The dreaded 66 vs 686 question

Mumbly-Peg · Feb 5, 2017

So here's the deal.

I'm planning on buying a brand new 357 mag with a 4ish inch barrel. I like the looks of the 66 better with the 3/4 underlug.

95% of my shooting is likely to be 38 special as I'm new to handguns. Plus, the new 66 is beefed up for magnum loads, so I'm not concerned about the durability difference. I also don't care about 6 shots vs 7, as I'd probably get a 6 shot either way.

The real concern to me is about feel. I've handled a 686, but can't find a 66 to hold to compare.

My question is, will the weight difference make a noticeable impact on recoil? Is my reference to the looks of the 66 a non factor if it's going to break my wrist and I end up not shooting it anyway? How much of a difference do those couple of ounces make?

Mumbly-Peg · Feb 5, 2017

I forgot to mention- this will be a home/range/critter gun that will occasionally ride in a chest holster, not looking for CCW.

Breakaway500 · Feb 5, 2017

I've got both in 4" models.(6 shots) Both shoot/recoil the same.(with same loads,same grips) Both feel/balance the same. However,I prefer the 686 because...um..it would make a little better club when empty..I guess..

(I like the full underlug look on that length bbl.)

buck460XVR · Feb 5, 2017

While the difference in weight and balance from the larger frame and full underlug of the L-Frame will reduce recoil and muzzle rise to a degree, for someone who is rarely, if ever going to shoot legitimate magnum ammo outta it, that difference is moot. Grip size on both is the same.

Mumbly-Peg · Feb 5, 2017

Breakaway500 said:
I've got both in 4" models.(6 shots) Both shoot/recoil the same.(with same loads,same grips) Both feel/balance the same. However,I prefer the 686 because...um..it would make a little better club when empty..I guess.. (I like the full underlug look on that length bbl.)

Haha, good point. I'm surprised they recoil/balance the same. If more agree, I'll probably lean toward the 66.

Fishinfool · Feb 5, 2017

Carried both as duty guns years ago. I liked the 586 (same basic gun as the 686). I did notice a slightly more muzzle heavy balance with it, and I like that for fast double action work.

Either gun will work well for you. If you don't need the durability of the L frame, and weight is a concern, go with the K frame. If weight is not a big factor, the L frame. Its increased weight does help tone down magnum loads.

Best bet is to handle each, and get a feel for the difference in balance and weight.

Larry

Mumbly-Peg · Feb 5, 2017

Oh that I could!

Has anyone seen a 66 on the shelf in the Philly metro area?

Breakaway500 · Feb 5, 2017

Bought this 66-2 4" bbl. recently from the shop that handles my FFL transfers.It was a trade in from a local sheriff..and other than being "well worn" externally,(it almost looks like nickel finish) it's tight and has an excellent trigger. $500 and I didn't need it till I saw it..

apollo99 · Feb 5, 2017

I have a 686 and a 66 both in 2 1/2", To me with the 4" barrels it would really be a toss up. For the use you described,It would be a toss up. I say,Falcons win go 66, Patriots go 686

twodog max · Feb 5, 2017

Some time back I was looking for a 357 four inch that I was going to carry a lot. I looked for an older 66 but all I found were out of my price range or had been kitchen table gunsmithed. I ended up with a 686SSR, It had more of the weight and balance feel of the older 66's. Some dislike the slab barrel. I don't as it eliminated some weight. I do not dislike either the 586 or the regular 686 as I have several.

Black Knight · Feb 5, 2017

I have a 4" 686-1 that is just great. I carried it as my duty weapon for nearly 7 years. I also have a 2.5" 66-2 I carried as a Private Investigator and Security Supervisor. Both handle magnum loads very well. The 66 lets you know you fired something powerful. Will a 4" 66 break your wrists? Not unless your wrists are pencil thin. It may take a bit to get used to the 357 Magnum out of the 66 but in the 686 it is no problem at all. The added weight of the 686 does help dampen the recoil nicely. The 4" 686 is very well balanced for an all around handgun. If you are carrying it in a shoulder holster it may eventually tell in your neck muscles where the straps go but since you won't be carrying it all the time it should not be to difficult. Since you say you will be firing .38 Special most of the time either one will do nicely. You are almost at the point of flipping a coin they are so good. You should be very pleased with either one.

Mumbly-Peg · Feb 5, 2017

apollo99 said:
I have a 686 and a 66 both in 2 1/2", To me with the 4" barrels it would really be a toss up. For the use you described,It would be a toss up. I say,Falcons win go 66, Patriots go 686

So 66 it is! (Fingers crossed)

If it's really that much of a toss up, I suppose aesthetics win out.

Bpx4st · Feb 5, 2017

For what you are using it for, the K frame will work just fine. I don't much think you'll have to club too many critters & if you need more than 6 to put a BG away, get fast with reloading. Lol
I have a 66 & it's one of the older models that you hear so much ado about heavy .357 loads & forcing cone problems. Truth is, the forcing cone will outlive me & I shoot Gold Dot 158gr jhp with no problems. I actually heard that the lighter loads do more damage. Either one, you'll be happy with I'm sure. Get some Hogue stocks like these & your grip will be more comfortable.

Sent from my SM-T377P using Tapatalk

fyimo · Feb 5, 2017

Actually the L frame was brought out to solve problems with the K frame shooting light bullets at full 357 magnum velocities.

Smithbrother · Feb 5, 2017

My 66-8

I have both the 66-8 and the 69. The 66 is slightly slimmer in frame but the grips are the same as an L frame. The two triggers are quite different. While the 69 is smooth and easy, the 66 feels like it has a stronger spring strength. Both are unchanged from the factory. I have no problem shooting .357 magnums from it and I believe the heavy barrel helps with recoil. Great gun. The 69 on the other hand, because of .44 magnum cartridges is a bear. But then, that's what I bought it for.

spdguns · Feb 5, 2017

When faced with this decision, I.......buy........both.....!

vigil617 · Feb 5, 2017

Mumbly-Peg said:
...If it's really that much of a toss up, I suppose aesthetics win out.

They did for me, too. I spend more time looking at my 66-1 than shooting it, and I never get tired of that great combination of 4" barrel, K frame, and target grips that is so pleasing to the eye.

ultratec00 · Feb 5, 2017

I wouldn't think twice about buying the 686 vs. 66, but that's me. Preference being the L frame was made a bit beefier to allow a steady diet of magnum loads. Also remember reading the K frame bore axis sits a little lower too, which means more recoil to the web of the palm. Then there's the option of getting a 686+1 too. That's an option I suspect is physically improbable with a K frame. I have a 5" talo, and recently picked up a 3". 5" is a good all around compromise. 3" w/ hogue bantam grips is just enamoring for CCW option.

BB57 · Feb 5, 2017

I have both Model 66 and a 686+ with 2 1/2" barrels.

As you can see the differences in the frames is minimal.

Weight wise, my Model 686 weighs 36.9 oz while my model 66 weighs 34.2 oz. The 2.7 oz weight difference is not significant when shooting them with full power .357 Magnum loads.

Qc Pistolero · Feb 5, 2017

Used to have a 66;sold it and I must admit that it's the gun I keep regretting selling the most...and I sold a few dozens.
I still got my 586(no dash,no M)and nope!won't sell it.
Since you're going to shoot 95% .38SPL,I'd go with the 66.To me,it balances so well(the 586 is more nose heavy)and in the looks dept,to my eye,this is one of the sexiest looking gun you can find.Just my 2 cents worth!
Qc

The dreaded 66 vs 686 question

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