S&W 357 Magnum
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SlayerOfBunnies
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I've enjoyed the replies to this thread. 
So when you were thinking of modding the 66 to a shorter barrel, I get that (for CCW) but as to the notion of painting it - were you hoping to mute the finish or were you just thinking of something that "looked cool" (pro tip: a painted 66 will never look cool).
I'm asking because it might help us point you to some additional firearm for ccw. For instance, if you were talking about painting it black or something, maybe have a look at the Ruger LCR - nice, short flat black revolver available in a variety of calibers that might work well for you. If not that, then maybe a nice blued J frame S&W or something. If you were going for "looking cool", I'm not a huge fan of Taurus revolvers, but they do have a selection that already come in an array of interesting colors.
So when you were thinking of modding the 66 to a shorter barrel, I get that (for CCW) but as to the notion of painting it - were you hoping to mute the finish or were you just thinking of something that "looked cool" (pro tip: a painted 66 will never look cool).
I'm asking because it might help us point you to some additional firearm for ccw. For instance, if you were talking about painting it black or something, maybe have a look at the Ruger LCR - nice, short flat black revolver available in a variety of calibers that might work well for you. If not that, then maybe a nice blued J frame S&W or something. If you were going for "looking cool", I'm not a huge fan of Taurus revolvers, but they do have a selection that already come in an array of interesting colors.
Frizzman
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As most respondents have said, coating your revolver with anything doesn't make sense. The urge to "customize" a nice, classic gun is to be resisted. I have seen a good many guns that have been turned into something odd by such misguided efforts. Put your money into some nice stocks, leather gear and ammunition. Then people who know firearms will admire your fine revolver and your wisdom for keeping it as it was when sent out of Springfield to it's original owner. Since it has a square butt grip frame, chopping or changing the barrel to one an inch and a half shorter will make no difference in the ability to conceal it. All that will do is reduce the sight plane and drop the velocity of the bullets leaving the muzzle. Those results are not desirable. It was a good idea to get some opinions from knowledgeable people (mostly) before doing something to that fine revolver that you will later regret.
Confederate
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The S&W 66-1 is a good gun, but there are some things you need to know about it. First, do not shoot magnum loads in it or it might explode. Stay with .38+P rounds at most. Two, don't leave it in the hot sun when not in use or it will lose its heat treat, causing the cylinder to rupture, and clean your gun by putting it in the dish washer set on extra rinse.
FINALLY, don't believe everything you read and hear (such as everything I said in the previous paragraph). There are many opinions and more than just a few bull feathers in gun shops and at ranges. This is a good place to hang out. Your S&W 66-1 is a great gun and you should keep it. Most of us have very sad stories to tell about long lost beloved firearms sold or traded in a moment of weakness and bemoaned ever since. If you don't believe me, well...how much do you want to sell your gun for?
Seriously, welcome. And if you can, please post some photos of your gun. If you ever get a chance to pick up some vintage S&W grips, you might want to consider it.
FINALLY, don't believe everything you read and hear (such as everything I said in the previous paragraph). There are many opinions and more than just a few bull feathers in gun shops and at ranges. This is a good place to hang out. Your S&W 66-1 is a great gun and you should keep it. Most of us have very sad stories to tell about long lost beloved firearms sold or traded in a moment of weakness and bemoaned ever since. If you don't believe me, well...how much do you want to sell your gun for?
Seriously, welcome. And if you can, please post some photos of your gun. If you ever get a chance to pick up some vintage S&W grips, you might want to consider it.
Bravo on deciding to keep that beautiful revolver in original finish! That 4" barrel allows full velocity out of the .357 loads and as such becomes one of the most formidable handguns around for self defense. The old Federal Hydrashok 125 gn. jacketed hollowpoint had a one-stop, actual gun fight percentage of at least 97%. Gosh, it has been a while since I checked the historical number . . . maybe higher.
I'm really into wheelguns too, and my concealed, all-the-time pocket gun eventually shrunk to a S&W Airweight snubbie . . . 5 shot, .38 Spl. Why? The weight is so negligible that sometimes I have to pat my pocket to make sure it is there. A handgun that compact and light is the only kind you'll probably have on you when trouble is suddenly in your face.
Yes, they make 'em these days in .357 but the lightweight gun with that energy load becomes a real handful to shoot well, and recovery times between rounds gets slower at speed, as does accuracy.
I do NOT recommend going AirLite in weight. The little J-frames made like this are brutal to shoot and thus don't lead to practice . . . only to inducing flinch to recoil.
I've got handguns a little heavier than and Airweight, such as a nice Kimber Ultra CDP "officer's" sized 1911, but it can't conceal as easy as that Airweight. Heck, neither can a subnosed K-frame (I've had those too).
Hope this helps.
I'm really into wheelguns too, and my concealed, all-the-time pocket gun eventually shrunk to a S&W Airweight snubbie . . . 5 shot, .38 Spl. Why? The weight is so negligible that sometimes I have to pat my pocket to make sure it is there. A handgun that compact and light is the only kind you'll probably have on you when trouble is suddenly in your face.
Yes, they make 'em these days in .357 but the lightweight gun with that energy load becomes a real handful to shoot well, and recovery times between rounds gets slower at speed, as does accuracy.
I do NOT recommend going AirLite in weight. The little J-frames made like this are brutal to shoot and thus don't lead to practice . . . only to inducing flinch to recoil.
I've got handguns a little heavier than and Airweight, such as a nice Kimber Ultra CDP "officer's" sized 1911, but it can't conceal as easy as that Airweight. Heck, neither can a subnosed K-frame (I've had those too).
Hope this helps.
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