Model 66 choices

[Texas Star]

I'd normally select the four-inch as an all-round gun, and with proper stocks, it conceals about as well as the snub, and it is easier to shoot well, has a full length extractor rod, and higher velocity.

BUT...the no dash sometimes heated up and was sluggish in operation. S&W relocated the gas ring to cure the problem, thus, 66-1.

For operational integrity, I'd choose the snub, in this case. But a collector may prefer the early stainless.

My own is a four-inch M-66-3. But you don't have that option in this particular deal.

I had a M-19 snub. It was hard to shoot well with full loads and I wasn't confident beyond 25 yards. But it has the power to kill an alligator at close range. You just need to know the vital scale and hit it. At very close range, it'd kill bear or cougar, but the snub is
markedly more difficult to shoot well.

 

[jwk]

Snub is probably better everyday trading stock. Value in a room of serious collectors no idea. As a user for me the 4 inch as I want a full length ejector rod on anything I carry. Yes i do carry a J snub but that is because a J w a 3 inch barrel wont fit in my pants pocket. I dont carry it if i can comfortly wear a covering garment. Then i go to a larger handgun. If everyone open carried, my choice would be a 4 inch M28 or a 625 Mountain Gun or a 1911. That's me though. Can't say what is best for you.

 

[minconrevo]

The SS sights version is definitely for the collector. I was the 2nd owner of a 66 no dash in about 1975 that came from the factory with them. They were absolutely miserable to try to shoot well with in bright sunlight. After S&W went to blackened SS for the rear and put a red ramp front on they were much better.

 

[ageingstudent]

I say get them both

 

[sheepdawg]

As was stated I own both 66s in 4" One with blued sights, one with stainless. The stainless sights are horrible in full sun as well as at an indoor range, the blued are much better. That being said I've been on the hunt for a snubby 66 for years.

 

[Willeys]

I have both. The 66 no-dash with as rear sight will eventually be a collector's choice however today the 2 1/2 barrel is the choice for those interested in carry, therefore, today you often see them priced a little higher than the 4". It's great to have choices, especially when both are great choices.

 

[greenmachine]

Well, I have a 66-1 2 1/2" in the original box, and three 66 no-dash 4-inchers (two with the stainless rear sight - one of which is in the original box) and love them.

But, don't sell your CZ75B SAO & new Kadet 2 kit short. That SAO CZ75B is very desirable. I wish I had one.