I need the hive mind opinion, trade a RUGER SP101 for a S&W 66-2

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I need the hive mind opinion, trade a RUGER SP101 for a S&W 66-2

Posted: 8/24/2013 6:59:14 PM EDT

Just like the title says. I have a 2/14 " barrel SP101 in .357. I added a hogue grip and put a wolff trigger job spring kit in it. Colleague has a S&W Model 66-2 K frame round butt with a 2 1/2 barrel, no box (non-pinned barrel, pre-MIM parts, no lawyer lock). He doesn't like it, doesn't shoot it much and doesn't want to sell it. His has had at least one previous owner who messed with it (bad trigger job) but a gunsmith replaced the hammer. I haven't looked at the gun yet.

What do you guys think, good swap?

Posted: 8/25/2013 12:48:28 AM EDT

[#1]

I would much prefer the S&W Mod 66. With the 2 1/2" barrel it will make a good carry gun.
And because it has adjustable sights it would make a good handy field handgun as well.

Posted: 8/25/2013 2:56:28 AM EDT

[#2]

I remember hearing about those S&W have problems in the forcing cone with light (125gr) bullets. Also had a friend that had one and experience trouble with the timing bit I suppose any revolver could have that. All that said the rugers are built to last and I have not heard of anyone having problems. You only get 5 shots with the ruger rand 6 with the smith right? I lean toward the ruger, with good grips they handle magnum loads as well as any small hand gun out there

Posted: 8/25/2013 3:02:23 AM EDT

[#3]

The SP101 is the better gun. I would keep it.

Posted: 8/25/2013 6:18:37 AM EDT

[#4]

I love my SP-101, but if I didn't already have two of them, I'd trade it for a 66 snub in a second.

Posted: 8/25/2013 6:22:20 AM EDT

[#5]

Dude, have you seen how much 66s are going or these days? Trade for it then look for a used sp101. 66s are appreciating in value at a noticeable pace.

Posted: 8/25/2013 6:23:53 AM EDT

[#6]

The S&W 66 without a doubt would be my pick.

Posted: 8/25/2013 6:31:05 AM EDT

[#7]

Even if you don't like K-frames, you would be stupid not to do that trade.

Posted: 8/25/2013 7:56:04 AM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
Even if you don't like K-frames, you would be stupid not to do that trade.

View Quote

+1
Do it!

Posted: 8/25/2013 8:05:06 AM EDT

[#9]

I would never sell my 3" S&W 66.
The 2.5" can have some issues ejecting 357 cases if you hold the gun above an angle parallel to the ground.
I did sell an SP101 shortly after buying it.
I also sold a Colt 3" Detective Spec. after I bought a 3" S&W 60-3 so I may not be the best guy to ask about non-Smiths.

Posted: 8/25/2013 8:40:43 AM EDT

[#10]

I appreciate the feedback, gents. I should be getting a look at it tomorrow. I'm going to be checking the timing, flame cutting on the top strap and the forcing cone for damage. I won
't be carrying it so I guess it'll just be a range toy/investment.

Posted: 8/25/2013 9:44:08 AM EDT

[#11]

DO IT

pre-lock S&W's are going up in value.

just run 140gr or 158gr in it.

LOVE my old model 19

Posted: 8/25/2013 10:18:08 AM EDT

[#12]

In theory and on probably on paper and value, the 66 would be a "better" gun to own.

However, no way would I do it if I carried my SP101 as my primary, and wasn't sure how the 66 performed and was relying on it to take the place of my already working carry gun.

I would think the 66 would be quite a bit heavier. So another factor if you're swapping it for carrying as opposed to the SP101. And a lot of people that shoot and carry Rugers seem to really like them. Although that could be said for Smith's too.

Also my opinion is just that. I'm new to revolvers and I only go by what I learned on here and other sources. And what I've fondled. My actually shooting experience is limited to a Colt revolver. And my Step Dad's big ole Model 19 6.5"er. Oh yeah, my Dad has a snubbie Smith. But I don't even know what kind it is, it was so long ago I shot it and I haven't looked at it since. He keeps it as his hd gun.

Posted: 8/25/2013 4:57:00 PM EDT

[#13]

I would definitely prefer the 66 as long as the previous owner didn't screw with it so bad as to make it a major project/money eater.

Posted: 8/25/2013 5:01:36 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:

What do you guys think, good swap?

View Quote

Very much so. I enjoyed my SP101, but even with the advise to shoot > 125 Gr mags, the 66 is a better revolver.

Posted: 8/25/2013 5:09:17 PM EDT

[#15]

I'd make that trade and laugh all the way to the bank.

Even if the trigger is goofed in the 66, it's easy to get replacement parts as there's millions on the market.

As mentioned 66's and really all K frames are getting pricy and only getting up.
Let me know if you feel that after handling the 66, if the SP-101 feels a little "blah" afterwards.

Posted: 8/29/2013 6:00:07 AM EDT

[#16]

Here is my 66 no dash from the mid 1970's pinned barrel and recessed cylinders and my Model 60 too. Would not trade them at all for me they are keepers.
I shoot 158 Gr. Buffalo Bore and 158 Gr. Cor-Bon and 38 +P ammo in the 66 and 38 +P in the 60. Sometimes I carry either one in Galco combat Master belt holsters.

The mod. 66 doesn't seem that heavy in that holster.

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj624/donp326/Mod60amp66.jpg

Posted: 8/29/2013 7:27:42 AM EDT

[#17]

I am an an-ashamed Ruger fan-boy on revolvers. I have been shooting a GP100 for over 20 years. If I was holding an SP101 and someone offered me a 66 snub in trade, I would give it a cursory examination, and then trade handguns. That 66 snub is one of the best balanced firearms around if it has the right grips on it. I also love a 2.5-3 inch revolver for field work. You can load it with 2 rounds of snake shot and 4 rounds of heavy loads and solve most of the problems you will encounter.

-shooter

Posted: 8/29/2013 7:30:17 AM EDT

[#18]

Dollar wise the Smith is worth more. That said I had a 2 1/2 inch 66 and didn't think it was all that special. It's a tad bulky for concealed use, the adjustable sights can snag on clothing. If you're looking for a dedicated concealed carry gun I'd probably stay with the Ruger.

Posted: 8/29/2013 10:03:02 AM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
Dollar wise the Smith is worth more. That said I had a 2 1/2 inch 66 and didn't think it was all that special. It's a tad bulky for concealed use, the adjustable sights can snag on clothing. If you're looking for a dedicated concealed carry gun I'd probably stay with the Ruger.

View Quote

I have to concur with the above, and I had about a dozen S&W over the years (down to just five now, two model 60s, a model 25-2, 3" 65 and 4" 66). I did not care for the shorter barrel 66 as a cc gun. I tried and tried to make it work. I currently carry my 4" 66 open and/or my 3" 65 concealed. To fully eject the cases I like / need at least the 3" barrel so you get the full length ejector rod. 2 1./2" losses a lot of velocity and makes a big fireball (unless you are using SD ammunition) and yes the 1/2" going from 2 1/2 to 3" is pure magic. For a sd gun you do not need the target sights. If you are going to go smaller then it would be a J frame for pocket carry / bug. The K frame with that short a barrel IMHO fills a non-existent niche.
You could do the trade and see if you like and if not, sell it for two SP101s....

M2C YMMV

Posted: 9/1/2013 9:51:15 PM EDT

[#20]

SWAP before he realizes the bath he's taking.
The 66 is worth 2 SP101's.
I like the SP very much but traded mine for a M-66 4 inch.

Posted: 9/7/2013 1:27:22 PM EDT

[#21]

I got mine back in '83 and would never give it up. 66-2 .357 Magnum

http://i.imgur.com/6QSyol.jpg

Posted: 9/7/2013 7:43:46 PM EDT

[#22]

Make the trade pronto.
I have had several Ruger d.a. revolvers and they are great handguns however I'm down to one GP100 s.s. 4".
I have many "K" frame smiths including a pre M-14, 2 pre m-15's, couple M-10's, 2 M-66's and 1 M-19.
I wouldn't trade 1 Smith for 2 Rugers.
I doubt I paid over $300 bucks for any of my minty Smiths and they are pro'ly worth 2 X that now.

Posted: 9/9/2013 11:53:02 AM EDT

[#23]

I had a SP101 and would definitely trade it for a pristine 66-2 like mine below. It came with the original grips that are also in pristine condition, but I opted to put them on the side for some Altamonts and Tyler T-grip.

Like stated earlier, don't shoot the light .357 loads through it. Keep it at the 158gr. area if possible, however any .38spl load will be fine.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I need the hive mind opinion, trade a RUGER SP101 for a S&W 66-2

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