Model 66 with 2.75 inch barrel is being introduced

[Collo Rosso]

I like the cut at the end of the barrel lug. Distinguishes it from the 686.
Was thinking if I really dislike the look of the black parts I'll have them hard chromed. Loved that look when S&W did it.
Can't wait to get one! I've got plenty of 44 special and magnum brass, different weight bullets and a selection of powders to play with. This should be a fun one!

 

[Stopsign32v]

Finally a photo

and it does have a black cylinder release.

Yep...I'll have one. Will be for carry.

Damn now I regret buying the 686+ 3".......No I don't

 

[KSDeputy]

I would much prefer a 3" model 65.

 

[Paul105]

Finally a photo

and it does have a black cylinder release.

I have both 4 1/4" M66 & M69 (two of my favorites) and wasn't interested in the 2.75" until I saw the picture -- they just look right -- I'm in for one of each if I can swing it.

FWIW,

Paul

 

[alphabrace]

Looks awesome but it will probably be priced out of my range.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Hopper]

MUST have!! I also have the 66-8, and absolutely love it. I've been pining for a 2.5 - 3" option for the past couple years. Everything else on my "want" list just came to a screeching halt... THIS will be my next purchase. Thank you Santa, bring this NM 66 to market!!!

Please, PLEASE don't let this be a joke. I never thought this would happen due to the the 4.25" length required for the Canadian market.

I may have just peed a little, I couldn't be more excited about this news.

 

[Stopsign32v]

I think $700-800 would be a more than fair price. I can't imagine them priced more than a new 686+

 

[epj]

My, but this is a tough crowd. S&W finally steps up and specs out what everyone is asking for, and it gets nit picked to death. Sheesh! The lock isn't gonna go away, and neither are the black MIM parts. If I didn't already have a 66 snub, I'd be very interested in this one. The new one is probably more inherently accurate with the two piece barrel. Don't know if the extra quarter inch of ejector rod is enough, but it can't hurt.

 

[DD357]

They do know how ruin what should be a fine gun. They won't sell enough and say "see there is not enough of a market".

 

[BruMatt]

Well, I love my 69 4 1/4" and am definitely in for the 2 3/4" of both.
We have been asking for variations of these guns since they came out.
I am surprised that, as soon as the company seems to acknowledge the market, the critics and naysayers take over. Despite the cosmetic complaints the 69 has proved to be an excellent, reliable addition to the S&W stable. I hope these offerings are well accepted so more L-frame calibers and offerings are on the horizon.

 

[Stopsign32v]

They do know how ruin what should be a fine gun. They won't sell enough and say "see there is not enough of a market".

How on earth is it "ruined"?

 

[Hopper]

How on earth is it "ruined"?

Beats me. But let the naysayers be naysayers, hopefully that makes it easier for me to get my hands on one when they are released. I've truly been pining for this, and couldn't be more excited!

I got a NM66-8 shortly after they were released, and it's one I don't ever plan to part with. I upgraded it with a Wilson Combat spring kit, a Hi-Viz front sight, and I absolutely love it. I've found it to be crazy accurate, too.

I'm really, really hoping these new 2.75" models won't be some kind of Lipsey's or TALO limited run, and will be fairly easy to find once they come out.

 

[Ashlander]

I've already pre-ordered and bought some nice Ahrends grips for it. Can't wait.

 

[zeke]

Last time I checked they were currently making some 38 snubs without the lock. It does not matter to me, have wanted a 3 in 69 since they came out. 2.75 in with full length ejector rod is more than close enough. Hopefully it does make the older versions more valuable, am getting old enough to get some return on those 696's and 3 inch n-frames.

 

[DD357]

How on earth is it "ruined"?

Bet you know already know the things I don't like about it.

 

[GregModel66-8]

I'm so thrilled they are coming out with the 66-8 in 2.75'' barrel. I absolutely adore my 66-8. I prefer the 2 toned look of the black trigger,hammer, cylinder release on the bead blasted finish. I think this will be a great competitor to the rugged SP101 2.25(which I have and love too).

I think they will be hesitant to make it a part of their product line because it would compete directly with the L frame. However, I do think there is room for both. Make the K frame the "standard" 357 line and keep the L frame for people who value that 7th round. After all, there is still the N frame for people who want 8 rounds

 

[jtcarm]

A S&W rep told us to our face that we would never see another S&W revolver with an exposed hammer without a lock. He said it would be a legal nightmare to remove a "safety device" once it was introduced into production. This was 2 years ago at the dealers meet in Columbia, S.C. at the fairgrounds.

Exactly what I've been saying for years. They'd get pilloried by the media and every AD thereafter would result in a suit & big settlement.

And yet, they were able to introduce the M&P Shield with a thumb safety, only to release a safety-less version a couple years later?

Why would the exposed hammer make any difference?

Edit: If there's really some reason they can't make one with an exposed hammer, how about producing a K-Frame centennial? I'd buy a new 66 (or even something like a Nightguard 315 or 386) with a concealed hammer if it meant no internal lock.

Because the SA trigger on an S&W revo is about 1/2 the weight of an M&P and doesn't have the take up. Bottom line is, once they put it on revolvers, it'd be easier to put toothpaste back in the tube than remove it.

A K-frame Centennial: my thoughts exactly! Especially a 3" scandium .357 (a "319")

 

[ruggyh]

Smith & Wesson now has this on their website with addition pictures.

 

[SLT223]

Smith & Wesson now has this on their website with addition pictures.

Man I can't wait to get my mitts on that snub M69. I'm thinking 200gr XTP's at about 1100-1200fps will be a the ticket for me.

 

[shocker]

Wonderfully proportioned handguns. I'm satisfied with my 4" 69 and am not in the market for a 357 otherwise I'd be asking the LGS to get one.