I apologize if this is a stupid question, but I am not very knowledgeable on S&W revolver models, and apparently not very good with the search feature. I have a S&W revolver on my short list of guns to purchase, and requirements are for all stainless steel and 4" barrel. Had been looking at model 66's for awhile, and noticed a model 67--which to me looks like an almost identical gun. However, the model 66 seems to get more recognition. Hoping, I could get brought up-to-date on my S&W revolvers a little. Thanks in advance for the help!

M66 is 357 Mag. M67 is 38 spcl. M66 available in 2.5", 3" (RARE, less than 1500 produced IIRC), 4" & 6". M67 available in 4" only (AFAIK, never seen anything other than 4"). M66 is SS version of the M19. M67 is SS version of the M15.

Class III

The 66's are chambered for 357 Magnum and will fire 38 Spl's as well. The Model 67's are 38 Special only. Hope this helped.

Just saw this question. The 66 is a 357 Magnum and the 67 is a 38 Special. The 66 is the stainless version of the 19 and the 67 is the same for the 15. All of these have been used by law enforcement officers over the years and are well suited for their tasks. Another revolver to take a look at would be the 686. The 686 has a slightly beefed up frame in order to handle the light weight magnum loads that caused trouble for some K-frame 357s. The 686 also has the same grip frame as the K-frames (10, 12, 13, 15, 19, 66, 67). If you get a 686 try to get a good pre-lock model. Many folks don't like the lock for various reasons. If the one you choose is in good shape you should get many years of service from it.

Visually, these are the differences in the two models. These are dash 1 revolvers of the Mod. 67 and Mod. 66.

The Mod. 67-1 has no half under-lug and Magna type stocks..



The Mod.66 has the under-lug and are most commonly seen with target stock like those shown below.

I'm glad he asked the question!
It allowed me to enjoy some beautiful K frame pictures!
(BTW-They're both superbly accurate Novalty)

Thanks everyone for the information. With my rhuematoid arthritis, my hands and wrists don't appreciate high amounts of recoil for very long. Yeah I know .357 Magnum isn't the heaviest recoil gun, but the .38 Special seems to suite me a little better for plinking. My father has a 686, believe to be no dash and pre-lock. It is a great looking gun, but after shooting a couple cylinders through it the long barrel and heavier recoil of the .357 Magnum, I quickly tire of it. Thanks for posting the pictures TDC. I guess I would probably be better suited to get the model 66, or possibly 686, as then I could shoot the .38 Special, and still have the option of the .357 Magnum round.

They're all good, but if recoil sensitivity's an issue, the 686 will do you better. All that weight up front helps slow down the recoil moment to a helpful degree.
And if it's mostly a range gun instead of a belt gun, the extra strength of the 686 will likely serve better in terms of longevity. It's hard to wear out a 66; it's harder still to wear out a 686.