Taurus Model 66 (7 shot .357 mag)

[defjon]

Found one of these in a local shop and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this model. It seems to have mostly a full underlug, so can it handle a diet of mostly 357s? Its a six inch barrel but balances really well, and is extremely lightweight! I am wondering about long term durability. It points just great. I also like the feature of that seventh shot, the ace in the hole, if you will. But I know nothing of this gun. Please volunteer any information that could be helpful in this purchase- and on deciding whether or not it is indeed worth purchasing! If you've owned one (especially), please let me know your take on it!

I am most concerned with durability and performance! This needs to last awhile. I am in college and this is the last gun I'd be able to buy for a year.

 

[MCgunner]

I have an older six shot that is an absolute tack driver. It's well fitted, well finished in a matte nickel. I love the thing. It's built closer to an L frame than K so it should handle any load a Smith and Wesson will. I shoot mine a lot with a hefty load of 14.5 grains of H2400 behind a cast gas checked SWC 158 grain. That one's hotter than anything factory I've fired, my favorite hunting load actually for all but my Blackhawk for which I have a hotter 180 grain hollowpoint load that I wouldn't subject the Taurus to.

Check end play, lock up, cylinder timing on the thing before you buy it. Make sure each cylinder times perfectly, mine does. If it doesn't have perfect timing or has excessive cylinder play, pass on it. That's what I do. I don't go so far as to take a feeler guage into the shop, but it might not be a bad idea, actually. Buyer beware with used revolvers of any brand. With what some folks say about Taurus' record of fit and finish, I'd check the new ones pretty closely. I bought a M85 new and didn't check it before I paid my money. It's very slightly out of time on one cylinder, doesn't effect function at all, but still miffs me off. LOL The gun shoots rather well, though, and is easy on the hip. If it'd been far enough out of time, I reckon it'd gone back to Taurus. They do have a lifetime repair policy, though reports of their actual living up to that is scetchy. I've not tried it, personally.

 

[dbloc]

defjon, i owned Taurus Model 66 7 shot .357 and i have missed it dearly ever since i sold it. i find it a sweet to shoot. just feels so right. Do yourself a favor, do as MCgunner advises, and if all checks out then buy that bad boy.