Model 66-8 holster suggestions

[Smithbrother]

Just bought a Model 66-8 at the LGS. Took it to the range yesterday and it was dead on out of the box. Simply the best 357 I've ever owned. It will take some time to break in, had a few hundred dry fires after a dose of Kroil then cleaned it and shot 150 rounds of 38 & 357 through it. Very nice trigger, great with recoil with the 357 PMC, just a fantastic revolver. I shot it from the bench with no holster. I'm considering a Simply Rugged holster for it but the barrel on these weapons is heavy and I will probably have to let them know it's thicker than the average 66 made prior to 2005.

So, any suggestions on holsters for it???

[Smithbrother]

Must say, the heavy barrel, S&W trigger, and grip on this weapon are the most impressive. I'm not sure if the ball detent will make a difference but the overall slightly forward balance of the hold makes this the best 357 revolver currently produced by S&W. The strong trigger pull in double action is smooth but takes a determined and decided action to complete, as it should if the weapon is intended for personal protection.

[Smithbrother]

Okay, thanks for all the responses. I've chosen the minimalist holster by Bianchi, available from MidwayUSA for $35.

[MTKTM]

That sounds like a good choice. Sorry that there were so few responses, but I know that when a new design gun comes out, finding holsters can be tricky for a while until they become popular and achieve some saturation.

I have a 66-7, the last of the 66s made in '05 just before they were discontinued for 9 years. I bought a really nice Kramer horsehide holster for it and have been very happy with it, but an examination of a 66-8 at my LGS the other evening led me to think it might not work. Nice gun, though, I like the looks of it better than my -7. Congrats on your new purchase!

[jaymoore]

Closest revolver to yours that I have is a Model 69. But haven't checked the barrel ODs for dimensional similarity. But that 69 has fit all of my usual old holsters even though the barrel is a wee bit longer than 4". Would have to guess your 66 will be in the same boat, but again, that's a SWAG. Don't recall seeing this thread before. Definitely the first go reading it!

[at_liberty]

Originally Posted by Smithbrother

Must say, the heavy barrel, S&W trigger, and grip on this weapon are the most impressive. I'm not sure if the ball detent will make a difference but the overall slightly forward balance of the hold makes this the best 357 revolver currently produced by S&W. The strong trigger pull in double action is smooth but takes a determined and decided action to complete, as it should if the weapon is intended for personal protection.

A stagey S&W DA needs a trigger job. Staging is a bad habit...a poor man's single action without having to cock the hammer. Without a world class hold on a sight picture, one needs a better idea of when the gun will fire.

[Smithbrother]

Must say that the 66-8 is the best 357 Magnum ever produced. The heave barrel, detent, and extra 1/4" burn time makes all the difference. As for the staging, a;; you need is a few hundred dry fires and a dose of kroil. As for the love for all the pre- 66-8 357s like the model 19s and the 66-1 through 7, all I can say is that the 66-8 is a better weapon all the way around. There is a reason an purpose for re-engineering and this is a prime example for where it has worked and outdone all prior renditions. Smithbrother

[JM4151]

Bought mine in 1973 for $126.00. Carried it for many years and its a great gun. Still have the gun, box and instructions. Good luck with yours.

[Smithbrother]

All the best to you my brother.

[Smithbrother]

Originally Posted by at_liberty

A stagey S&W DA needs a trigger job. Staging is a bad habit...a poor man's single action without having to cock the hammer. Without a world class hold on a sight picture, one needs a better idea of when the gun will fire.

Al triggers stage, one only needs to know at what point they release. If the trigger is sticky it may need some gunsmithing, otherwise all it need is experience . . .

[jaaeatax]

Originally Posted by Smithbrother

Just bought a Model 66-8 at the LGS. Took it to the range yesterday and it was dead on out of the box. Simply the best 357 I've ever owned. It will take some time to break in, had a few hundred dry fires after a dose of Kroil then cleaned it and shot 150 rounds of 38 & 357 through it. Very nice trigger, great with recoil with the 357 PMC, just a fantastic revolver. I shot it from the bench with no holster. I'm considering a Simply Rugged holster for it but the barrel on these weapons is heavy and I will probably have to let them know it's thicker than the average 66 made prior to 2005.

So, any suggestions on holsters for it???

You indicated that you used a dose of Kroll. Would you mind telling me what that is. I continue to dry fire with snap caps and the trigger seems to be a little heavier than my other smith revolvers. I have several but this one is testing my patience. Thank you

[InigoMontoya]

If an off-the-shelf holster will do, I found that the Bianchi 7000 works with my 66-8. It's a nylon holster so it's nothing fancy, but it will do fine for me until more options are available.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 3

[Paul105]

I have one, love it, but don't carry it, just shoot the c---p out of it -- M69 is my carry gun.

Try Rob at Simply Rugged simplyrugged.com -- he should be able to fix you up reasonably quickly at a fair price.

FWIW,

Paul

[InigoMontoya]

Originally Posted by Paul105

I have one, love it, but don't carry it, just shoot the c---p out of it -- M69 is my carry gun.

Try Rob at Simply Rugged simplyrugged.com -- he should be able to fix you up reasonably quickly at a fair price.

FWIW,

Paul

I ended up ordering a holster from Simply Rugged. Their website lists the 66-8 as an L-Frame 66 with a 4.25 inch barrel, along with the Model 69, instead of including it with the other K-Frame models.

Sent from my Galaxy Note II

[jaaeatax]

I have the 66-8 and you are correct. It is the most accurate gun I own. Really balanced well. I added Pachmayr grips and carry it in a Desantis scabbard thumb break holster....

[Telecaster]

I like the Galco leather belt slide holster for my 66-8 2.75”.

I used to like staging the trigger on my Rugers, till I moved to S&W. These smoother, shorter triggers don’t need staging.