Greetings - I did a search on this and couldn't find any speculation or info. I had hoped S&W would announce a shorter barrel length for the new M66 at the SHOT Show but no such luck. I have been watching Gun Broker and the 66's are going out of sight (pun intended!). I can't understand why they don't bring the shorter barrels back - the new frame is tough enough for .44 Mag so a shorter barrel would seem to be a no-brainer.

I have handled one of the new M66's at the LGS and didn't care much for the overly bead-blasted finish. It had been blasted so much that even the stop notches were slightly rounded off. Does anyone have any good news or insight?? TIA ...

You never know...a call to the factory or a post here (you never know who might be reading them) may help.

Smith & Wesson - The Wish List

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

In light of the world of concealed carry and smallish guns for the purpose you'd think that they would.

While I think it would be great if they did, and it's possible they might do a short/temporary or special run at some point, I'm generally doubtful that they'll reintroduce it as a regular production item.

When the 19 and later the 66 came out in 2.5" versions, there were no other snub-nosed 357s available. It was only a couple of decades later that they beefed up the J-frame and introduced 5 shot 357s, and those have been hot sellers ever since. The bigger/bulkier 66 (or 686) is less desirable to most for a CCW carry gun and I doubt they can sell the volume of them that they can the smaller J-frame guns.

Having said that, I'd not mind seeing some made and sold, and some 6" guns as well.

"the new frame is tough enough for .44 Mag so a shorter barrel would seem to be a no-brainer."

Actually, the new M66 frame is the "K" frame.
Its the "L" frame version that is used for the 5 shot 44 MGN.

Best,
Rick

I have one, but never carry it do to its weight. My M&P 340 is much easier to carry around daily. I do take it to the range about twice a year, but otherwise it resides in my safe mostly. Weight is a real problem with the 66 for concealed carry...at least for me.

riverrat - Good point - I blooped the frame size for the M69. I saw two of them last week but didn't even ask to handle them when the dealer said they were going to run $1100-ish. MTKTM - unfortunately, I think you're right - I hadn't thought about the possibility of a snub M66 competing with their 5-shot snubby's (snubbie's?).

That said - my LGS has had several 2 and 1/2-inch M686 Plus's cycle through the last few weeks - so Smith is still turning them out. $789 is a lot of dough on that proverbial "fixed income" though ...

I'd like to see them "re-release" the 2.5, and 3" 66.

Having carried the K frames extensively, I find little difference between the 2.5 and 4 inch for concealment.

Probably the best compromise would be a 3 inch RB with a Scandium frame. Lighter but still has a full length extractor.

Currently, I am using a 4 inch M12-3 for carry. It's light weight makes for comfortable carry. I would go for a light weight 357 Magnum K frame.

I think a 2.5 inch version of the M66-8 would sell.

$1100 for a 69? I paid 700 and change. Didn't know they had become so desirable!
Only thing I can criticize on my 69 is the trigger has a little creep in SA. Otherwise it's perfect in fit and function.

When I see prices like that for new production Smiths-I feel GREAT about my modest collection of 1990's vintage revolvers. Love those older stainless revolvers

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Forum consigliere

Got some good news - looks like I'll be able to choose between one of two 686 3-inchers next week. Asking price is $800 but what can I say given the K-frame prices of late. I like being able to choose part because of some of the over-polishing I've seen of late on stainless Smith's ...

Now - what can I sell between now and then for $400? ...