If you could only have one handgun - the Model 66?

[SmithNut]

While I like the M66........

It would be just my luck, got rid of everything and keeping a 3" (or 4") M66 and then the end of the world would happen, and while I was foraging for ammo I found a large stash of 110 & 125 grain full zoot .357 Mag ammo and the first shot out of my trusty M66 it would crack the forcing cone.... then what????

No sir, it's a M686 for me on the "if you could only have one" question was asked......

Fortunately - I just woke up from that bad dream - and reinforced my long held opinion that you can't (and shouldn't) have just one......

Yup, that's the ticket


Pic added for context....

Please note, to off-set the heavier M686 I've gone with light weight aluminum cased ammo...

 

[ladder13]

4 inch L frame for me.

Or maybe a 7 shot 3 inch.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Just one man's opinion.....We all got one.

 

[swagmeister]

OINK: The 686-5 Mountain Gun was a stocking dealer special in 1998 with only around 2000 made. I was lucky to find mine (used but in excellent condition with no box or papers) at a local gun show in 2018 for $550 OTD. If you can find one today for sale, better have big $$$$ because there are very few left out there.

 

[ruger 22]

I understand the logic and for the average person this is not a bad choice. For a 357 I would always prefer a L or N frame but that is me. At my age however I would opt for my beloved 17-1 since all I do these days is punch holes in paper and do not veer too far away from home.

 

[.38SuperMan]

The 66 is a fantastic gun and if I was told it's one and only gun I could own I wouldn't complain. If I had a choice I'd probably pick a Python because I like a little more weight but the 66 is a sweet gun and a very close second.

 

[gerhard1]

The 66 isn't a bad choice; that's for sure, but I'd go with this:

My 681.

 

[alwslate]

Nooooo, A model 27-2 blue 4" seems like a much better choice to me.

 

[S&W Fan]

If I didn't have my late dad's no dash 4" 686 (purchased Sept. 1981) it would be my '78/'79 vintage 4" 66-1.

 

[M29since14]

I am also in the camp that believes it might not be my first choice, but if it happened that way, I wouldn't feel too sorry for myself. I might go with the L-frame, for the reasons others have suggested, or I might be more inclined to pick a 1911. But in any case, a 66 would be well above "take it or leave it" category. I'd prefer the 4-inch model.

 

[Chuck24]

Put me down in the 686 camp

 

[CALREB]

Well I love my revolvers and agree that some model of L-frame would be a great choice. But with the given that you can only have ONE.

I am going to jump ship and choose my 5906 DPA model. Can go up or down depending on what I want to shoot. Great accuracy and proven to be very reliable.

I know the argument that you can handle most situations with less that 6 rounds, but its the "most" part I don't like and also a few of the other combat advantages of a semi-auto.

I might change the make and model of my one gun if I could also have a 22 conversion as long as it was only one gun....

One handgun would indeed be a sad situation...

 

[veeklog1]

I have both a M-66 and a M-28, both with 4" barrels. Although the M-28 is a boat anchor compared to the Model-66, for a .357 Magnum I would choose the Model 28. It will shoot everything I load into he camber. That said I have a soft place in my heart for the Model 66 since it was issued to me while I attended my first police academy

 

[22lrfan]

I wouldn't be to upset if I was only limited to a 66 or 686. A state law enforcement agency traded in all their revolvers at the local police supply store which in turn sold them. All of these came home with me plus some 10's and a 15.

 

[saemetric]

My favorite M66 is the 6". Best balance to me.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

If I could only own one gun?

Benelli Super Black Eagle II 12 gauge with two barrels.

I'll take a wild bird over a sheet of paper any day. My big friend can carry any handgun he wants.

Cut in my teeth quail hunting with my Father, doves with my friends, and fell in love with waterfowling. Slug barrel for a deer or two per season. Great for Personal Protection. Everyone used to ride to the diner for lunch in their trucks with windows down and shotguns on window racks. Those were the days.

 

[billj47]

I don't feel too bad with my 65-2 4 inch

 

[Xfuzz]

Only one handgun...
I will go with the 29.

 

[sheepdawg]

This may be blasphemy on an S&W forum but my choice would be my Sig P220 and I own 2 m66 4" no dashes.

 

[Shooter-2]

Xfuzz; That is a BEAUTIFUL picture. Very nice.