.357 snub: M66 or 686?

[Moon]

I'm in the market for a medium size .357 with a 2.5 " barrel. I've pretty much narrowed things down to either a S&W Model 66 or 686. I curently own a 4" 686, which I am pleased with, so I'm sure that the 2.5" version would fit the bill. But I know little about the M66 and nothing about how these two snubs compare.

The gun would not be used for concealed carry and would see a lot of range time.

Any comments on either (or both) of these guns would be greatly
appreciated.

 

[Old Fuff]

If this was a gun I was going to carry concealed I'd prefer the model 66, which is smaller and lighter, but still holds six shots. However if I was going to do that practice and range-shooting with .357 cartridges, particularly with heavy bullets (150 grain or more) the 686 might be a better choice - not because the 66 wouldn't stand up but rather that I might not.

That said, I don't like a barrel length of less then 3 inches on a Magnum, especially a mid-frame one. The slightly longer length will give you better balance, a full length ejector rod, and a longer sight radius. I have found that both 2 1/2 and 3 inch guns conceal equally well.

 

[Ala Dan]

Agree with my friend Old Fuff; if for CCW,
the Smith model 66.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[jc2]

Or even better, the three-inch Model 65!

 

[Albert Shear]

Based on your criteria the 686 would be the prudent choice.

 

[ruger357]

If not ccw then the 686.

 

[Majic]

As others have stated, the M686 is the heavier and sturdier of the two and the M66 is the handier. Depending on what cartridge you shoot the most would be the factor. Magnum loads would make the M686 a more enjoyable shooter.

 

[MrPink]

This is a differing opinion. I'd say the snubbie 66. Granted I like the 3" barrels better than the 2.5". You already have a 686 4" and one of the benefits of a snubbie is its smaller size, so I say if you want a snubbie, go for the smaller frame as well.

Yes it will be more of a handfull with full power 158 grain loads, but you don't have to shoot them unless you want to.

 

[snubby]

If you were to also want concealed carry with a barrel that short, you might also consider the S&W 681 (which has fixed, slot groove sights). S&W's Performance Center makes a 3" bbl 681 (as well as a 4"), but don't know about a 2.5". The 681 might carry a little easier and should be accurate enough at CCW distances.

 

[surfinUSA]

Both are excellent 357s in the 2 1/2 inch barrel length. I see the advantages as this. The 66 is lighter, thiinner and consequently easier to carry. However, the 686 can be had with 7 shots. Very nice for a belt carry SD gun.

If you are a traditionalist that can't come to grips with a 7 shot revolver go with the 66. Its a great gun with a proven track record. Besides why carry the extra weight and work to hide a bigger heavier gun if it only going to carry the same number of rounds.

 

[Sean Smith]

The gun would not be used for concealed carry and would see a lot of range time.

Not many people want a snubby for range use. But if you never need to hide it, you might as well get the 686. More mass = nicer to shoot.

 

[cleve land]

I have carried a 66 and I shot it alot. While never using a snub 686, I did carry the similarly sized snub Python. While I believe the Python is the best.357, I would use the 66 for carry. The ease of carry is that great IMHO.

 

[Swamprabbit]

I have one of the S&W Performance Center 66's with the short barrel and muzzle break. It is VERY controllable with the heavier loads. Only thing I changed was replacing the wooden hogue grips with the cheaper rubber ones. This was because the wood grips were slipping too much in my hands. I stay away from the hot 125g loads and shoot more moderate 158g loads to not put so much strain on the K frame.

One advantage, abeit small, with you getting a 686 is that if you have any speedloaders, they will work in both of your guns.

 

[bountyhunter]

You say it will see a lot of range time, but not what ammo it will be shooting. If it's magnums, get the 686. The 66 will not stand up to a lot of magnum firing. It isn't actually designed for it.

 

[w1mnk]

I've carried my 686+ snub on several occasions. It's a little bulky, but the 7 rounds is comforting. Go for the 686.

 

[Ankeny]

I had a 2.5 inch model 19 for years, then I replaced it with a 2.5 inch 66. I just love those K-frame Smiths. There is no doubt in my mind that I would opt for the 66, but I would not feed it a steady diet of .357 magnum ammo.

 

[F15H]

I carry and shoot IDPA with my S&W 66 2.5" barrel It has had a steady diet of 357mag., about 1425 to date and about 850 .38 rounds to date! I still get about 2.5"-3" groups out of it at 25yds. This pistol is my ONLY CCW. It has been perfect since day one!

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Had a 3in 66----got rid of it for a 686P 2.5in.

The 66 was just too hand stinging with full power loads---never could warn up to it.

My 686 is a sweet shooter.