old gun - safe to shoot?

olebess · Apr 6, 2012

Was visiting the in-laws last weekend and got out my FIL's old S&W Model 66. It's a sweet .357 and seems to be in pretty good shape. Apparently he bought it in the late 70's and didn't shoot it much. It definitely hasn't been shot in the last 20-25 years. I really want to get this thing back in action, so what's the smart thing to do? Can I clean it and then shoot it, or should I have a smith take a look at it first? My only concern with it is that it was not stored really well and I'm a little worried that the sea-air got to the innards. Or am I worrying about nothing? Thanks

kalister1 · Apr 6, 2012

With an EMPTY, EMPTY Gun. Did I say make sure it is empty?

Cock the hammer all the way back and try to turn the cylinder, don't try to brake it, just see if it moves. It should be tight and have little to NO movement at all. If it locks up good and tight and there is no visible rust or pitting it should be safe to shoot.

Johnthetoolguy · Apr 6, 2012

I have a model 66 with a 2 1/2" barrel. Great gun.

engineerbrian · Apr 6, 2012

I don't think the late 70's really justifies old. If you are concerned about it take it to a smith, if it was me i'd start shooting it without thinking twice after a good cleaning and basic inspection.

ma_deuce · Apr 6, 2012

kalister1 said:
With an EMPTY, EMPTY Gun. Did I say make sure it is empty?

Cock the hammer all the way back and try to turn the cylinder, don't try to brake it, just see if it moves. It should be tight and have little to NO movement at all. If it locks up good and tight and there is no visible rust or pitting it should be safe to shoot.

+1. Model 66 is stainless, inside and out. Should be good to go. Great guns. Tell your FIL I'll give him $50 more than he paid for it.

HT4 · Apr 6, 2012

engineerbrian said:
I don't think the late 70's really justifies old. If you are concerned about it take it to a smith, if it was me i'd start shooting it without thinking twice after a good cleaning and basic inspection.

This.

I would, however, hit the innards (technical term

) it with a good lubricating gun flush. Old lubricants can gum up, but a flush will make the insides shine.

PS - Unless you plan on replacing the grip, make sure you take it off before using any solvent. :thumbsup:

PPS - Great looking gun!

tailboardtech · Apr 6, 2012

Give her a good clean ing check the bore lube her up and fire away

august1410 · Apr 6, 2012

My S&W is 48 years old. Shoots like a dream.

rpker · Apr 6, 2012

As long as the cylinder locks up properly and there is no play in it, it should be fine. I would clean it well and shoot some lead through it first to check if it shaving rounds off at the forcing cone where the round moves from the cylinder to the barrel.

But I would believe based on the history that you gave here that you have a real nice shooter there

Threeband · Apr 6, 2012

That's not old at all. It's almost new!

Ruzo · Apr 6, 2012

Clean,Load,Squeeze,Bang!!

stu929 · Apr 6, 2012

I would hardly consider that old. That gun will most likely out last us and our kids!

oldsarge · Apr 6, 2012

That guns not old at all. Heck, I've got skivies and socks older than that! :rolleyes:

vin · Apr 6, 2012

engineerbrian said:
I don't think the late 70's really justifies old. If you are concerned about it take it to a smith, if it was me i'd start shooting it without thinking twice after a good cleaning and basic inspection.

Sure the late 70's justifies as old...

The 1870's

That's a beautiful S&W.

Crab Bait · Apr 6, 2012

Johnthetoolguy said:
I have a model 66 with a 2 1/2" barrel. Great gun.

Everybody should have a 66 snubbie! It's the gun to advertise guns.

gmhowell · Apr 6, 2012

Don't listen to these people. They have no idea what they are talking about. Meet me at the police barracks and give it to me. I'll make sure it is properly taken care of. :innocent0

Mooseman · Apr 6, 2012

Clean, lube, shoot, enjoy.

tdt91 · Apr 6, 2012

I would love to own that gun.

rseymorejr · Apr 6, 2012

That gun probably isnt even broke in yet! I shot my 96 year old webley last week, didn't think twice about it :thumbsup:

Silverlode · Apr 6, 2012

If there is a 25 year old box of ammo with it I would shoot that too.

old gun - safe to shoot?

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