Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns S&W 66 combat magnum

I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I want a relatively lightweight DA revolver to carry along while out woodsbumming, fishing, etc.

We don’t have large predators here in ky so I was thinking a nice 22 would really be what I needed, ( pop an occasional groundhog and plinking mostly) but the more I think about it, the more I think a 357 and it’s abilty to shoot 38s would make a better choice. I’m really liking the look and feel of the model 66, however the internal lock is really messing with me. Some people hate it, some don’t seem to mind it. I have looked at gp100s, redhawks, sp101s and I just don’t like anything about them. Shape, weight etc.

So for those that have them, would you let the internal lock deter you from buying a new Smith, and if so what route would you go for a 4” barreled 357?

If the lock bothers you why don't you look for an older model without one? You can probably find an older model in pristine condition for about the same price as a new one.

Lots of used guns out there without them. Don't let a Model 64 or 67 scare you either. You can still find them for a 'song' with a little looking.

This.

The 66 is a good choice. Mine doesn't have the lock, but the lock wouldn't deter me from buying one. The lock is more of an aesthetic problem than functional, analogous to the crossbolt safety on modern lever actions. That said used makes at least as much sense.

I wouldn't let the lock stop me. I have several with the lock and don't even notice it or pay it any attention.

" what route would you go for a 4” barreled 357? "


Security Six , if you could find one............

For woods rambling I think that your first idea of the .22 is a better one than the M66. I had a pre-lock 4" M66 and sold it as rather non-useful for what I do with a handgun. The M66 was the state patrol standard issue years back and they shot them loose from what I'd been told. I didn't have that much opportunity or ammunition to shoot mine that often, but it was loud with magnums, a 6" would have been better for hunting and a plinker it wasn't either. A S&W 4" M34 .22 on the J frame with a larger set of grips is a way better choice for my woods rambling. That little M34 replaced the K frame 6" M17 that I had too as that one was too heavy imo for a .22.

It's not like a cross bolt safety. If a cross bolt safety gets inadvertently engaged, you just push it to where it belongs. If that happens to one of these guns, you've got to hope you have a key handy ... a highly unlikely circumstance. And they do get inadvertently engaged on occasion by recoil. Just something else that can potentially go wrong, and therefore has no place on a serious defensive tool.

66-5 was the last without the lock, not hard to find on line.

I sometimes let the lock steer me away from certain guns, but think it's mostly just a mental thing. I have a sadistic 329 that recoils worse than most, & the lock in it hasn't stopped the show, yet.

While the internal lock wouldn't bother me, it's something I'd prefer to avoid for aesthetic reasons. S&W made several literal tons of K frame 357's without the funny hole in the frame. It's easy enough to find one you'll like.

Another option would be to go to a 3" model 60, the adjustable sight version. You'll lose a round, and it's not the most pleasant with full power 357, it's a bit lighter and handier, though (IMO).

Decided to find a pristine pre-lock Model 66 a couple years ago. Found this one for a good deal a couple months ago. Just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Gun came in the front door of favorite LGS. Bought from store owner. Came home with me.

Model 66-2

It’s not just the lock. You can remove that and plug the hole. It’s the MIM parts that I don’t like. It’s not that there are not strong it’s that as I understand it they are only surface heat treated. Hasbeen

I've had both a 4" Model 66 and a 4" GP100. The 66 had a better trigger but the GP100, with the old style grips, fits my hand better and I shoot it better too. You'll never wear out a Ruger.

I have a Model 19-3 that is about perfect for packing, IMHO. In snake country, I have the first round up as a snake shot handload with Speer capsule and #12 shot. I mostly shoot .38s in it, but it is nice to have the magnum option if I am in predator country.

This is a -2 I bought in the mid 80s. They are still widely available. Very useful revolver. I keep it loaded with 357s but I keep 38 wadcutters and shot shells around for plinking and snakes. Mine has seen a zillion miles of being carried by various means.

a snubby 66 shoots just about as good as a 4”. both my 19 and 66 snubbies shoot better than they should. you can find a shooter grade for about 5 bills

I agree with everything but the price. K frames have skyrocketed in price in my area. 700 minimum. Hasbeen

60, 66, or a small 327 would also be sweet. If one liked SA, a Ruger Single Six, probably in 5.5" with Magnum would be handy but Woodchuck worthy....

Now if one were inclined, a 38 Super.....or 357 Sig would also work, assuming accuracy was there.

Sure like those 66 snubies. Finally found one last year that met my price criteria. Don't care for the MIM parts or the hole.