Model 66 or Model 28

[tecumseh]

I can only get one, which would be the better way to go for home and range. Is one or the other consider a better gun...regardless of frame size.

 

[Black Knight]

If you intend on carrying it, the 66 should be a hair better. The 28 is a bit heavier and some find it difficult to conceal or carry for hours at a time. Other than that I would choose the 28. By being a larger frame the 28 can handle any factory magnum load on the shelf. The best way to determine which you feel is better is to try each one if you can.

 

[GF]

The only thing they have in common is caliber. The Mod 66 being stainless and a smaller frame might be a better choice for all around "one gun".

GF

 

[Ron H.]

I can only get one, which would be the better way to go for home and range. Is one or the other consider a better gun...regardless of frame size.

Sir, FWIW, I've had both and prefer the 28. It's the more rugged of the two, and the extra weight is nice in a range gun.

JMHO.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[tecumseh]

Looks like the 28 then....not going to carry it and may hunt with it.

Thanks for the input.

 

[hedge313]

I like both, but

if I had to choose one, I would choose the 66. It is fairly easy to carry, its a great home defense gun, and it is fun at the range too. I think it is the best all round choice. Then again, I would have to figure out a way to get both!

 

[stevieboy]

Oh, this is a tough choice. I have a 66 and a 27 (which we all know is identical to the 28 except for the finish and a few other touches). I go back and forth concerning which I prefer. I carry neither of them but they both see a lot of range time. My 66, being lighter, points a little more easily than my 27 and is just a bit more comfortable at arm's length. But, the 27, being solid as a tank, really soaks up the recoil. Both guns are extremely accurate.

I wouldn't know what to do if I had to choose between 'em. Currently, I'm firing magnums exclusively from the 27 (158 gr) and firing mainly 38 +Ps from my 66 with an occasional cylinder of magnum rounds thrown in for the fun of it. I'd say that the heavier gun is a better choice for a steady diet of magnum rounds. If, on the other hand, you intend to fire mainly 38s or 38 +Ps, then, you might appreciate the relative lightness of the 66.

 

[VM]

You can shoot large quantities and Beefy 357 Mag loads out of the Model 28 Tank (and not ever worry about it). Over time the 66 will not stand up to that type of punishment.
And they are just so darn Cool!

**NOTE**
I'm extremely partial to Highway Patrolman's

 

[1HAWKEYE]

Not to throw a wrench in the works but how about splitting the difference and getting a 686. The L frame is sort of k frame handle on a N frame though the frame is actually just a hair smaller and heavy loads won't effect it like the 66. But if you don't like the 686 a model 28-2 is a very good choice.I've had both 4" & 6" barrel model 28's and a 6" model 66 but when I got that 6" 686 I thought it was the perfect combination of the two frame sizes.also if you don't want stainless steel the 586 is the blued version.I hope not to confuse but to offer another option.

 

[M28]

....for home and range.

28 hands down

Brian~

 

[ia1727]

586---it's a tank ----eats anything you want to put in it and makes a great range and hunting gun. Very comfortable to shoot. IMHO

 

[tom turner]

M28, hands down. More valuable too . . . higher resale value . . . more desirable.

 

[davel686]

If you want a gun that will handle .357 loads all day long and not hurt your hand then I would recomened a 4" M 28 or a M 686 or 586 in 4" or 6".
all will work great for range and hunting along with being a great house gun.

 

[alwslate]

No contest, get the 28.

 

[roaddog28]

Its very simple. For shooting 357s all the time model 28. Also a 586/686 works good too. If you want a 38+P revolver that on occasion would see some 357s rounds then the 66 is the answer. The K frames are one of the best handling revolvers of all time. But remember the K frame magnum was never intended to shoot 357s on a steady basis and the light full power 125g rounds are not recommended. Smith and Wesson does not have any replacement barrels anymore and I would not recommend punishing a K frame magnum with 357s. Lets put it this way. The N frame 27/28 was made to shoot 357s. The 66 was a 38 special revolver modified to shoot 357s on occasion.
I think most others would agree.
Good luck,
roaddog28

 

[imjin138]

I like the 28.

 

[00blkgt]

For the home and range I prefer the larger model 28 but I am a big guy. Look both over carefully and see which feels better in your hands.