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

[SJshooter]

Occasional shooter and never carried? You need a 19, not a 66!

 

[TDC]

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?

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

 

[pawncop]

From what you described, I would recommend the 4".

 

[Gryff]

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!

It's...distinct. But not brutal.

I love my 2-1/2" M66.

 

[peepaw]

I'm with the buy both crowd.
I own a 2-1/2 and am always looking for a four.

 

[BAM-BAM]

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.

 

[sodacan]

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.

 

[Desert Rat 416]

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.

 

[WardenRoss]

go with the humble 3", round butt!

not the no dash or the -1 you wanted, but still a fantastic shooter with great balance.

 

[cddanjr]

The 2.5" K frame is not really that bad in terms of recoil but there is plenty of flame shooting out

THAT IS MY FAVORITE PART!

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

Chuck

 

[Rush_Fan]

awesome

[/QUOTE]

This looks like perfection!

 

[mr.jbk79]

I think you won't go wrong with either. My preference is for the snub, as my no dash was my first S&W. Nothing quite matches their look or feel imo. If the right 4" crossed my path, I wouldn't mind snatching one up either.

 

[KLYDE]

I'll take the short barrel gun just about everytime. They shoot surprisingly well. My dash-3.