Model 66 three inch - what's the big deal?

[1 old 0311]

I've owned two M66 3 inchers, and with the going prices I sure wish I had them back!

But... I do prefer my 2 1/2 versions for carry. The shorter barrel won't stick in the car seat when holstered, nor in tender parts of my anatomy when using a IWB and in the appendix position.

As for longer ejection rod, I also caution readers on this.

Tom Givens, of Rangematers, has pointed out more and more robbery teams are 2 and 3 men and a 5 or 6 shot revolver is a very thin reed to sake ones life on in such situations.

So I tell people if you do pack a revolver, pack a second one (or even a Kel-Tec P32!)

They are just so slow at reloading and just 5 or 6 shots, so pack a second one.

If you have three people close to you, and shooting, it really doesn't matter if you have a J frame or a Mini-Gun. You are only going to get off a couple of rounds.

 

[jughed440]

jughed440 I said LAST of the desireable 3 inch 66's, not least.

I say that because I don't buy revolvers with the ugly MIM triggers and don't care for the frame mounted firing pins - both of which are on the 66-5's. Although some of the late production 66-4's had MIM triggers too IIRC.

So the 66-4's were the LAST of the desireable 66's, for me.

I do love my 3" Ashland 66-2. I prefer its flash chromed trigger and hammer to the later case hardened hammer and trigger. Regards 18DAI

ooops...sorry...me being one letter off changes everything

66-4

 

[StatesRightist]

No offense, but if you have to ask, you are not enough of a collector for it to be worth the extra money it will cost you. Go with some of the less expensive choices others have mentioned. I'm not downing you, I buy shooters myself, I'm not paying another $500-1000 for a gun I'm afraid to scratch, shoot etc. No offense to collectors either, but I'd have to hit about 40k in guns before I'm ready to start thinking about just because guns. To each his own.

 

[BAM-BAM]

T Clark...."... hit about 40K in guns". Not sure what you are referring to?

Even with the Segel grips I don't have $1,000 in my 3. I was lucky; I bought mine when no one wanted them.LOL

I don't know if I'd pay $1000 for one today,but having carried one since 1989 I wouldn't give mine up for $2000. The other 2 will go to my boys in about 10 years. One of which had been on "long term loan " to my Dad after he retired from 1989 till 2004. He liked mine so much I got the second one for him for his 73rd birthday....... for the princely sum of $270

 

[StatesRightist]

T Clark...."... hit about 40K in guns". Not sure what you are referring to?

Even with the Segel grips I don't have $1,000 in my 3. I was lucky; I bought mine when no one wanted them.LOL

I don't know if I'd pay $1000 for one today,but having carried one since 1989 I wouldn't give mine up for $2000. The other 2 will go to my boys in about 10 years. One of which had been on "long term loan " to my Dad after he retired from 1989 till 2004. He liked mine so much I got the second one for him for his 73rd birthday....... for the princely sum of $270

You did well and bought some great guns at the right time. Congrats. What I was saying was I have about 40k worth of guns for specific needs I would like to have, until I hit that, it's shooters for me. Don't get me wrong I'd love to have one, but if the need is a 3" Mag and you are not a collector, there are cheaper, but still good gun options.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Oh, OK...problem is today even good shooters aren't cheap..a 3-inch 66 isn't even in the same league as 3.5 inch Reg. Mag.......I think you owe yourself a good BBQ gun!

It would be neat to see your 40K gun wish list! You must be a lot more organized than I am.......

My wish list has never gotten longer than 2-3 guns but it also never seems to get any shorter..........LOL

 

[jeff4423]

i carried a few m64 3" for a while however this is the new baby in the house.

 

[StatesRightist]

i carried a few m64 3" for a while however this is the new baby in the house.

Very Nice.

 

[Avery11]

"No offense, but if you have to ask, you are not enough of a collector for it to be worth the extra money it will cost you."

T Clark,

Prefacing an ill-thought statement with "no offense" is usually the habit of someone who's intent is quite the opposite. How do you presume to know what kind of collector I am and how the cost of a 3 inch revolver of my choice will burden me?

Thank you for the advice but I see no need to be qualified as a collector in order to ask the question and you added nothing to answer it.

In my contrary opinion, if I thought i needed $40,000 worth of purposeful guns before I became a "collector", I would be more worried for my personal safety than the allure of the model 66. And I think that if I only bought "shooters" and managed to spend that much money, I would be considered a collector by proxy.

Back to the subject...

 

[StatesRightist]

T Clark,

Thank you for the advice but I see no need to be qualified as a collector in order to ask the question and you added nothing to answer it.

In my contrary opinion, if I thought i needed $40,000 worth of purposeful guns before I became a "collector", I would be more worried for my personal safety than the allure of the model 66. And I think that if I only bought "shooters" and managed to spend that much money, I would be considered a collector by proxy.

Back to the subject...

I was going along with the flow and discussing it among all those in the forum, not responding to you alone.

As for your other thoughts, when I said no offense I meant it. If I wanted to offend you, I have no problem doing so. Lighten up, no one was insulting or judging you...and FYI, you can half the figure I gave in two distance rifles. Part of my comments were in response to things others had said, not you.

 

[MTKTM]

There was a really nice 3" 66 (I'm not sure which dash # it was) in a nearby shop with an asking price of $750 not too long ago. I looked at it but decided to pass. Sounds like maybe I should have bought it. I've never owned one, but have had several 2.5" guns, both 19 and 66s. I'd sold the last one I had to my former mother-in-law a number of years ago and always regretted doing so, but recently acquired a nice P&R nickel 19, and a similar 66-1 just a week or so ago. I love them both. I'll probably shoot the 66 mostly because of the durability of the stainless, and also because I like the trigger better than the one on the 19, curiously.

 

[rasmith3442]

3" K-Frames

First the good news. Back in the mid 80's a friend and I drove up to Ashland and bought sequentially serial numbered 3" 66's. At the time my uncle had a business right next door to Ashland Shooting Supplies, where I have spent several delightful hours in past years.

Now the bad news - we both sold them. As Jeff Dunham's Walter would say "DUMB*%#". I have since bought a couple more and still have one. I have noticed several variations in the sights and rib in the different iterations.

Currently I have a couple of 3" 686+s, a 3" 66, and a couple of 3" 65's, one of which I finally badgered David Bowie out of. Being an engineer and a former mud Marine, the KISS principle is one of my life's guiding objectives. While the 66 is "sexier" IMO, I am becoming less enamored of adjustable sights as I get older. The Bowie 65 has had the front sight milled off and a tritium big dot installed. The sight channel has been milled out to match the OD of the big dot. Hammer has been bobbed and the gun has an awesome trigger. At the TDI pistol range, I can get just about 100% hits double action on steel targets while backed up against the pole barn (about 35 yards). This is one great gun. My other 3" 65 is about the same, but with a semi bobbed hammer and and a Hi Viz front sight.

As for shooting magnums - why? The FBI load is as good a fight stopper as anything you can put into a 38 / 357.

S/F,

RAS

(Moderators - I tried to insert pics but neither the paper clip icon nor the image icon would allow me to do so.)

 

[Model39]

2 Model 66 3" Revolvers with Keith Brown Grips.

Having carried a 2 1/2" 66 while on duty for part of my career, the extra 1/2" added to the barrel in the 3" 66 makes all the difference. I am fortunate to own two 3" guns, and still have my original 2 1/2" partner which I have retired. It's ashame the guns are no longer made.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Having carried a 2 1/2" 66 while on duty for part of my career, the extra 1/2" added to the barrel in the 3" 66 makes all the difference. I am fortunate to own two 3" guns, and still have my original 2 1/2" partner which I have retired. It's ashame the guns are no longer made.

Model39. Love them grips on the right! Who made them. Gotta have a set as they exude class!

I now have 2 2.5" 66-2's and the one Ashland. Love all 3 but the 3" is the better shooting revolver for me. The balance is perfect, which helps accuracy. Longer sight radius makes for better accuracy and being lightweight makes for a great carry revolver for CC or on the trails. I've let plenty of friends shoot both the 2.5 and 3" with 158 gr. Speer GD's in .357 and many of them start flinching from the snappy recoil. Most of them also do better with the old Ashland than the 2.5". I packed my 3" for years and felt well armed before swapping back to my favorite pistol and SD round, a Springer Mil-Spec 1911 in .45 ACP that I had slightly modified (Wilson trigger and trigger set at a crisp 4.75 lbs., Wilson Drop in beavertail safety, Wilson hammer, Ed Brown low profile ambi safety and a tritium sight on the front only). Please don't trash me for carrying a semi and not a S&W semi at that. I love my S&W's, especially for hunting and target practie but can shoot my 1911's faster and with more accuracy than a revolver. That sweet trigger aids immensely in accuracy, I can reload it faster and a 230 gr. HP Speer Gold Dot or Winchester Ranger will beat any .38+P round out there for sheer power out there. Started out on them in boot camp and it was our duty weapon till the M9's came. I shot it well back then and shoot it much better now from years of practice with all of the free ammo when I was on active duty. Another feature I like is if a punk somehow was able to grab it from me they are so used to just pulling the trigger such as on a Glock. With the safety engaged I have extra time to get it back or haul butt as they will be a yanking hard on that trigger with negative results! I've since went to packing a Colt Commander that I had the same mods done to plus I changed the mainspring out for an arched one for a better grip.

The 3" revolvers are just plain, good looking KA revolvers and anyone armed with one is very well armed. One of the 2.5' 66's is my wifes revolver loaded with light .38's as she is recoil sensitive. The other is strategically hidden in the living room stoked with the 158 gr. Speer GD's for quick access. I like adjustable sights on my weapons for different loads. If the rear would break off in a scuffle you won't need it anyhow as you are in a point shooting situation. Owning both the 2.5" and 3" there's little difference in up close accuracy (3-15 yards). Take the target back to 50 yards and you will see a notable difference, from my experience with the two. They command their prices as they're fewer out there and IMO are the better revolver that'll do about ANYTHING with the right load if need be. Like some guys have said wish I would have bought 4 or 5 of them when I first saw one in Shotgun News. Knew it was special then and think so to this day!

Another shot with combats. Suck for shooting as the FG's don't fit my hand well at all, but look cool. Cannot they cost as much as they do as my $50.00 Ahrend boot grips are perfect for my small hands.

 

[mag318]

Deserved or not these revolvers have attained cult like status. Those of us who own and shoot them know why, they are close to being perfect in several ways. That extra 1/2" makes a big difference in both handling and feel of the revolver. If I had to keep just one of my S&W revolver it would be my 66-4. The one thing I prefer about the 66-4 over the earlier variations is the way the rear sight is mated into the frame. My only problem with my 66s is deciding what grips I like best. The wood combats are the most attractive but my Uncle Mikes boot grips are the most comfortable. The 2.5" 66s are good revolvers also and they too are bringing ever increasing ammounts of money.
But if you ever come across a 3" 66, grab it. To many of us they are the finest revolvers S&W ever made.

 

[DeafSmith]

If you have three people close to you, and shooting, it really doesn't matter if you have a J frame or a Mini-Gun. You are only going to get off a couple of rounds.

Robberies don't work like that. One may be in their get-away car, one in front, one a lookout, but all armed. Never know how they will be situated or armed, or even their mindset.

No two robberies are alike and Tom Givens has had over 50+ students in shootings in Memphes. The only one to fail didn't bring their gun (a must if you are in a gunfight.)

 

[1 old 0311]

Deserved or not these revolvers have attained cult like status. Those of us who own and shoot them know why, they are close to being perfect in several ways. That extra 1/2" makes a big difference in both handling and feel of the revolver. If I had to keep just one of my S&W revolver it would be my 66-4. The one thing I prefer about the 66-4 over the earlier variations is the way the rear sight is mated into the frame. My only problem with my 66s is deciding what grips I like best. The wood combats are the most attractive but my Uncle Mikes boot grips are the most comfortable. The 2.5" 66s are good revolvers also and they too are bringing ever increasing ammounts of money.
But if you ever come across a 3" 66, grab it. To many of us they are the finest revolvers S&W ever made.

I have both a 66-2, and a 66-4. I agree on the rear site. It looks MUCH more sleek/cleaner.

 

[Nick B]

My 3 inch 66-3 came with the S&W rubber grips . I'd rather have a 3" CS 686 if I could find one . The 686 just feels better to me .

 

[Model39]

Model39. Love them grips on the right! Who made them. Gotta have a set as they exude class!

I now have 2 2.5" 66-2's and the one Ashland. Love all 3 but the 3" is the better shooting revolver for me. The balance is perfect, which helps accuracy. Longer sight radius makes for better accuracy and being lightweight makes for a great carry revolver for CC or on the trails. I've let plenty of friends shoot both the 2.5 and 3" with 158 gr. Speer GD's in .357 and many of them start flinching from the snappy recoil. Most of them also do better with the old Ashland than the 2.5". I packed my 3" for years and felt well armed before swapping back to my favorite pistol and SD round, a Springer Mil-Spec 1911 in .45 ACP that I had slightly modified (Wilson trigger and trigger set at a crisp 4.75 lbs., Wilson Drop in beavertail safety, Wilson hammer, Ed Brown low profile ambi safety and a tritium sight on the front only). Please don't trash me for carrying a semi and not a S&W semi at that. I love my S&W's, especially for hunting and target practie but can shoot my 1911's faster and with more accuracy than a revolver. That sweet trigger aids immensely in accuracy, I can reload it faster and a 230 gr. HP Speer Gold Dot or Winchester Ranger will beat any .38+P round out there for sheer power out there. Started out on them in boot camp and it was our duty weapon till the M9's came. I shot it well back then and shoot it much better now from years of practice with all of the free ammo when I was on active duty. Another feature I like is if a punk somehow was able to grab it from me they are so used to just pulling the trigger such as on a Glock. With the safety engaged I have extra time to get it back or haul butt as they will be a yanking hard on that trigger with negative results! I've since went to packing a Colt Commander that I had the same mods done to plus I changed the mainspring out for an arched one for a better grip.

The 3" revolvers are just plain, good looking KA revolvers and anyone armed with one is very well armed. One of the 2.5' 66's is my wifes revolver loaded with light .38's as she is recoil sensitive. The other is strategically hidden in the living room stoked with the 158 gr. Speer GD's for quick access. I like adjustable sights on my weapons for different loads. If the rear would break off in a scuffle you won't need it anyhow as you are in a point shooting situation. Owning both the 2.5" and 3" there's little difference in up close accuracy (3-15 yards). Take the target back to 50 yards and you will see a notable difference, from my experience with the two. They command their prices as they're fewer out there and IMO are the better revolver that'll do about ANYTHING with the right load if need be. Like some guys have said wish I would have bought 4 or 5 of them when I first saw one in Shotgun News. Knew it was special then and think so to this day!

Another shot with combats. Suck for shooting as the FG's don't fit my hand well at all, but look cool. Cannot they cost as much as they do as my $50.00 Ahrend boot grips are perfect for my small hands.

***SPORTSTERGUY***Both grips were made by Keith Brown. The pair on the right a "K" frame round butt "Hideout" grip made from fancy Walnut, with Roper pattern checkering with real ivory diamonds inlaid around the screw holes.
Keith is a VENDOR here on the forum. You can check out his work by going to the VENDOR section of the forum.

 

[akviper]

The worst thing about the three inch K frame is the need to acquire more after the first.