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

[Rock185]

I think highly of the 66; carried one for several years and shot the heck out of it with Magnum ammo. Mine was a pretty rattily gun after a few years of this, and I had S&W overhaul it 40+ years ago. My choice though would be the 686. Saw a 19 or two and a Python with damaged forcing cones, possibly due to the .357 125 JHP ammo we were issued. Still have the old model 66 and an L-Frame or two. Excellent revolvers all, but my nod would go to the L-Frame if limited to only one revolver..

 

[Bald1]

A 4" 357 is never a bad choice. About 15 yrs ago my neighbor was getting his permit in his mid 50s. He'd done a little shooting in the past with 22 rifles and shotguns. He thought he might want to set up a blind behind his house and maybe shoot a deer as well as carry out in the woods. He asked what he should get. I told him a 4" 686 is easy enough to carry. Will kill a deer just fine inside 50yds At fits nicely on the nightstand. When his permit arrived he immediately bought a 4" 686. He carried it around in an uncle mikes nylon holster. Month or so later I bought him a nice looking no name leather holster for it. I told him a classic Smith deserves leather. He passed away about 3 yrs ago. I used to watch him on his Kubota mowing grass with that on his hip. He couldn't shoot worth a damn but he sure was proud of that thing.

 

[JohnRippert]

That would be a pretty easy choice for me. This Model 19-4 would do everything I want it to. Someone did a RB conversion to it which I reversed with some Culina RB to SB grips. The trigger serrations were ground down and smoothed and a target hammer installed. It definitely has had a trigger job. Buttery smooth DA that weighs 8.5lbs, SA at 3.25lb

 

[BC38]

After reading this thread,, yesterday, I went to a new LGS near me,,

I told him that I wanted a Smith Model 66 that was capable of being carried,,
and, good for bear,,

He sold me this,,
Did I get the right gun??

Methinks some folks may have missed/overlooked the barrel markings in your photo...

Tongue-in-cheek humor sometimes goes over some people's heads...

 

[Inusuit]

Never owned a 66. Stainless is a good choice for the long haul. Down to one, it would be my Highway Patrolman.

 

[Jeppo]

Methinks some folks may have missed/overlooked the barrel markings in your photo...

Tongue-in-cheek humor sometimes goes over some people's heads...

Which is why I mentioned that 357 won't damage the forcing cone.

 

[BC38]

Which is why I mentioned that 357 won't damage the forcing cone.

Yeah, if you aren't shooting .357 rounds, you never have to worry about the cracked forcing cone issue, right?

 

[tjpopkin]

loved my Model 66, a PC version I drooled over for years.....
however, I did, foolishly, sell it and designed the one gun I dreamed of....and had it made.
It has a Titanium frame with 30 lpi checkering, Damascus slide, Kart Match Barrel, Videcki trigger, XS sights and Ivory Engraved Stock. Built by Master Gunsmith Walt Frear and stocks by Dan Chesiak. It shoots as good as it looks!

 

[Geeorge]

God that guy just rambles on

 

[garddogg56]

I use this all the time for a reason

 

[.357magger]

For me, 100% agreed.

But I don't have to have just one.

 

[Doug M.]

My 4" 66 with round butt is a great all around revolver. I would likely prefer one of those 686 MGs, and had one for a while that I had to sell during a personal downturn. The difference in size is modest and the weight is almost identical because it does not have that unfortunate full lug barrel. Paired with my long backordered Ruger/Marlin 1894 when it comes in, I can solve almost any realistic problem and a level gun, even with the added red dot, sling, etc., will not get the attention a different platform might.

There is a decent argument for a 5" M27, as it splits the difference between 4 and 6 and might give slightly better top end ballistic performance. Most of us don't need that top end stuff.

 

[Inland7-45]

If I could only keep one it would be my model 67 no dash. I have a good supply of brass , powder and primers as well as lead and several bullet mounds. The .38 Special is the first caliber that I started reloading. It is also the first caliber that I started casting for. Although I enjoy shooting and reloading for other calibers the .38 Special is my favorite.

Of all my revolvers this one balances perfectly and has a very slick DA pull. It is easy to hit with and being able to adjust the sights make it easy to tailor reloads to point it impact.

If I did'nt already have the model 67 I picked either a model 66 or 19 with a 4" barrel.

 

[BC38]

God that guy just rambles on

HUH?!? "That guy"?!?
On an active forum like this you need to be a little more specific...
Are you familiar with the QUOTE button?

 

[SS336]

I have a few S&W's but I agree with OP this would be the last to go.
My Father bought it in 74, I think, and gave it to my in 1975. Had used it since then for many different things and had some great experiences with it.
I could get by with this as my only center fire revolver.

 

[UncleEd]

You could do worse. I might grab my Wiley Clapp GP100 over my 66, but I'd been fine with either.

Uh huh. Don't disagree.

But one revolver: Ruger GP100 4.2 inch barrel.
It's L frame in size but so be it.

For the record I have quite a few S&W K frames.

 

[Steve St.]

The S&W mod 66 is an awesome revolver and I have a couple. But I also have several other S&W models and other brands of 357 Mags. If I could only have ONE 4" 357 mag, it would be a Ruger GP 100. That is just my opinion and that is also why I own several different brands and models.

 

[AveragEd]

While I feel that the Model 66 is the ideal combination of size, weight, durability and power - I have ones in 2-1/2", 4" and 6" - if I had to chose just one of my revolvers it would be my 5" Model 686-3 National Match.

Ed

 

[mikeruns]

I saw that video of Mike with his model 66 and a person could do worse as a 66 is excellent. I do think the 4" 686 was my last gun ever choice at one time followed by a model 18 but, I can still enjoy the outdoors thoroughly and I won't want to carry a behemoth nor a fly weight for grizzly where life sometimes takes me. I like a model 29 mtn gun that I bought and it is great for my purpose and carries so well and can lay down bad men in my home or else where if needed too.

 

[A10]

Four inch 28 or 5 inch 27 would be my choice.