Well armed with these two...

[PALADIN85020]

It's still hard to beat the old Model 66s for self defense. These are equipped with Ahrends stocks, my personal preference.

The top one is a Model 66-1 (May, 1978), and the lower one a Model 66-2 (November, 1983).

They just don't make 'em like this any more!

John

 

[brucev]

I concur. The 66 is about perfect in every respect.

 

[Florida Guy]

I've got a similar pair and they're keepers for sure

 

[smokey04]

Back in 1971-4 in Colorado Springs,CO. I became friendly with a city Policeman[we both haunted the gun shops around].He had a walking, or part walking beat in the mean side of town where different ethnic groups would try to prove the superiority in the gin mills and "low class drinking establishments".The PD issued Mod. 19 4" guns at that time and Bill, always worried about having his piece snatched in a fight,loaded up with inert reloads in his issue side arm.CSPD also issued very nice leather patrol jackets at the time and Bill always carried a Mod. 19 or 66,2&1/2" in a Berns-Martin Lighting Triple Draw[upsidedown split front shoulder rig] under the jacket.Everytime I see a pair of 4" and 2&1/2" mod.19s or 66s together I wonder how he made out over the years[ I was in the Army at Ft. Carson].I have a 2&1/2" 66 that I will never part with and wish I had a 4" but my 3&1/2 Mod. 27 fills the bill and I'm well past the age of working the mean streets.No intent to highjack this thread,just thought it was an appropriate sidebar to the OP. Nick

 

[M29since14]

Smokeyo4, that notion must occur to lots of police officers. I know of one who actually allowed it to happen, and then used it to his advantage. He was approaching a vehicle stopped along the side of a highway that he knew contained a hostage and hostage-taker. He quickly made a plan to unload his Model 66 and allow himself to be "disarmed." In the course of that operation, he waited until the creep was fumbling around with his own and the officer's empty Model 66, then he drew a concealed Chief's Special from his rear pants pocket, got the drop on him, took him prisoner, and rescued the hostage. It was a gutsy piece of police work. I often wonder if the young fellows I see cruising around today would have the courage to do something like that. I suppose that, like when that incident happened, some would (I hope) and some wouldn't.

Those are nice looking 66s, John. I share your fondness for them, and for the Model 19. Great guns for the job intended.

 

[Stu Honea]

Just a little on the side ,Paladin. Extremely ,in fact.

 

[holo]

i have had a 66 2 1/2'' for a few months and love it

 

[StatesRightist]

Very nice pair!!

 

[Flint Ridge]

Paladin, those are real beauties. How is it that I sit there staring at them every time somebody posts a picture, nice photography too.

 

[tekarra]

A very nice and complementary pair of revolvers.

 

[bronco45]

Thanks for sharing, appreciate your care of those classics.

 

[AZretired]

Nice, don't often see a 2 1/2 " Square butt.

 

[fyimo]

Great looking pair of Model 66's

 

[PALADIN85020]

Nice, don't often see a 2 1/2 " Square butt.

I never have! The Ahrends grips are round-to-square conversions. An easy solution if you prefer the more hand-filling square configuration.

John

 

[Texas Star]

My four-inch M-66-3 is probably the single best all-round handgun I've ever owned.

I owned a snub M-19, but could barely keep groups at 25 yards small enough to cover with my hand. I think I'll keep .357's to a three-inch min. barrel length. I would like to try a M-65 or M-66 in that length.

I have owned M-19's with six-inch barrels, and they were very accurate and relatively lightweight for six-inch .357 power. M-66's would have been even better; I like stainless guns.

 

[18DAI]

" They just don't make 'em like this anymore! "

Amen brother. I staked my life on those revolvers for many years. Beautiful sixguns. Regards 18DAI

 

[MP1983]

two true classics!! make a great pair in any collection of Smithy's...(I've got a 4" from 1983 & a 2 1/2" inch from 1993 that I just got in December...I only asked to look out of curiosity, but after I held it I couldn't let them put it back in the display case )...

always enjoy your posts Paladin, thanks for sharing...

 

[JCS&W]

I have a M66-1 4" and a M66-1 2.5". John could not have said it better, they truly do not make them like that anymore. Beautiful, just beautiful.

 

[Sirad]

That's a great pair of revolovers. Its funny how alot of S&W revolver owners keep a 2-1/2 and a 4" K. I have a 19-3 4" and got a 66-5, 2-1/2" also. Couldn't imagine not having those 2 revolvers.

 

[STCM(SW)]

That's a great pair of revolovers. Its funny how alot of S&W revolver owners keep a 2-1/2 and a 4" K. I have a 19-3 4" and got a 66-5, 2-1/2" also. Couldn't imagine not having those 2 revolvers.

You mean like this?