The K-Frame revolver is one of the most important innovations in Smith & Wesson history and was built specifically to handle the .38 S&W Special cartridge. Since its introduction in 1899, the K-Frame has been a favorite for military and police professionals as well as target shooters and enthusiasts. Today’s K-Frame is available in .22 LR and .38 S&W Special.
I'd like to keep the pinned barrel, recessed cylinder, and milled parts, from the original Model 66. I'd love to have some MIM parts, and the pinned front sight of the new revolvers. A best of the old and the new would be a truly perfect revolver. The new 66 was gritty & stiff compared to my vintage classic, but a recessed cylinder would be the first change I'd like to see, and the pinned sight is one new feature, S&W should have done ages ago, but these are still awesome revolvers! The half lugs lines on the 4.125 bbl look great, accuracy is excellent, balance is good, and these are just a fabulous revolver to have around. .357 Magnum will take care of almost any threat. MIM parts in a revolver are not a huge issue anyway. I don't like MIM extractors, but revolvers, don't use them. This is just the right size for a .357! 3 is also a great size, as are 5,6, 7 & 8 inch, and half inch sizes in between. I really like my old 66 and the new 66. A true classic, both vintage & modern.
As a revolver this is one of the best. Strong, well made and just the right weight and balance with excellent grips.
The good parts:
I own lots of guns and this is one of the top three for accuracy and performance.
The single action trigger is perfect at 3 pounds and the gun is very accurate.
If you are comfortable with 6 shots this is also a great nightstand gun.
As an outdoors gun to back up a bow or take along on a boar hunt its perfect.
For fun you can shoot 38 specials and when you need them, 357 magnum.
The bad part:
The double action trigger came at about 13 pounds which is way too heavy. I changed the trigger return spring to a 14 pounder and took 1/4 turn off the strain screw. That dropped the DA pull to a nice, smooth 9 labs with perfect ignition and good primer strikes.
This is about as good as a service revolver can get. If I could have only one wheel-gun, this would be it.