Leadslugga
Well-Known Member
At the gun show last weekend I picked up a used Smith and Wesson model 66 2.5 inch. It is in great shape, tight cylinder lockup, no lawyer lock nonsense, and I plan to use it as a carry gun. There are some things that I want some input on, though.
First, I've heard about K-frames and issues with forcing cone erosion if you shoot too many magnums. I've also heard that if you're going to shoot magnums, the heavier bullets (eg. 158 grain) are easier on the forcing cone. What is the scoop on this? I plan to shoot mostly .38s at the range with a few magnums just so I don't forget about the recoil difference, and I'm planning on working on a slightly reduced power load for self defense purposes for less recoil and muzzle blast. I have some 140 grain bullets that I have yet to use. Are those a good choice, or should I stick to 158 grain bullets?
Secondly, I want to get some new grips for it. It has the factory rubber grips, but they are pretty big and not so great feeling anyway. I want something along the lines of the hogue bantam size grips in wood, or the classic slim panels, but it seems like suddenly there aren't many grips available online. Midway used to have like a million, now the selection is a little low. I also can't find any decently priced imitation mother-of-pearl grips, which I think would look pretty rad, maybe with a T-grip added to help fill my hand. Anyone have any suggestions for some good compact grips that will also look good?
Third, holster options. I currently carry a SIG 239 in a CrossBreed holster and I really like that, but I don't know if it will be as ideal for a non-flat revolver. Does anyone carry a revo in a crossbreed, and how do you like that setup?
Finally, the gun was previously owned by the state, which is probably why it was a decent deal, as the gun dealers can usually buy those pretty cheap. Thing is though, there is a sticker on the box that says "Department of Youth Development." I can't help but think WTF does the department of youth development even do, and why do they need to do it with guns? Anyone have any insight into this?
Thanks fellas
First, I've heard about K-frames and issues with forcing cone erosion if you shoot too many magnums. I've also heard that if you're going to shoot magnums, the heavier bullets (eg. 158 grain) are easier on the forcing cone. What is the scoop on this? I plan to shoot mostly .38s at the range with a few magnums just so I don't forget about the recoil difference, and I'm planning on working on a slightly reduced power load for self defense purposes for less recoil and muzzle blast. I have some 140 grain bullets that I have yet to use. Are those a good choice, or should I stick to 158 grain bullets?
Secondly, I want to get some new grips for it. It has the factory rubber grips, but they are pretty big and not so great feeling anyway. I want something along the lines of the hogue bantam size grips in wood, or the classic slim panels, but it seems like suddenly there aren't many grips available online. Midway used to have like a million, now the selection is a little low. I also can't find any decently priced imitation mother-of-pearl grips, which I think would look pretty rad, maybe with a T-grip added to help fill my hand. Anyone have any suggestions for some good compact grips that will also look good?
Third, holster options. I currently carry a SIG 239 in a CrossBreed holster and I really like that, but I don't know if it will be as ideal for a non-flat revolver. Does anyone carry a revo in a crossbreed, and how do you like that setup?
Finally, the gun was previously owned by the state, which is probably why it was a decent deal, as the gun dealers can usually buy those pretty cheap. Thing is though, there is a sticker on the box that says "Department of Youth Development." I can't help but think WTF does the department of youth development even do, and why do they need to do it with guns? Anyone have any insight into this?
Thanks fellas