Classic k-frame, model 66-2

[SeamasterSig]

It's been about 6 weeks since I introduced myself, so I thought I'd finally post some pictures of my new-to-me 4-inch model 66-2. Since I can't palm a basketball, I wasted no time calling Kim Ahrends to see if he had anything in stock. I was hoping for a set of his Retro Combat grips in goncalo alves, but all he had on hand was a set of Retro Target grips in oil-finished maple. I wasn't sure how I'd like the "blonde on steel" look, but I have to say that the combination looks much better in person than pictures can convey. The target grips fit my medium-sized hand well and I like how they feel under recoil at the range. However, I suspect the retro combats would conceal better.

 

[SeamasterSig]

After plenty of research on the forum, I also ordered a Georgia Snap 2 along with a belt and ammo pouch from R Grizzle and they finally arrived in the mail today. Since I didn't have any carry options at all for this revolver, I appreciate that Ryan has an option to expedite the order (as well as a discount for veterans). I'm really impressed with the workmanship – not that that's a surprise to anyone here. The gun fits perfectly snug right out of the box and the whole rig is quite comfortable. I expect it'll be a hand-me-down in due time just like the revolver.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I've been looking for a 4" 19 to go with my 2 1/2" and 6". The 4" is probably the most useful of any barrel length and I don't have one. I even have a very nice shoulder holster for one but still no 4" yet.

Your 66 is a perfect carry gun and the holster matches. The 4" isn't real popular and I've never understood why. Looks pretty good to me.

 

[loeman]

Excellent! I like the "blonde" look of your Ahrends. I'm considering a set of Ahrend's Tactical for my 681 L frame. I like the Tacticals due to the flat front strap. This makes the feel for my average size hands just perfect. Thanks for sharing your 66.

 

[SeamasterSig]

I've been looking for a 4" 19 to go with my 2 1/2" and 6". The 4" is probably the most useful of any barrel length and I don't have one. I even have a very nice shoulder holster for one but still no 4" yet.

Your 66 is a perfect carry gun and the holster matches. The 4" isn't real popular and I've never understood why. Looks pretty good to me.

Maybe the 4-inch barrel length is perceived as an all-rounder but not quite perfect for anything in particular. The shorter barrels conceal easier if that's a priority and for a strictly range or hunting piece, the longer barrels will trump it, too. Too me it's just about perfect. I like the balance of the 4-inch barrel with a half-lug: enough barrel to retain magnum velocity and enough heft to tame the recoil.

If I could have only one gun, I think I'd be satisfied with this one. But fortunately it hasn't come to that yet and now I want a model 60 .357 with a 3-inch barrel to compliment it and replace a compact semi-auto that serves for non-pocket concealed carry.

What brand shoulder holster do you have that you like? I'd like one eventually for situations when OWB isn't practical, like for on the motorcycle. I was thinking Andrews, but there aren't as many options for great shoulder holsters as there are for belt carry.

 

[bigsteve113]

I've been carrying and shooting my 4" 66-2 for 32 years now. It's never let me down. If you take care of those K Frame magnums, they will give you a lifetime of use.

 

[raylan007]

That is one fine looking rig you have to go with your equally nice M62-2.
I had never heard of R. Grizzle but really like the look of the leather work, your holster appears almost broken in for its newness, I will definitely be checking them out for my next holster. Thanks

P.S.did you add anything to the holster to give it that softened look or is that the way it came ?

 

[SAFireman]

Are my eyes playing tricks on me? Or, is that a Stainless Steel rear sight? IIRC - the SS sights were discontinued early in the life of the 66 (well before the -1 even) and yours, being a -2, should have a blued rear sight with a white outline rear blade.

Nice 66 either way

 

[SeamasterSig]

That is one fine looking rig you have to go with your equally nice M62-2.
I had never heard of R. Grizzle but really like the look of the leather work, your holster appears almost broken in for its newness, I will definitely be checking them out for my next holster. Thanks

P.S.did you add anything to the holster to give it that softened look or is that the way it came ?

That is the way the holster came. The gun fits snugly, but draws smoothly right out of the box. Turn the holster upside down and shake and it holds the gun firmly in place. The gun is not coming out of the holster unless you want it to. And FWIW the "dark brown" is actually darker in person than it appears in the photo.

 

[SeamasterSig]

Are my eyes playing tricks on me? Or, is that a Stainless Steel rear sight? IIRC - the SS sights were discontinued early in the life of the 66 (well before the -1 even) and yours, being a -2, should have a blued rear sight with a white outline rear blade.

Your eyes and the lighting are playing tricks on you. The rear sight is blued, but slightly shiny on the sides.

 

[Ashlander]

Great photos. Nice gun and grips.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

The 4" isn't real popular and I've never understood why. Looks pretty good to me.

I'm a bit confused by your statement as the 4.0 inch barreled Model 19 and Model 66 were the most popular and commonly seen revolvers used by law enforcement prior to be replaced by the 9mm semiautos. The Model 19/66 are known as "The Combat Magnum", and the late Bill Jordan (U.S. Border Patrol) is regarded as the father of this piece calling it a "peace officer's dream".

I know a number of hunters who carry their 4.0 inch barreled Model 19s or 66s in the field to administer coup de grace shots to downed big game, or to shoot small game for the cooking pot. Though somewhat infrequently seen, more than a few competitive shooters still use their 4.0 inch barreled Combat Magnums in competition.

Regards,

Dave