Hello,

Just looking for some opinions here, forgive the newbie questions...

I had decided after shooting a 1 7/8" barrel that I wanted a 3" for carry and a little woods plinker. I was pretty convinced that I would go with a new Model 60 pro --- until I ran across a very nice pre-lock model 66 with a 4" barrel. It's tastefully after market engraved and a real nice price at a local dealer -- so very convenient.

I know most people wouldn't want engraving on a carry or woods piece, but hey, i like it.

What I want advice concerning is:
1. How much difference the 4" barrel will make for IWB carry.

2. Does anyone know where I can find weight specs for a 4" model 66??? I've searched and cannot find anything. Obviously it will weigh more than the 23.4oz model 60...


thanks for the help!

The 4" is obviously a little heavier and a little slower to draw, but unless you have a really odd body type is not that much harder to hide than a 3". I like the appearance and balance of the 3" better myself, but I sure wouldn't pass up a good deal on a 4". You might find a problem with the muzzle bottoming out on chairs, car seats, etc. depending on how long-waisted you are. I think you will like it.

I'd likely snatch up that 4" 66, anyway, if it was priced reasonably. As I recall, the weight will be about 34oz., give or take.

I like both.
My 4" 66 is 38 oz empty with Pachmayer Pro Grippers.

The difference for me is that my 3" Model 60 goes in a Kramer IWB while the 4" Model 66 goes in a Safariland OWB on a sturdy belt. I have to dress more for the 66.

A 3" is about max for appendix carry for most folks I would guess. A 4" 66 will poke you in the jimmy. At three o'clock IWB the extra inch of barrel won't matter, it hits harder, will probably be a little faster with follow up shots/more controllable, longer sight radius........IMO the difference in draw speed is moot.

Realize I like bigger guns and carry a 5" full underlug 629 when possible. If given a choice between two similar carry guns, I prefer the one that has more rifle-like ballistics.

Give it a try and see how it works for you. If it works, carry it. If not, don't.

Welcome aboard.

66 engraved, all the way sir.

Kinda sorta depends on how 'big' you are, but the 4' (KLN) revolvers are not difficult to tote.

That said, look at all of the ccw revolver options carefully, and do a lot of reading on this Forum. (Pics of the engraved 66?)

Skeeter always said it wasn't the barrel that was hard to conceal, it was the grip.

quote:

Originally posted by max:
Skeeter always said it wasn't the barrel that was hard to conceal, it was the grip.

Very true. I picked up some Hogue Finger groves for my K-frame square butt and made a huge difference over the normal target grips.

Target grips don't cut it for CCW.

I carry a 4" Model 65 or Model 629 and drawing is not a problem.

The problem, as some have noted, is not the barrel. It's the butt. And that is one big reason why revolvers are, for me, easier to hide than semiautos.

I like 3" barreled revolvers. No really good reason, I just like them. As others have pointed out, it makes little if any difference for concealment. Half the time, I'm concealing a so-called 5" barreled 1911 and the other half a 4 5/8" Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt and the other half (three halfs equal all the time, right?) a 4" 624. I sold my 3" 629. But I still like 3" barrels.

The 3" barrel definitely comes out of the holster quicker, though that won't matter at anything but contact distances. The 4" barrel is more muzzle heavy and in my opinion points better. And I am starting to believe that the butt of the 3" gun flops a bit in the holster due to the different center of gravity.

I'm starting to appreciate the 4" Mountain Gun barrel most of all for concealed carry.

Dave Sinko

quote:

Originally posted by David Sinko:
I'm starting to appreciate the 4" Mountain Gun barrel most of all for concealed carry.

Agree. My 629 MG is a sweet pointer.

If you go for the 4 inch 66, i would have the
grips round butted for easier carry. They did
make a factory 66 3inch with round butted grips.
But, hard and pricy to find. I think the 3inch
66 round butted is the perfect compromise.