357 S&W, for CCW and outdoors open carry

[christian00]

hello,

May I have your advice on purchasing a new K-frame S&W Model 66 2.75" barrel vs. a used K-frame Model 66 3" barrel or its equal that can be found to purchase?

Purposes will be for (1) urban CCW Permit carry with defensive ammo vs. felons and for (2) outdoors, wilderness, open carry for all contingencies including when bear spray did not prevent contact with bear. Must have six shots and exposed hammer for (3) slowly aimed single action use for hunting meat in the absence of a long arm.

Is a Ruger just as "slim" and concealable as a S&W K-frame.

My wife already has shot and handled a Model 66 (the no longer produced version) and prefers it.

Thank you, in advance.

 

[DPris]

I have the new 66 2.75 here, the old 66 2.5 here, and a pair of Ruger GPs in 3-inch barrels.

All are equally concealable.

Between the two Smiths, personally I'd go with the older 66 snub.
Trigger's better, sights are better. Sights on the new 66 are a less visible orange shade up front & no white outline on the rear.

The new 66 with very shallow forcing cone has been reported to shave bullets & create blowback ejecta.
And I won't even get into the lock thing.
Denis

 

[Dave T]

Your wife has good taste. My opinion is that the older S&Ws are always preferable to the "new and improved" versions. YMMV!

Dave

 

[ArchAngelCD]

While the short barrel K frame is a great choice for carry I would not recommend it for hunting, your third use. As hunters we have a duty to take game humanly and hunting with a very short sight radius revolver lowers your chances of doing so.

For concealed carry I agree it's a good choice but for hunting or even Bear protection, not so much. You might want to go with at least a 6" L frame or even better, an N frame. (all IMO of course)