Before I managed to sitch my patrol division (the largest in the department) from 66s to 686s, our departmental experience with the 66s was not favorable.
The same went for the college where I taught AJ classes. We had a few models 15s, and then around a dozen model 64s. The blued 15s just kept on running. The 64s got in a lot of shop time.
While our department had the 66s, I carried a 2 1/2" 66 for a while. QC issues aside, I concluded that the 66 configuration was the ideal plain clothes 38+P or .357 carry revolver.
After I had returned the 2 1/2" 66, I decided wanted that configuration as an EDC when off duty.
I was already familiar with the Ruger six series as I had two of them, a primary and then a back up, both customized as PPC revolvers. I really liked these revolvers, so when I decided to get a K frame size snub revolver I bought a 2 3/4" Security Six. I put in reduced (but still reliable) main and trigger return springs, a spurless hammer, and a nylon (not rubber) Hogue Monogrip. First trip to the range and I was completely sold. Still have it, and still feel the same way about it.
I have long been retired, but I still have all three Rugers. The back up PPC gun remains semi-virginal. I put in <50 rounds to sight it in for a head hold at 50 yards, then put it aside until I needed it. Except I never needed it. The primary never gave me any problems. I finally quit taking both revolvers to the matches because the primary was so reliable.
Many years later, and retired, I took the primary out of the safe and dry fired it. The trigger failed to return and I knew it was a broken trigger return spring. But I couldn't hang that one on Ruger. It was a lighter weight aftermarket spring. I ordered a replacement, which I noted used heavier gauge wire, and fifteen minutes after I had received it, it was in the revolver and we were back in business.
I think I may be the only kid in the neighborhood with a late 70s semi-virginal PPC revolver.
