Consistent with full disclosure: I'm primarily a 1911-A1 aficionado. My opinion is the 1911-A1 .45 Auto sits alone at the pinnacle of tactical handguns. My guess is John Browning had divine guidance when he designed what might be the most recognized and iconic handgun in the world.

Most 1911-A1 shooters trick them out to suit individual preference.

A month ago I picked up a Model 66-8 2.75" for general applications. Another opinion of mine: the .357 Mag is our most versatile handgun cartridge. I was hard pressed to find a suitable alternative to my Model 66-8 for use as a trail/overall companion.

I'm not complaining, especially since I've figured out that the Model 66-8 should be assessed upon its merits. I made a darn near unforgivable judgment error when I -briefly- compared my Model 66-8 to previous models of S&W handguns. The Model 66-8 should be assessed based upon its enviable attributes.

Because of my experiences with the 1911-A1, there were easy fixes to aspects of my Model 66-8 that I found less desirable. Wilson springs improved my Model 66-8 DA/SA trigger pull. After market sights were a huge improvement. Altamont wood grips rounded out the 1911-A1-azation of my Model 66-8.

I know that I risk wrath by the spirit of John Browning by disclosing that my Model 66-8 2.75", tricked out to my liking, has the very real potential of becoming my go-to handgun for all things that require a handgun, especially range time. I could put a case of .38 Special ammo through it at a range session w/o suffering brutality caused by huge magnums. I'd be completely good with the FBI load for bipedal self-defense. I can't imagine beasts I might encounter while pursuing trout surviving 6 180 grain .357 Mag rounds.

No, I ain't filed for legal separation from my beloved 1911-A1's, nor would I. But there is a very real prospect of a whole lotta substitution of my Model 66-8 for my beloved 1911-A1.

I'd recommend a Model 66-8 2.75" to anyone looking for a loyal companion, especially if wilderness travel is anticipated.

The Model 66-8 qualifies as handgun artistry. Buy a copy. You'll be rewarded with warm, comfortable feelings.

Think of your 66-8 as
the mistress to life with
the 1911.

Oh, by the way, you've often
written about encountering
bipedal creatures in the woods
you seem to frequent.

Are these bipedal creatures
gorillas and monkeys? Or
emus and ostriches? Or, egads,
kangaroos? But please don't
tell us you've encountered
Sasquatch!

__________________
Ubi Est Mea

I agree with you - judge it for what it is. But, that’s easier said than done. I’ve looked at those things several times, including the big-brother Model 69, and I’ve always walked away without buying. They are just not very pretty (like my old guns) (of course ), but one of these days curiosity will get the best of me. I’m not sure which one it will be, but I’d guess it will be the .357. Maybe you could post a picture of your gun with the Altamont grips?

Walkers. I live is CA ;-)

I will. There is a good chance it'll see range time today.

I wanna try point shooting out to 10' and shoulder point using only the front sight out to 21'.

Congratulations on the new addition to the Family

I too am a big fan of the 1911, I mean BIG. I love them so much that I was born on John Moses Browning's Birthday . . .

When the choice is mine, I carry a Commander sized 45 ACP.

I do not dare count how many 1911s are in the safe, plus I am always seeking another reason to build one up. My most recent personal build was a 6" chambered for 10MM Auto

That said, I appreciate the 2 1/2" - 3" variations of the Models 19 and 66 for what they are without comparing them to 1911.

If I did not already own several Model 66s in these barrel lengths, I would have already purchased one of the new Model 66s of the 8th engineering revision

The Remington 125 SJHP 357 Magnum load leaves this little guy at a measured 1242 FPS. My H110 based hand loads are a wee bit faster.

I admire the improvements that have been made to the Model 66 over the years. Especially putting to bed the forcing cone urban legend with the new barrel design. Then there is the 2 3/4" barrel with the center ball/detent lock up which allows for a full length ejection rod

__________________
"Acta non verba"

We're gonna need pictures of this 1911-66-8.

As long as you're happy with it, that's what counts!

I love mine, and the only change was Pachmayr Compac grips.

Like many of you bug fan of the 1911 and revolver combo. My current carry items: Sig p238 Legion, Dan Wesson Guardian, Smith Model 649. I'm always on the look out for a 66 2.5" to join the stable as well. Not sure if it will offer more than my 3" model 64 but we don't always have to have a reason do we?

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

1911's and Revolvers , are the only things worth shootin. Period. And maybe a CZ. Lol!

I'd add the BHP to that short list, but it's a JMB design, so...

With all the JMB fans here, we know he was the Mastermind behind a number of semi auto pistols and machine guns, but what would a JMB revolver design have been! Or do you think he considered them an antiquated design, hence the focus on auto actions? Just curious.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

It'd have been a semiauto revolver ;-)

Would you, at the least, add the following Sigs: P220, P229, and P239. My favorite duty gun was my P229 .40 S&W. That is one reliable handgun. But had my agency allowed me to carry a 1911-A1, it would have been a Springfield Armory TRP .45 Auto.

I don't become nutted up over 1911-A1 manufacturer debates. We all have our favorites. Reality is as long as it's a 1911-A1 from a reputable manufacturer, it would be an excellent choice. I don't mid external extractors. I've never seen one fail.

Regardless of manufacturer, we'll all 1911-A1 brothers, a worldwide fraternity.

Hi colt_saa,

You have one gorgeous Model 66.

Wouldn't that have been something! Rechargeable/interchangeable cylinders that you can pop in and out? I guess double action is basically a semi auto like feature.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

Thank you fir the kind words. That one used to belong to a Ft Lauderdale PD Sgt buddy of mine that has now passed. I keep it just as he gave it to me.

Truth is that these days I carry my Model 66 F-comp more frequently partially because the 3" barrel has the full length ejector

I have a great fondness for Smith & Wesson snubbies when it comes to every day concealed carry

My firearm for Formal Occasions is a Colt Gold Cup Commander wearing Custom Shop Ivory and carried in a Galco Windsor shoulder rig

BTW,
How does a guy that is self proclaimed 1911A1 aficionado get a screen name of "SixGunSancho" ?

__________________
"Acta non verba"