Smith & Wesson Model 66 Combat Magnum
It’s funny how things have a way of coming back into vogue with the passage of time. While I hope never to see the return of those hip-hugger, bell-bottom jeans and zip-up Naugahyde boots from the 70s, I am thrilled to see the return of a venerable and street-proven revolver, the Smith & Wesson Model 66 Combat Magnum.
The Model 66 was popular for police work during the 1970s and 80s, but it eventually lost market share with the advent of the plastic, high-capacity revolution. Even still, the Model 66 remained in production from 1970 until discontinued in 2005. You can’t keep a good gun down, however, and Smith & Wesson brought back the Model 66 Combat Magnum in 2014.
Good Size, Good Caliber
There’s something just right about Smith & Wesson’s medium sized K-Frame revolvers like the Model 66. They don’t feel blocky and heavy, nor do they have that uncomfortable lack of substance of the featherweight six shooters. The cylinder is thin, not like those whiskey casks on larger frame revolvers. Weight is just enough. By that I mean it’s heavy enough to help soak up recoil, but no so much that it feels like you’re carrying a couple of patio-paver stones strapped to your belt. All in all, it’s not only a perfect carry size, but it’s also comfortable to shoot any load within its stated caliber range.
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