1
18DAI
Guest
I just realized the other day that my relationship with the S&W Model 66 has spanned about 40 years. Give or take. Now when I say S&W Model 66 I am talking about the 66 no dash, through the 66-4. Not the later cheapened models or that abomination that currently bears the moniker. So, if you are a fan of modern production revolvers, now would be a good point to hit the back button.
My first model 66 was a 4 inch 66-1. I carried it on duty, briefly, before replacing it with a 4 inch 66-2. I have always preferred the non recessed guns as they are easier to speed load, for me, than the ones with recessed charge holes.
A 2.5 inch snub 66-2 quickly followed. I had purchased it for off duty use and it later became my primary carry when working in Investigations. The 2.5 is a very handy revolver. It carries easier than the 4 inch and shoots like a rifle. I never failed to shoot 100 on the States qualification with that short barreled gun.
In fact, I have never owned a Model 66 that was not tack driving accurate. At one point I owned 13 examples ranging from a High polished 4 inch 66 no dash (ex Chicago PD Gun polished at the factory) to a 4 inch 66-5 (1st of the cheapened models that I used for IDPA to keep wear and tear off my nice revolvers). These days I own 5 examples. But only regularly shoot one. My old duty gun "Mrs Jones". Because we have a thing going on.
Most of mine liked 130 to 135 grain 38+P the best. And all of them shot those loads into tiny groups. Speer Gold Dot 158 grain 357 was what I carried for serious purpose. And my 3 inch 66-4 still shoots that load most accurately.
I own and shoot many nice handguns. But there is still nothing as much fun as shooting a nice revolver. And a model 66 frequently accompanies me to the range. I no longer carry revolvers for serious purpose - other than a pre lock 442 in the center console - because the threat has changed. The State took away our revolvers for duty use in.......2003? So I have carried 3rd gen 45s since.
But a S&W model 66 will always be in my collection and range bag. And when I can no longer rack a slide or go shooting, that 66-2 snub will likely be the last gun I own and part with. Regards 18DAI
My first model 66 was a 4 inch 66-1. I carried it on duty, briefly, before replacing it with a 4 inch 66-2. I have always preferred the non recessed guns as they are easier to speed load, for me, than the ones with recessed charge holes.
A 2.5 inch snub 66-2 quickly followed. I had purchased it for off duty use and it later became my primary carry when working in Investigations. The 2.5 is a very handy revolver. It carries easier than the 4 inch and shoots like a rifle. I never failed to shoot 100 on the States qualification with that short barreled gun.
In fact, I have never owned a Model 66 that was not tack driving accurate. At one point I owned 13 examples ranging from a High polished 4 inch 66 no dash (ex Chicago PD Gun polished at the factory) to a 4 inch 66-5 (1st of the cheapened models that I used for IDPA to keep wear and tear off my nice revolvers). These days I own 5 examples. But only regularly shoot one. My old duty gun "Mrs Jones". Because we have a thing going on.
Most of mine liked 130 to 135 grain 38+P the best. And all of them shot those loads into tiny groups. Speer Gold Dot 158 grain 357 was what I carried for serious purpose. And my 3 inch 66-4 still shoots that load most accurately.
I own and shoot many nice handguns. But there is still nothing as much fun as shooting a nice revolver. And a model 66 frequently accompanies me to the range. I no longer carry revolvers for serious purpose - other than a pre lock 442 in the center console - because the threat has changed. The State took away our revolvers for duty use in.......2003? So I have carried 3rd gen 45s since.
But a S&W model 66 will always be in my collection and range bag. And when I can no longer rack a slide or go shooting, that 66-2 snub will likely be the last gun I own and part with. Regards 18DAI