Why choose a model 67 over a 66?

[Triggernosis]

Just wondering. Please discuss.

 

[CH4]

The 67 is a .38 with an unshrouded ejector rod, the 66 is a .357 mag that has a shrouded ejector rod. Choose based on your preferences.

 

[CajunBass]

The 67/15 is a little lighter, and quicker handling to me. The barrel is slightly tapered vs the heavier barrel of the 19/66. The 19/66 also have a heavier rib that runs along the top of the barrel, and have the shrouded ejector rob. Between the loss of that weight, and the slightly shorter cylinder, the 15/66 feels like a totally different gun to me.

I don't have a 67, but the Model 15 is the same thing, only in blue. The picture doesn't show well the slight taper to the barrel I'm talking about.



Model 19



Obviously I like both. I'm not sure which I'd keep if I could only have one.

 

[UncleEd]

Totally agree with Cajun Bass.

The esthetics of the Model 15/67 have
always appealed to me more than the
19/66.

When it comes to .357 shooting, I then
go right to the 586/686.

The 15/67 are easily considered the finest
.38s ever produced. Yes, I know the Model
14 could be in contention but I don't care.

 

[typetwelve]

It's not like I really had a choice...but I came across a retired police training and/or issue 67-1. The surface was ok, and it took some elbow grease to get it shined up again:

It's a great shooter...near perfect balance and size for a .38 spcl revolver. For .357, I'll use something else. Long story short, if I had the two sitting in front of me (67, 66), depending on price, I'd probably go with the 67. Why get a .357 if I have no plan on running much .357 through it?

 

[diyj98]

Why get a .357 if I have no plan on running much .357 through it?

I agree. The 38 cylinder will be easier to clean than the 357 cylinder and it has a slight mechanical chance of being more accurate with 38 loads than the same load would be in a 357.

 

[RSBH44]

I agree with everything that has been mentioned so far ,but then again I might be biased as I own both a model 15 & 67 and love how they feel in the hand and shoot. The 19 /66 is an excellent gun don't get me wrong. It's just that the .38's feel better.

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[BigMoneyGrip]

The 67 because it's one more. Like amps that go to eleven instead of ten. "These go to eleven."

 

[oldiesradio1560]

The 67 4" was the first revolver I carried in the mid 70's. Then I carried a 66 4" about a year later. I liked the shrouded rod and the ability to carry either .357 or .38. Since then I have nothing but .357's. M66, Colt Trooper Mark III, 686, 640-1, 640-3 and now a new 640-1 Pro Series.

 

[Telecaster]

It probably comes down to the individual firearm and its condition. I found a police trade-in 67 that feels like it was carefully tuned by a knowledgeable armorer, and the trigger is a true delight. And I have two 66s that are good, one I got new, the other used.

I'm not a fan of .357 out of a K-frame, so a 67 is fine to me.

 

[reddog81]

In theory the model 67 should be cheaper. That'll be the biggest positive in the 67's corner. The lighter barrel and 38 special cylinder wouldn't ever be a concern or even noticed by most people.

Assuming you walked into a shop and the prices were the same you'd be silly to choose the 38 special over the .357. It's not that the 67 is a bad gun it's just that the 66 is a more versatile with the option of .357.

 

[Triggernosis]

Assuming you walked into a shop and the prices were the same you'd be silly to choose the 38 special over the .357. It's not that the 67 is a bad gun it's just that the 66 is a more versatile with the option of .357.

So why do you think S&W still makes the 67, then?

 

[UncleEd]

So why do you think S&W still makes the 67, then?

Probably out of nostalgia and those who still want just
a full sized .38; also for agencies in the U.S. or around
the world which still might specify .38 only.

The downside of the post 1982 15/67s in my mind is that
Smith went to the bullish Model 14 barrel which destroys
the elegance of the gun when it had the tapered barrel.

 

[bananaman]

I agree with everything that has been mentioned so far ,but then again I might be biased as I own both a model 15 & 67 and love how they feel in the hand and shoot. The 19 /66 is an excellent gun don't get me wrong. It's just that the .38's feel better.

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Congratulations on the nice guns, and picture looks cool! I have a 67 no dash. Never owned a 15. Bob

 

[Triggernosis]

only.

The downside of the post 1982 15/67s in my mind is that
Smith went to the bullish Model 14 barrel which destroys
the elegance of the gun when it had the tapered barrel.

That is good to know if I decide to purchase one.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

And here I thought that the Model 10 was the finest .38 Special made. Shows what I don't know!

There is something to be said for the looks of a tapered barrel versus a heavy or bull barrel, I agree with that.

 

[Ashlander]

I love my 66 snubbies, but for a 4" K-frame I prefer the early elegant 67. My 67 seems to feel better in the hand. To me the difference in weight and balance is significant.

 

[riverrat38]

Both the 66 and the 67 are still made, but if someone wants one of the older ones, buying a M67 would have the advantage of knowing that a lot of full power, light weight, 357 MGN rounds had not been fired, perhaps damaging the barrel. This is especially important, if, like me, it is necessary to purchase from internet photos. Very few sellers have well lighted, high quality photos of the forcing cone area. The gun must be very clean and well photographed to show damage like cracks. The typical cell phone shots of a dirty gun don't cut it!

Best,
Rick

 

[reddog81]

So why do you think S&W still makes the 67, then?

Because people are still buying them... A new 67 is about $100 cheaper than a 66.

 

[typetwelve]

In theory the model 67 should be cheaper. That'll be the biggest positive in the 67's corner. The lighter barrel and 38 special cylinder wouldn't ever be a concern or even noticed by most people.

Assuming you walked into a shop and the prices were the same you'd be silly to choose the 38 special over the .357. It's not that the 67 is a bad gun it's just that the 66 is a more versatile with the option of .357.

I can see that...but there's all kinds of ways to look at it.

Personally, I don't need versatility, I have other firearms. I wouldn't suggest an old model 67 as a primary firearm if home/self defense is being brought up. It's a good firearm, but honestly, there's better to be found elsewhere is you want a wallop or defense usability (that's subjective, so take it for what its worth).

I got my 67 because I want a piece of history that I can use and not feel bad doing it. I can shoot .38 spcl out of that thing for years if I wanted to...and it wouldn't do a thing to it. On top of that, the thing is darn accurate and just fun to shoot. I have a 627 if I want .357 kapow...