Model 66....... 2.5" or 4"?

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robertwhite

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Have to scratch a model 66 itch, but can't decide on a RB 2.5" or a SB 4".

Will absolutely be either a 66 no-dash or a 66-1.

This will be an occasional shooter and will never be carried. Also will see mostly .38 rds, so the shorter barrel will not be a huge concern.

Pro/Cons of each?
 
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If it is going to be just a range gun, I'd prefer the longer sight radius and square butt of the four inch. For home defense, either would work great, but I'd prefer the 2.5. I also prefer the look of the 2.5. Honestly, I don't think you could go wrong with either.
 
A picture to help you decide?:)

GroupPictureall66P-R-2-1.jpg
 
They both are way sexy and both are great shooters at the range. To be truthful, I think your itch needs to be scratched by both. Find one that satisfies you for price & condition, and get it. And then start the hunt for its mate.

Sorry, I know that is of little help.
Frank
 
I have a 66 4", I love it. I can only imagine what the 2.5" is like when you squeeze off a .357 round!:eek:

Chuck
 
I was faced with this same problem two years ago. I bought both S&W #66-2's.
012150.JPG


The 4" gun had RR, WO, TH, TT so NATURALLY my son wanted it. I bought a set of combat stocks for it and gave it to him.
006277.JPG
 
I just bought the 19 2.5" and I feel it is better balanced than the 4". Just my opinion. I know I shoot the 2.5" better than I did the 4" one I had. Can't make a bad choice either way though.
 
the short bbl gun commands a higher price and is a little harder to find deals on. the 4" seems plentiful and less costly. that said, for your purposes id go with the 4" bbl, thats what i did.
 
I would buy whichever I found in good to excellent condition first. If you are not carrying it, you can't go wrong with either. I have both, and shoot them equally well. Both a great guns.
 
I'm with John P.

Since you can't pick between the two then go with the one that comes along first. It is likely that you won't be able to shake the desire for the other so don't be surprised when the day comes that you have both! :)
 
If a person has no preference and no need for the shorter barrel he/she should get the one with the most appeal to him/her. Still undecided and going to shoot the revolver? Always go with the longer barrel up to 6 inches. The longer sight radius will allow more precise aiming and hitting, all other things being equal.
 
robertwhite said:
Have to scratch a model 66 itch, but can't decide on a RB 2.5" or a SB 4".

Will absolutely be either a 66 no-dash or a 66-1.

This will be an occasional shooter and will never be carried. Also will see mostly .38 rds, so the shorter barrel will not be a huge concern.

Pro/Cons of each?
Click to expand...

robertwhite,

I guess you've seen that there is no definitive answer when the question involves which Mod 66 barrel length to buy. That's why I threw in a picture...:)

As others have said -- buy the first one you find in the condition and at the price you desire. Others, including me, will just tell you to buy them all...... They are all excellent, useful barrel lengths and all are much sought after.... There is no wrong choice
 
I don't think you can get a -1 but if undecided get a 3inch -2,3or4 the best of both worlds....LOL

I have 2 4inch-1s (and a no dash), and a 2.5 inch -4 but all I use/carry is my 3inch -4.
 
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The question of 2 1/2" or 4" becomes moot after you handle them. IMO, they feel like entirely different guns. Even though they share a frame and model number, the differences make them vastly different. Try them both, and you'll find your decision will be difficult. I own three barrel lengths of the model (two no dash 4", a dash one 2 1/2" and a dash one 6 1/8"), and I think the 2 1/2" is as close to a perfect revolver as you can get.
 
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I have a 66, 66-1,and a 66-2 in 2.5", so needless to say I'm pretty fond of the 66 snubbies. That said, my sole 4" 66 no dash is the single most practical, multi-purpose, all weather, S&W revolver of any model in my harem. If I could have only one revlover, it is really the only one I actually need, vs. had to have for other reasons - sort of like the 30.06 in the over-crowded long gun cabinet.

So my best advice is to buy both barrel lengths.
 
452x6 said:
The 2.5" K frame is not really that bad in terms of recoil but there is plenty of flame shooting out :D
Click to expand...

THAT IS MY FAVORITE PART! :D:D:D

It also tends to get alot of attention at the range when you "light up the room" with a few .357 rounds. hehe:cool:

Chuck
 
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