Model 66 with 2.75 inch barrel is being introduced

[Hopper]

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

WOOOT!! To me, this means these will NOT be a limited Lipsey's or TALO model run. I also saw that Grab-a-Gun has it listed on their website (but it's not available to order yet).

S&W Model 66 Stainless .357mag 2.75-inch 6rd

 

[Blackshirt]

New features notwithstanding, I really like this format. I carried a 2 1/2" M19 early in my career and have missed it since I turned it in for a Sig 220. K-Frames are my favorite Smiths...

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Just 1 oz. difference in their weights.

I like them both... definitely... most definitely.

On the M69's webpage it says:

Overview:

The K-Frame revolver is one of the most important innovations in Smith & Wesson history and was built specifically to handle the .38 S&W Special cartridge. Since its introduction in 1899, the K-Frame has been a favorite for military and police professionals as well as target shooters and enthusiasts. Today's K-Frame is available in .22 LR, .357 Magnum and .38 S&W Special.

First L-Frame in .44 Magnum®

Don't know why they added the paragraph referencing the K-frame; that's for the M66, which does have the same paragraph on it's page.

Had me wondering at first until I saw the line mentioning the L-Frame.

.

 

[M3Stuart]

Hi everybody. I haven't visited this forum in a looonnng time. Was starting to lose interest somewhat - so bad that I started a 5.56 phase

Then it happened. I was on S&W's website and thought; hey, why do they have a pic of a 3" 66 on there? And, why'd they put that new grip on a 3" 66...

** Lee Guac-A-MoLee.

They built the EXACT gun I described on a S&W wish list thread a couple years back. Albeit with a two-piece barrel, ball detent, black controls, bead blast finish and IL.

I guess the engineers, lawyers, etc. have to justify their existence.

All in all; Well Done! I can't wait to get one...or two. If it pans out as expected, then I could see myself settling in on this model for the long haul.

Who'd a thunk S&W would have any idea of what the customers like me actually want to buy?

WOW.

 

[gnystrom]

I think I wish I hadn't seen this post.

 

[LonChaney]

The only thing I don't like about this is that they decided to release it 4 months after I decided to have a 67 cut to 3". I figured I'd get a 4.25" 66 down the road. I'd have kept the 4" 67 as is and then bought this for my 3" needs. Oh well, at least I now have a really cool 3" 67.

And I'll still need to buy one of these.

And a 4.25" 66.

2017 will be expensive.

 

[alphabrace]

I will probably buy the new ruger gp100 44 special....it will most likely be much much cheaper. S&W has priced themselves to high imo

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[jtcarm]

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

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Grab a Gun has them priced around $800 (not in stock).

Odd, when they list a 3" 686+ for $100 less.

 

[Collo Rosso]

I will probably buy the new ruger gp100 44 special....it will most likely be much much cheaper. S&W has priced themselves to high imo

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MSRP S&W 69 2 3/4" barrel - $849
MSRP Ruger GP100 44 special - $829
Yep, it's more expensive.

 

[Macinaw]

MSRP S&W 69 2 3/4" barrel - $849
MSRP Ruger GP100 44 special - $829
Yep, it's more expensive.

Isn't the S&W a 44 Magnum? That would be positive.

 

[TeaDub]

Good for Smith!

A 3", medium frame 357 is one of the few guns currently on my list. At 2.75, this one is close enough. The lock and the MIM no longer bother me. Perhaps enough time has past that I no longer find the ILS unattractive nor worry about it functioning.

I had been looking at a WC GP100 and the 686+ in 3 inch form. Now I'll have to wait to put one these in my hand before deciding.

 

[caleb4387]

I see no reason for getting the 66 when their are so many great 3 inch k frames and snub k frames out there used and pre lock...now the model 69...that's a game changer...

 

[clayflingythingy]

I will probably buy the new ruger gp100 44 special....it will most likely be much much cheaper. S&W has priced themselves to high imo

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With the Ruger you need to add in another $50 for Altamont old style grips or find a used pair for sale. The Hogue grips on the Ruger are an abomination.

 

[Jlyrgr]

I see no reason for getting the 66 when their are so many great 3 inch k frames and snub k frames out there used and pre lock...now the model 69...that's a game changer...

I am not sure this is necessarily the case? The 3 inch K frames are not as easy to come by as you may think and are fetching high dollars. (although that may change with the intro of this "new" model 66.) The other consideration is that the improvements to the new format which allow more frequent use of .357 may be a reason to hop on this new offering.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[Lou_the_welder]

Fascinating!

California's roster doesn't have it approved by January 1st 2018! So maybe us poor Californian' s will get it sometime thereafter. ..............nice!



I'm curious how I've heard people placed orders on them already. And yes, once they become available, I will be in line.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

 

[SLT223]

Fascinating!

California's roster doesn't have it approved by January 1st 2018! So maybe us poor Californian' s will get it sometime thereafter. ..............nice!



I'm curious how I've heard people placed orders on them already. And yes, once they become available, I will be in line.

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Dealers can place orders with their distributors. Distributors place them with S&W. Then the orders get filled as production proceeds.

 

[deadduck357]

I'll get one if they make a non-lock model.

 

[DD357]

I'll get one if they make a non-lock model.

The black hardware is just hideous as well.

 

[SLT223]

Apparently Lipseys told my LGS these guns are almost a year out....I REALLY hope that's bad information. These are the only new guns I've put on order in about 15 years!

 

[Hopper]

Apparently Lipseys told my LGS these guns are almost a year out....I REALLY hope that's bad information. These are the only new guns I've put on order in about 15 years!

UGH, surely this is wrong! I suspect (HOPE) it's a misunderstanding, as it's already got a placeholder listed on Grab-A-Gun's website, and it's clearly listed on S&W's website.