Hey All,
I have just recently been made aware of the new 66-8 with 4.25" barrel that S&W is manufacturing.

http://youtu.be/SrV3DTG1IBA

I know, it's MIM and has a lock, etc...
BUT....I kind of like the black hammer/cylinder release/trigger look, and I'm warming up to the idea of a two-piece barrel. It also has top strap serrations down the entire length of the barrel!

Also, the new 66 models do not the have the "cut" forcing cone.

If they build one with a 3" or 2.5" barrel, I'm on it for sure!

Love to hear if a forum member has one of these yet?

Our own shawn mccarver has a couple threads on the one he bought:

Model 66 for 2014

Model 66 for 2014 - Holsters caution

I've handled though not shot one, and was impressed with the overall fit and finish. I did find the larger and longer two piece barrel made for a front heavier 66 than its older brothers and didn't quite like the weight distribution, but nor did I find it a dealbreaker. A 3" set-up I think is closer to ideal, and I'd love to see a fixed sight version with a pinned front sight.

Trigger was decent but a bit heavy and vague, which I find common in most new S&Ws of MIM vintage; they can certainly be improved with use and a little correctly performed stoning.

I loathe the lock for all the usual reasons -- mechanical, political and aesthetic -- but could also live with it in return some of the legitimate benefits of the modern S&Ws, like CNC precision, impressive accuracy and a lifetime warranty.

I just handled one yesterday. Though I'm not a fan of the newer Smiths with all the politically correct doo dads, I must admit it really felt good in the hand with those grips and balanced well for me. I also looked at one of the Model 69's. I had to hand it back though as I felt myself starting to teeter. I think if I ever did buy one of the current generation Smith revolvers, it would be that one. Notice I said, "IF".

Thanks for pointing out McCarver's thread!