Hey All,
I have a chance to re-acquire a model 66-5 snub, from my father.

I bought it new back around 1994 or so..?

I currently carry a Ruger SP101 snub, IWB.
I cannot keep both weapons, as I am currently in school, and on a budget. (my only weapons at this time are carry weapons )

I would like you all to convince me (tell me what I want to hear) that I can carry the 66 IWB, with no problems!!

I do use a Beltman belt, and quality holsters, so that part of the equation is not a problem.

Show me how you carry a K-frame IWB (or effectively OWB highride)..
Tell me how easy it is for you to carry a K frame (or larger)..
Tell me how superior the Smith is compared to the Ruger...

I am easily influenced, and will bend to your brainwashing.

(and if you convince me...I will post pics of a beautiful 66 snub, wearing Ebony, checkered, Secret Service grips by Eagle grips)

Thanks!

Thanks for all the replies and advice.
here are pics of the 66-5 wearing Ebony boot grips from Eagle grips...
Sorry it took so long

I carry a model 19 2 1/2" (same gun) every day.

I usually carry it OWB, but can carry it IWB, when circumstances require it, quite easily.

I carry it in the summer time under a banded bottom polo shirt and in the winter time under a western style leather vest or winter jacket as is appropriate for the weather.

Hurry up and post the pictures.

if you can only keep one then sell the ruger before you let them
become a bad habit. on a more serious note you could not ask
for a better carry gun than the m66 with everything you need
and nothing you don't. Your build has a lot to do with the ease
of concealed carry as well as your choice of scabbard. Good luck!

66-2 Oklahoma DOC P&P with factory beadblast finish!

Hmmm, convince you? Well I'll say that I find most S&Ws fit and finish to be better than Rugers. And S&W triggers/action are usually considered better.
A K frame S&W snub is a fine carry gun. Some would rather have a fixed sight gun for concealed carry so you don't have to worry about the sights snagging on clothing but many adj. sight guns are carried.
Now let me say while I've handled a bunch of Rugers and shot some I've never owed any. For one thing I just can't get by all that warning **** stamped on the barrel, that's just me. If I was going to buy a Ruger it would probably be one of their single actions.
I do know that a lot of guys like and carry the SP101 and for a carry gun it's probably a good one. Built like a tank, goes bang ever time and not too expensive.
Have I convinced you of anything? Probably not. Truth is I think which gun you carry is a personal thing and I think either gun can work.
Good luck on your decision.

Wow, I didn't think I'd get the **** for the word that rhymes with wrap. Oh well, I guess I should have used junk. Next time.

wheelygun66, I carry a M19 IWB quite often. I use a Lobo leather holster, at about 3 or 4:00. Find it to be very comfortable. But that is just me.

I carry my 66 snub everyday IWB. I live in Florida and wear shorts and a t shirt most of the time. I am very comfortable with it.

All I can add is that for quite some time my DOA SP101 was my concealed carry gun in an upside-down shoulder holster ala McQueen in Bullitt. If I was wearing elephant-leg jeans I could get in a boot-top with no one the wiser. Had a set of Pachy's on it, and it shot just fine. Drawback was that it was rather heavy for the size. But I think that's why it shot so nicely. Wish I hadn't had to sell it, and I'll probably replace it at some point. Maybe after I get my "every barrel length N-frame" project complete. Which means probably never.

I carry a 64, 65, or 66 daily IWB in a Tucker Gunleather "Texas Heritage Revolver".

Hmmmm..... "Sell" you on one? Why bother?.... They are hard enough to find as it is and if you've already owned one you should know the answer ....

__________________
Terry

JUST DO IT!! Rugers suck anyway

OOPS! did I say that out loud?

The 2 1/2" Model-66 is just the easiest gun in the world to sell. Probably because everyone wants one. There are many thousands SP101s out there for sale if you ever want another.

__________________
Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

That's what I really meant to say.Tons of Ruger 101's out there, that don't really hold their value in comparison.How can you go wrong with a great revolver like a 66 which is gradually beginning to become harder to find especially in that configuration.It's actually better than money in the bank the way that the S&W classics are appreciating.In the future you will realize that the 66 was the better choice.There will still be many 101's to choose from.By then you will be able to buy another Ruger, if you wish and still be able to keep the Smith.

Thanks for all the convincing () replies...

But please, continue on!

Love to hear more from the IWB carriers...especially with pics of your rigs!

Carry on, please...

I carry my 2.5"bbl 66-5 with me everyday and everywhere in a Galco Sto N Go IWB holster. I got used to the weight a long time ago.

I like Ruger revolvers...alot,but it can't compare to the fit and finish of a Smith. They're still built like tanks and probably take more punishment but you're going to be hard pressed to find gunsmiths that work on Rugers like you can for S&W.

__________________
NRA/LSP CHP INSTRUCTOR# 529

A 66 snub is a sweet gun that I would love to own. HOWEVER, IWB carry for me (6'2, 225 pounds) is uncomfortable even with lighter guns. And it's not the holster choice. You have to buy pants that are bigger in the waist to accomodate the gun. If you gain ANY weight, the gun becomes even more uncomfortable to carry. Personally, I think the 66 is better OWB on a belt. What does it weigh, 30 ounces? That's TWICE the weight of an Airweight.

as with most here, the 66 is the way to go. adj. sights are not realy a problem if you practice. knowing your firearm is the best. i too have a sp101 2 1/4 bbl. its a tank. handles the mag stuff nice, but heavy. not sure the diff in weight. s&w has a better trigger no doubt. go with a galco combat master(my personal choice) holster for belt, summer comfort for iwb. or desantis cozy pardner is another good iwb. good luck and carry safe.

You're a student, who's not flush with money, who has a perfectly suitable tool, stick with what you have. Spend the money on bills.

Come on, man!
I said to convince me, not talk REALITY....sheesh.... what are you, realistic or somethin'?

Thanks for the reply.
I am good with the IWB carry, as to me, the gun feels most secure and hidden in that mode of carry.
Regarding the weight...although I did lug around the equivalent of half my body weight while in Iraq....I am unsure if the 66 is a huge burden....hence my request for feedback on those who actually do carry a 66 daily.

Of course, my post is all about getting "convinced", when in reality, I already know the answer!

Thanks for the pics!
Your post reminded me that I forgot to mention...when I originally owned this revolver, I never carried it, and since then, have carried glocks, sig, and now a Ruger Snub.....
So, that is why I am asking for advice on who daily carries one!

Take care!

The 66 is a very nice gun and I would love to have one. That being said, I carry a Ruger SP101. It was what I could afford at the time.

I have a 3" SP101 and a 2.5" 66.

The SP101 carries beautifully IWB in a Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake holster. There's no getting around the fact that the 5 shot cylinder is less bulky than the 6 shot.

I've not carried the 66 IWB, but when I do carry OWB, the weight difference is negligible compared to the SP.

I'll get flamed for this I'm sure, but all the Ruger bashing in this thread is unwarranted in my opinion. The fit/finish on my SP and GP are both top notch and right in line with the dozen or so older S&W's that I own. ANd, if you add a set of Wolff springs to the SP the DA trigger pull rivals the Smiths (nothing compares to an S&W single action trigger pull....).

I carry a Model 19 2 1/2 inch, and I carry a Colt Python 2 1/2 inch without any problems. The 66 is the same size. Nothing against the Ruger i own several, but the 19 has a smoother action then the Rugers, IMO.

Pick up a pre lock 2.5" 66 and shoot it. Thats what convinced me. Regards 18DAI

Hey 18DAI,
Thanks for the reply!
I always admire your opinion, and I already know that you love the model 19!

The 66 in question IS a pre-lock (-5 is the last change before lock, and this -5 also was before the roll marks changed to laser-looking etches), and now that you mention it...

All this time, I had been thinking of carrying the 66, but forgot just how much it shines (vs Ruger SP) when shooting the darn thing!

Everything you need, and nothing you don't (or something like that...)
Thanks!

thanks for the reply!
I love the SP as well, but compared to the 'Smith...it just feels like an unfinished chunk of steel!
My (DAO) SP does have an amazing DA trigger pull, for a Ruger, and the five-capacity cylinder does keep the size down...
I don't know, but there is just something...special...about the 66/19 series of revolvers.

Are those grips on your SP the Eagle Secret Service?
I have Badger boots on my SP, and love em!

The 66 that I am working on getting back from dad, has Eagle Secret Service grips on it (Ebony checkered), and also has two different styles of Pachmayers with it.

thanks for your input!

LOL! "What I could afford at the time."
I got my Ruger because my dad backed out at the last minute (last time I tried to convince him to sell me back my 66 snub!), but instead, he offered me the Ruger!

Now he says the deal is on, because it just sits in his drawer, whereas I am wanting to daily carry it!

They are Eagle Secret Service grips. They LOOK great in the pic...but I took them off after 2 shooting sessions. The angle of the grip was causing my pont shooting to go ~12" high at 7 yards. With the plain jane Hogue grip point shooting is spot on.

Thanks for the info.
The Badger boots allow for a real "combat" stance (reminds me of the grip angle that my subcompact glock forced me to shoot at), and also create an angle that is great for concealing.

The Secret Service grips on my 66 snub (well...currently my dad's ...) do not alter the grip angle at all, as they are open-back design, and thus follow the natural contours of the grip angle.

Thanks!

Nice try. I think that you have been just funnin' with us and was already wearing that Smith, wheelyfun66 Only just the Ruger SP 101?..... and now a Glock as well. Poor college boy..... UH HUH.

I WISH!!
I have a bad habit of changing carry guns every couple years (right about the time I finally get three holsters broke in, new grips, and have become proficient with the weapon...)

I sold the Glock to buy back my 66 snub from dad, but he backed out (smart man did not want to part with such a good weapon), and sold me his Ruger DAO snub. (he doesn't like DAO)

So, although it seems like I am mentioning an awful lot of weapons...I only have the Ruger at this time..

When I owned the 66, I did not carry it, but used it for bedside weapon.

Thanks for harassing me though!

It sounds like you have already made up your mind and are just confirming it with opinions from the forum members. Get the 66 and keep the SP-101 as well. The SP is a great gun and will conceal a little better than the mod. 66. Use the model 66 as you did before as a bedside gun and carry it when you wish. I shot a SP-101 at a church cmpout a couple of weeks ago when I ran the range for a shoot for all the members present. I liked it a lot. I have never owned one but do own a 3" 66-2 and in my opinion, the Ruger is a top notch weapon. I love my model 66 though and would not trade it.

Tom

Here is a 66-2 and sidekick. Great snubby. It's a Smith. 'Nuff said.

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

Mine aren't as pretty as some that have been posted. Maybe it is because they've got a lot of miles on them.

19 and 640-1

Just razzin' ya, and a little envious, okay very envious.In Canada we are allowed to own handguns,but just barely.It takes quite a bit of time,courses,tests, background checks,actual interviews with personal references by the RCMP,then more waiting for approval and finally "THE" license to purchase and own a pistol.When you find one that you want to buy, more waiting for the firearm to be transferred and registered into your name.In many cases the whole miserable process from beginning to end can take up to a year in total before you can even have and shoot your own dang gun.

Wait... there's even more. If you do actually want to shoot it, then you need an Authority to Transport which in most cases is to take the gun from a mandatory home gun vault to an approved gun range in as straight a line as possible.This is the only place where it can be legally shot or even have loaded for that matter, and then back to the vault for storage.The Chief Firearms Officer or one of their agents can also conduct home inspections to make sure the guns are properly stored and all have legal documentation. As far as concealed carry goes there are very few people that have that elite privilege.Only a couple of dozen in Canada from the rumors I have heard.

Thanks for razzin me!
It is so difficult for me to imagine living under the gun laws that you must deal with!
I won't even move to any US states who have have any restrictions on owning and carrying weapons (Maryland, New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and some counties in New York)

You certainly do have less violent crimes in Canada....but I think your population must be WAY less than US?

Seems like a rural environment like Canada's would make for relaxed attitude toward guns...

Oh well, guns are not always the answer, and I have not always concealed a weapon....so I suppose I could live in Canada. You have many things about your country that are amazing!

Thanks for reminding us of how restrictive things can be...lest we forget, and take our rights for granted!

I carry a 4" 66 no dash with the square butt iwb, 2 1/2" round butt would be almost be unoticed.

Proportionately the crime rate,those involving gun violence is not drastically less considering we have one tenth of the population of the US., Authorized law abiding gun owners are not the issue regardless of how many they possess, or statistically it would prove they are to be considered as being in the dangerous and high risk category. The irresponsible, mentally unstable and most obviously, criminals are at the center and cause of the many gun related “incidents”.
Since we are placed in one general category and assumed that we cannot think for ourselves or use simple common sense and logic, some laws are (forced) made indiscriminately with the misguided intent to protect all without prejudice, and yet still leave a ridiculously large margin for error. All laws can and will be broken regardless of the penalties. At times human nature sees no boundaries.In the eyes of our Government, most consider all guns as evil.
"Gun safety" laws are not immune from the rule of unintended consequences. In my opinion gun ownership
in itself by individuals may also act as a crime deterrent, including crime aimed at unarmed victims, but gun ownership is no guarantee that the owner will never be attacked by a desperate criminal either. Otherwise, no one would ever attack police officers.The forcing of laws upon the already law abiding is considered to be tyranny.
Unfortunately we have nothing that remotely compares to the Second Amendment.Retreat and dialing 911 is the main option for our own self defense.Use a firearm against the Bad Guy and be prepared to lose your house in lawyer fees, even if ruled as justifiable in the use of deadly force.
Sorry for the political rant and hijack.I think that I should stop now and just leave it at that.
So when do we get to see some pics of the 66 already?

I pack my 3" 629 IWB in a Simply Rugged. I can't imagine a 66 is harder to conceal than that!

Well....As soon as I get my "stop-loss" bonus from the Govt!

Paying for school and all...can't take it from expense money, but any day now...I have some extra funds coming in!

Looks like I might be able to keep the Ruger and the 66!
Thanks to all who are keeping this thread going...as it helps me to anticipate and drool over the return of my 66!

I have both a 66 and a 67, but they are 4" and not particularly suitable for carry, although they are fine shooters. My usual carry is a 642, but there are times when I carry my Colt Magnum Carry which is very much like a 64 or 65. More weight but I'm comfortable with it in an OWB PWL holster. I have been debating with myself for a couple of months about the Lobo cross draw holster.

This seems like so much stuff in your trousers. What's the secret for making it comfortable?

Iggy, in this case that your normal under statement does not wash. Many of us would be very happy to have that poor ol beat-up M-19 you have been forced to tote around.

__________________
Always Stay Strong!

I own a 2.5" 66 but I tell ya...I don't have a problem CCing a 4"bbl M66. I can do it strong side or small of back. I'm 5'11" and 185lbs and the gun disappears no problem.

__________________
NRA/LSP CHP INSTRUCTOR# 529

Two wonderful platforms! Can't help you choose. My 2.25", DAO 101 came out of the box with a terrible trigger. Many, many rounds (and a decade or so) later, it's smooth as silk. Stout, accurate and (with its ingenious frame design) easy on the hand, I'm not into Ruger bashing.

66 snubbie? Don't have one. Wish I did. However, I sometimes carry 4" (square butt!) K frames concealed without much difficulty. J frames (or the SP) are even more easy to conceal.

PC

These are my snubbies. The 686 is my most recent addition and I have not gotten a proper holster for carry yet. The close up showing the increased cylinder and frame size of the L frame illustrates why, IMO, the 66 will be missed dearly from the Smith line up. I carry the 2 1/2" 66 most of the time and occasionally the 3" 66. I am only 5' 6" so the slightly smaller package on the 2 1/2" is perfect for me. I fear the L frame will offer no advantage over the K frame as a carry weapon but it is such a good looking gun as well as a great shooter that I had to have one.

The Ruger is a good gun and I have family members who own them. This allows me to shoot them without buying one in order to compare. I like the Rugers (I like most guns) but I am so used to the look and feel of Smiths that for me it is an easy choice.

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Hey wheelyfun66,What are the OC & CC laws in Vermont? Are there any gun restrictions? I'm an NRA certified pistol instructor and the family and I were thinking of moving up there. I hear you don't need permits for CC & OC? Is this true? Anyway,email me back at [email protected]

Jonathan

__________________
NRA/LSP CHP INSTRUCTOR# 529

Hey All,
Thanks for all the convincing!

After bugging my dad for the last month...he has agreed to sell me back "my" 66 snub!

I have ordered a Tucker Texas Heritage IWB holster for it, and already have a Galco speed scabbard OWB.

Might have to wait a few weeks before I see him (live in different towns), but he is all for it, and it is now mine again!

Gotta work on my photo posting skills now, because after all this talk...you all deserve to see some 66 love!

I will post pics ASAP.
Thanks again for telling me of your own experiences with carrying a 66.

Nice job - Keep it this time!