Smith and Wesson 66 Revolver Review and Overview
The Smith and Wesson Model 66 is a stainless steel revolver that has been a favorite among law enforcement, target shooters, and firearms enthusiasts for decades. Chambered in.357 Magnum, this revolver is known for its durability, accuracy, and versatility. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Smith and Wesson 66, its features, and what makes it a popular choice among firearms enthusiasts.
History of the Smith and Wesson 66
The Smith and Wesson Model 66 was first introduced in 1970 as a stainless steel version of the popular Model 19. The Model 19 was a.357 Magnum revolver that was introduced in 1955 and was known for its reliability and accuracy. The Model 66 was designed to offer the same reliability and accuracy as the Model 19, but with the added benefit of a stainless steel finish that made it more resistant to corrosion.
Features of the Smith and Wesson 66
The Smith and Wesson 66 is a stainless steel revolver that features a 2.5-inch, 3-inch, or 4-inch barrel, depending on the model. It has a 6-shot cylinder and is chambered in.357 Magnum, which means it can also fire.38 Special cartridges. The revolver has a stainless steel frame, cylinder, and barrel, and features a satin finish.
Other notable features of the Smith and Wesson 66 include:
- Adjustable rear sight: The Model 66 features an adjustable rear sight that allows shooters to fine-tune their aim.
- Fixed front sight: The fixed front sight is designed to provide a clear and consistent aiming point.
- Stainless steel construction: The stainless steel construction of the Model 66 makes it highly resistant to corrosion and wear.
- Rubber grips: The Model 66 features rubber grips that provide a comfortable and secure hold.
Shooting the Smith and Wesson 66
The Smith and Wesson 66 is known for its accuracy and reliability, making it a popular choice among target shooters and firearms enthusiasts. The revolver has a smooth trigger pull and a comfortable grip, making it easy to shoot accurately.
One of the benefits of the Model 66 is its ability to fire both.357 Magnum and.38 Special cartridges. This makes it a versatile revolver that can be used for a variety of shooting applications, from target shooting to self-defense.
Advantages of the Smith and Wesson 66
There are several advantages of the Smith and Wesson 66, including:
- Durability: The stainless steel construction of the Model 66 makes it highly durable and resistant to corrosion.
- Accuracy: The Model 66 is known for its accuracy, making it a popular choice among target shooters.
- Versatility: The Model 66 can fire both.357 Magnum and.38 Special cartridges, making it a versatile revolver.
- Reliability: The Model 66 is known for its reliability, making it a popular choice among law enforcement and firearms enthusiasts.
Disadvantages of the Smith and Wesson 66
While the Smith and Wesson 66 is a popular and highly-regarded revolver, there are some disadvantages to consider:
- Weight: The Model 66 is a stainless steel revolver, which means it can be heavy. This can make it more difficult to carry and conceal.
- Size: The Model 66 is a full-size revolver, which means it can be bulky. This can make it more difficult to carry and conceal.
- Limited capacity: The Model 66 has a 6-shot cylinder, which means it has limited capacity compared to semi-automatic pistols.
Comparison to Other Revolvers
The Smith and Wesson 66 is often compared to other revolvers on the market, including the Ruger GP100 and the Colt Python. While all three revolvers are high-quality and popular among firearms enthusiasts, there are some key differences to consider:
- Materials: The Smith and Wesson 66 is made from stainless steel, while the Ruger GP100 is made from stainless steel or aluminum. The Colt Python is made from stainless steel or blued steel.
- Caliber: The Smith and Wesson 66 is chambered in.357 Magnum, while the Ruger GP100 is chambered in.357 Magnum or.44 Special. The Colt Python is chambered in.357 Magnum.
- Capacity: The Smith and Wesson 66 has a 6-shot cylinder, while the Ruger GP100 has a 6-shot cylinder. The Colt Python has a 6-shot cylinder.
Conclusion
The Smith and Wesson 66 is a highly-regarded revolver that is known for its durability, accuracy, and versatility. While it may have some disadvantages, such as weight and size, it is a popular choice among law enforcement, target shooters, and firearms enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a reliable self-defense revolver or a accurate target shooter, the Smith and Wesson 66 is definitely worth considering.
What is the difference between the Smith and Wesson 66 and the Smith and Wesson 19?
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The main difference between the Smith and Wesson 66 and the Smith and Wesson 19 is the material used in their construction. The Model 19 is made from blued steel, while the Model 66 is made from stainless steel.
Can the Smith and Wesson 66 fire.38 Special cartridges?
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Is the Smith and Wesson 66 suitable for self-defense?
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