S&W 1066 inbound —comments from owners/shooters?

[Hamopr]

Well, took the plunge today and bought a 1066 to go with my 1006. I've read the archives here and on the S&W forum for this model but everything was dated, nothing recent.

I would appreciate your thoughts and impressions on the 1066 so send them my way and thanks in advance.

[The_Shadow]

Nick, if you have the 1006 it is basically the same pistol only a shorter 4.25" barrel.

S&W 1006- 5.00" barrel, slide mounted safety/decocker traditional double action
S&W 1066- 4.25" barrel, slide mounted safety/decocker traditional double action
The hammer on the 1006 has the full tang, the 1066 is bobbed.
The 1006 and 1066 do have the slide mounted decocker/safety on both sides of the slide.  Safety/Decocker if placed in safe mode allows the hammer to be dropped safely to the blocking bar so it can not hit the firing pin.  With the Safety/Decocker in fire mode, pulling the trigger will cock and fire the pistol.  The pistol can be carried with the Safety/Decocker in the fire position with the hammer un-cocked and the trigger will cock the hammer and fire the pistol Double Action. After the gun is fired, it is fully recocked and the gun is fired single action till empty or decocked.  You can carry the pistol cocked and locked with the Safety/Decocker in fire position, then the "ONLY SAFETY IS THE TRIGGER" Single Action!  Some models can be fired without the magazine present if the magazine disconnect is removed.

S&W 3rd Gen Recall info
1.) Grips - early grips were made of a material that when dropped could break. The material was switched and newer manufactured grips have a punch mark on the base between the back of the frame and the take down hole. These will be replaced free by S&W.

2.) Followers - all yellow followers were recalled for law enforcement and  new white (10mm) and black (45) were furnished with newer heavy duty magazine springs. This was an enhancement and not a total recall, hence LE only got the free treatment. You can call and if they authorize the free replacement the magazines must be returned to the factory. They are very fast returning them.

[TonyRumore]

S&W 3rd Gen Recall info
1.) Grips - early grips were made of a material that when dropped could break. The material was switched and newer manufactured grips have a punch mark on the base between the back of the frame and the take down hole. These will be replaced free by S&W.

S&W never bothered to have the bad grips sent back for destruction, they just sent owners new grips.  So all those bad grips are still floating around gun shows and internet sales boards today........and anyone can put a punch mark on the bottom to create a fake.

Tony

[The_Shadow]

That is true Tony, I still have my original grip and put the new one on myself. Just trying to maintain the history of what was what with the S&W pistols.  I didn't mention the 1026 & 1076 decocker repair where the two dots are placed to show the repair was made.

[Hamopr]

I read the whole fbi saga over on the sw forum, interesting reading and still a lot of rumor floating around about the 10xx series. My 1066 will arrive with Hogue grips, which I also installed on the 1006. I get a much better grip on the 1006 with Hague's versus the SW grips.

Priced some Norma 170 and 200 grain ammo today on GB, must be using gold bullets instead of plated lead. I'd like to try some of the original stuff but not at those prices.

I also found myself looking around for a 1076. Since I grew up in KY it would be nice to pick up a KSP trade-in. I think I'm infected.....

[Gunsandgars]

I love all my S&W 10MM's!!  1026 probably my favorite followed closely by the 1066.

[Hamopr]

After a trip to my local indoor range I believe I'm a happy camper. Shot the 1006 and 1066 and believe I like the 1066 just a bit better.

The white dots on the 1066 fixed sites were easier to pick up at this indoor range and my accuracy was better. It also seems to point naturally on target easier than the 1006.

I upgraded the 1006 with a stainless guide rod and new recoil spring but could not tell any difference between the old and new spring. I've also installed a new recoil spring in the 1066 but haven't shot it yet with the new spring.

I'll be in Parkersburg, WV in a few weeks and may leave the 1006 slide at Novak for sight overhaul. I really like these old 3rd generation Smith's and they are built like tanks.

Nick

[Southrnshooter]

After a trip to my local indoor range I believe I'm a happy camper. Shot the 1006 and 1066 and believe I like the 1066 just a bit better.

The white dots on the 1066 fixed sites were easier to pick up at this indoor range and my accuracy was better. It also seems to point naturally on target easier than the 1006.

I upgraded the 1006 with a stainless guide rod and new recoil spring but could not tell any difference between the old and new spring. I've also installed a new recoil spring in the 1066 but haven't shot it yet with the new spring.

I'll be in Parkersburg, WV in a few weeks and may leave the 1006 slide at Novak for sight overhaul. I really like these old 3rd generation Smith's and they are built like tanks.

Nick

Can you tell me where you bought the stainless guide rod for your 1006?  I've been scouring the net with no success.  Thanks...

[Hamopr]

I'm on my iPad and can't immediately call up that information but if you go to the smith&wesson forum I have a thread there "1006 new to me" and near the bottom is the contact information. They are $60 each and takes around a week.

[Hamopr]

Smith-Wesson.com, sub forum revolvers 1980 to present.

[Hamopr]

@Southernshooters

Paul Howell is the manufacturer of the stainless steel guid rods. His email is phowell_7@yahoo.com

They are $60 each, payable via PayPal friends and family or USPS money order.

I couldn't find my thread so found this elsewhere, hope this helps.

[Southrnshooter]

@Southernshooters

Paul Howell is the manufacturer of the stainless steel guid rods. His email is phowell_7@yahoo.com

They are $60 each, payable via PayPal friends and family or USPS money order.

I couldn't find my thread so found this elsewhere, hope this helps.

Thanks...!!!