S&W 66 or 686?

[Sawdust]

Call me dense, but what are the differences between the two?

I was considering a 686 with a 4" barrel; now I see a Turner's ad for a 66 for $470 ($50 less than the usual sale price for the 686).

I looked at both on S&W's website, but all that I could tell that was different was the configuration under the barrel...

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Sawdust

 

[Jim Watson]

686 is on the "L" frame and is made for regular use of .357 magnum.
66 is on the lighter "K" frame, a stainless mutation of the original M19 which is said to have been intended for about 75% Specials - 25% Magnums.

686 is stronger and heavier; longer wear and less recoil.
66 is lighter to carry and might have a slightly better trigger pull.

No doubt somebody will come along with a 66 that has shot a bazillion rounds of utter maximum magnums, but the bigger gun is the safe bet for heavy loads.

 

[Eskimo Jim]

Sawdust,
Jim Watson pretty well summed up the 66 vs 686 discussion.

I've tried both. I have the K frame model 66 and my wife has the 686 L frame. Both see 38 special +P more often than 357 magnum. I like them both.

If you are going to get into Smith and Wesson's handguns, I'd urge you to pick up Nehaus and Supica's "Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson". It will tell you about everything about S&W's handguns, variations, manufacturing changes etc etc.

Good luck.

-Jim

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Well, I can't add much to the discussion. I've owned both,
like 'em both, shoot equally well, etc. But, I believe the
little bit of extra weight (in the 686) works best for me.
I shoot only .38 Specials in my -5 model, and its really
quick to get the 6" weapon back on target.

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

 

[Sawdust]

Thanks to all for the great replies. Everything that I needed!

I love this place

Will pick-up book...and I think that the 686 is the one for me.

Thanks again,

Sawdust

 

[Eskimo Jim]

Sawdust,
One problem with that book I recommended. Not only is it a great reference, but it also becomes a 'wish list' or a 'to buy' list with all the great firearms in there.

Good luck.

-Jim

 

[Penforhire]

And look for a $510 price on the 4" 686+. That's what I paid at Turners maybe a year ago (decent sale).

 

[JiminCA]

686's are 7 shot (at least the new ones denoted as 686+), and 66's are 6 shot IIRC.

 

[Black Majik]

I went with a 6" 686 over the 66 because I like shooting magnums.

all kidding aside, for me the 686 felt better as a target gun than the M66. Probably cuz for some reason I feel heavier guns are more suitable as target guns and lighter guns are for M66's.

Both are great guns though, I have considered picking up a M66 sometime in the near future.

Oh yeah, I like the full lug more than the half lug. That's another reason I went for the 686 over the 66.

 

[Bullet]

You might want to look at some gun auctions on the internet. They have both new and used. You can get a excellent 686 used for $400.00 or less and NO LOCK.

 

[bela]

S&W 66

Once upon a time I owned a M66.
Past 5 years and about 10000 rounds ( mixed, most stiff .38s ) anything was loose what could get loose....
Since this time I have only Rugers.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Had a 66---stung my hand----ditched it for a snub nose 686+-----now one more thing is right in my world.

 

[valnar]

Since you bought the 686, I'd suggest an older model 19 next instead of the 66. Nuthin' wrong with the 66, but the blued version (19) would be a nice contrast. They usually go for pretty cheap and they never have the lock.


-Robert