto it I am no sure if it will polish out to be as nice as a well polished older m66... Perhaps I just need to get my hands on one of the new ones. I do like the warranty aspect.

 

[oldpink]

I also am not a huge fan of the glass bead finish... and since they laser engraved stuff onto it I am no sure if it will polish out to be as nice as a well polished older m66... Perhaps I just need to get my hands on one of the new ones. I do like the warranty aspect.

It all comes down to taste regarding the bead blast finish, but I greatly prefer it on stainless guns over polished, both from a functional aspect (far less reflectivity) and esthetic aspect, since I really don't care for the looks of shiny silver guns.
It's also much harder to keep a polished stainless gun's finish.
With blued guns, a nicely polished (doesn't have to be mirror finish) surface is still my preference, but matte finish would still be okay for most purposes.
As for the laser engraving, I can tell you that my 1991 manufactured 1006 still has its laser engraving that's as clear as when I bought it brand new.
I suspect that it'll hold up just a bit better than stamped, since there's no textured surface to wear, unless (of course) someone took a wire wheel to it.

 

[IndyGunworks]

any stores have this new 66 in stock?

 

[throttletony]

It sounds like the 66 will be your best bet.

Not to complicate the whole thing, but you mentioned that Ruger was a distant second. Maybe it should be a bit closer as a second choice.
On the plus side, they don't have the lock, they're affordable, the triggers are very easy to work on, they're tough as nails. To reduce the "utlilitarian" look as you put it, there are various wood grips available.
In recent years, Ruger has downsized the safety billboard on the side of the barrel (below)

here are some grips

 

[straight-shooter]

How about a K frame S&W Model 15. I snagged this one a few days ago. It's a dash 3 variant manufactured in 1971. Very smooth trigger and the adjustable target rear sight is a plus. A very popular Military and law enforcement issue for many years. It's stood the test of time and has proven to be a very viable sidearm. The Model 10 is also a fine sidearm but lacks the adjustable rear sight. Although the 10 shoots to POA with 158gr boolits.

 

[oldpink]

The model 15 is just about the ideal .38 Special revolver.
Adjustable sights and (I think) a bull barrel.

 

[Reagan40]

I really like my Model 19. It belonged to a local police officer and was his duty weapon for awhile. When his department switched to semi-auto's he hung onto it for several years, then decided to trade it in on another gun. My local gun dealer sold it to me. It was my first revolver, and still my favorite. The trigger is nice and crisp, but light. Everything feels balanced but also very sturdy. I know blue isn't your preference, but here is a picture anyway.


.357 magnum loads are manageable, and .38 special is enjoyable for my wife.

 

[Cerberus]

I'm not sure if the Model 15 came with a bull barrel. It's certainly possible, but most I've seen had the standard profile barrel. The Model 10 and 15 are great revolvers if you don't mind .38 Spl. My next revolver will be a .357 mag, probably the model 586 with 6" barrel.

 

[prescut]

I dearly love my sw k frame model 13 and model 19 in 357mag. They both have awesome target grips, day and night better than the magna or service grips. The 13 is a bullseye magnet and there is no need for adjustable sights. The model 19 price is up this year, but 13s are still out there reasonable.

Prescut

 

[matthewmaze]

for price a taurus is good.think about a dan wesson you can change the barrels

 

[IndyGunworks]

I found a 95% plus model 66 with box, tools, and paperwork. I gave 700 for it. Looks like its hardly been fired at all.

 

[Snapdragon]

That's a good deal. I think you'll be happy with that one.

 

[Leadeye]

Looks good!

 

[mrjarrell]

That's a nice looking gun. I'd be tempted to make that an EDC.

 

[oldpink]

You really pushed for what you wanted, and now you have it.
Great score.

 

[straight-shooter]

An absolute piece of art! Good job holding out for what you wanted which probably means you'll enjoy it that much more. Ya just can't beat a wheelie!

 

[upchurch67]

Well done. I'm envious.