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S&W Revolvers

timbroman
I have a couple of questions I would appreciate hearing from you on these two items:
First, my recently used purchase S&W revolver is stamped Mod. 66-3. I see Mod 66 at the S&W website but I don't know the significance of the suffix "3"...is it barrel length? Mine is a stainless, 357, I believe 4" barrel, 6-shot, double action, K-Frame revolver.
Secondly, I see the following language on gun barrels, publications, auction lots, etc. Are all/any of these terms essentially the same: "38 S&W", "38 Special", "38", and "38 S&W Special Ctg."?
Thanks for the help. Best, Jim

timbroman@aol.com
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Comments

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  • timbroman
    I would like to get some information on older s&w revolvers (pre-lock) vs current revolvers. What is the difference, when did they change, which one is better, i.e. more reliable, durable, greater value, etc.
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  • Wheelgun
    timbroman,

    Welcome to the confusing world of the S&W wheelgun.....

    The "-3" part of the model number for your gun means essentially that it is a Model 66, 3rd engineering change. The "-3" (in relation to M-66's), came in 1986, and tells us that this is when S&W began using a new "radius stud package" in the M-66. In plain English, what they did was to round off the ends of the pivot studs for the hammer and trigger to reduce stress on the mating points of the pivot studs and the side-plate to reduce wear at these points. The "-3" doesn't mean the same thing on all S&W's, it differs among the different model #'s, and when the changes came about.

    There is some confusion concerning the caliber designations of the various .38 cal. cartridges, so let's see if this helps.....

    The .38 S&W is the older of the Smith & Wesson .38 rounds, and was first introduced in the old "top-break" revolvers in the 1880's, and was still in use up into the early 1960's.

    The .38 S&W Special (or just .38 Special) is a completely different cartridge than the above mentioned round, and the two are NOT interchangeable. Most of the time when you hear someone talk about "a .38" nowadays, they're referring to the more common (now) .38 Special. This round can also safely be fired in .357 Magnum wheelguns, such as your Model 66.

    Hope this helps clarify this (often confusing) issue.

    Wheelguns is REALGUNS!
    email--> Wheelgun@tds.net
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  • leeblackman
    oh yes, the 66. Its a darn excellent firearm. These guys have ya covered, I just wanna help give ya some confidence in your gun. There have been many officers that carried the 66, and a some who refuse to go to an auto because they know their 66 will always fire true. There are many things you can get for a 66. Jet loader speed loaders, night sights, grips galore, holsters galore, and many customizations based off of it.

    If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

    The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !
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  • timbroman
    Wheel, Saxon, Lee - As always, you guys are so helpful & knowledgeable. Thanks a lot for all the info on both the topics. Best regards, Jim

    timbroman@aol.com
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  • S&W Man
    Some guns are stamped "38" or "38DA" are 38 U.S. Service Cartridge, alias the 38 long colt. DON'T put strong 38 specials in them EVEN if they fit. My dad had a 38DA colt that WAS a 38 long colt that would even chamber 357 magnums!!!!!!!!!!

    38S&W is a slightly larger diameter case and bullet than a 38 special (38 S&W .360 bullet and 38 special .357 bullet).

    38 short colt, 38 U. S. Service cartridge also known as 38 long colt, 38 S&W Special, also known as 38 Special and 357 magnum ARE ALL THE SAME DIAMETER, JUST PROGRESSIVELY LONGER CASES IN THE ORDER ABOVE LISTED. So a 357 Magnum WILL shoot ALL of the .357 bullets. JUST DON'T PUT ANY IN A GUN DOWNWARD. er guns that were made before all the different case legenths were frequently NOT counterbored to porevent loading a longer case of a larger caliber. eg. example described above.

    ANYTIME YOU USE A 38 CALIBER BE VERY POSITIVE OF THE CALIBER OF THE GUN.

    WE shot mild 38 specials in my dad's gun a lot with no trouble. When I locked it up so a gunsmith had to free it one day with a hot 38 we learned that the gun WAS NOT a 38 Special but a 38 long colt. It was a model 1903 colt Army and was not counterbored as the more powerful cartridges were not out then.


    On S&W anytime there is a -X after a model number it is an engineering change and Smith has a chart that can tell what it is.

    The second admendment GUARANTEES the other nine and the Constitution!
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