Taurus Old Model 66

[Tallball]

I had some good 38 and 357 revolvers, but didn't have a 6" DA 357 that I really liked. A few months ago I ran across this Taurus Model 66 for around $300. It seemed to be in nice condition, so I went ahead and rolled the dice.

Wow. Sometimes you get lucky. I've owned two other Model 66 variants that are/were nice revolvers, but this one is in another league. It must be pretty old. The other Taurus revolvers I've owned (I've had some nice Model 66 and Model 85 variants) have all had transfer bar safeties. This one has some kind of hammer block safety. I know that it's an "Old Model 66", but I don't know exactly when it was made.

The trigger is phenomenal. I own quite a few revolvers: S&W, Colt, Ruger, etc. The only one that has a better DA trigger is my K22 Masterpiece from the 1950's. I was hoping for a good trigger, but had to settle for great instead.

It's a very accurate and fun to shoot revolver. I'm obviously very pleased. I do have a couple of questions, though. I'm curious when Taurus switched from a hammer block safety to a transfer bar safety. I would also like to get some larger grips for it, but I remember from past experience that grips made for the newer Model 66 won't fit. It would be even more accurate for me with some Pachmayers or something like that on it. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Taurus Model 66

• Tallball
• Jan 6, 2018

 

[WestKentucky]

I have had some truly nice wheelguns, but the best I had was a blued older 66 6”. I shot it apart with nuclear loads over several years then traded it off to a gunsmith friend who gave it a major overhaul to the tune of a frankenruger. New barrel, crane, scoped it, etc. been looking for a suitable replacement. I have had 2 gp100s and a 686-6 that didn’t scratch that itch. That Taurus was RIGHT.

 

[walnut1704]

If you got to Numrich and look at the parts list for the "Old Model 66" you'll find, on the very last page of listed parts, a notation that the transfer bars listed are for pre-1983. Look at those parts along with the hammers with the same notation and see if they match your weapon.

Your revolver is also stamped Miami. Taurus opened the Miami office in 1982 according to their website.

 

[Tallball]

WK - I hope that over time you will luck across another great 357. If you don't run across another DA one, all of my Ruger Blackhawks have excellent triggers and sights.

Walnut - Thank you very much for the insight. That gives me a good starting place for grips.

 

[MedWheeler]

Funny thing regarding grips, this recent poster is in the same situation. Two older, 6-inch M66 Taurus revolvers coming up here within days of each other..

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...6-6inch-cannot-find-replacement-grips.830759/

 

[Armored farmer]

My truck gun. Model 669 Taurus 6inch .357. Hogue grips.
Exceptionally good trigger. I really like this one.

 

[WestKentucky]

View attachment 774001 View attachment 774002
My truck gun. Model 669 Taurus 6inch .357. Hogue grips.
Exceptionally good trigger. I really like this one.

669 full lug. Pretty. Black on stainless is as beautiful as walnut on blued steel...almost. The extra weight out front due to the full lug is nice on a 4" or 6" but gets absurd on my personal favorite which goes out a bit further.

 

[Viper225]

My local gun shop has one in stock at the moment. I thought it was a S&W when I went to look it over. Very impressed with it for a Taurus.
I also looked at an 85 on the same day. It locked up like a bank vault on all 5 holes. Needless to say I was impressed with it also.

Bob R

 

[SeanSw]

I have an older Taurus model 96 that never sees the light of day. It's beautifully blued with an excellent single action trigger and a very fine DA. It's fooled a few people at the range who took a glance and assumed it was a Smith, even remarking that "Smith don't build 'em like they used to" before looking close enough at the roll mark to see it was in fact a Taurus. I have no experience with new Taurus revolvers but I have feeling that they too don't make 'em like they used to. They were obviously quite capable at one time.