686 or 66 Snubbie?

[MMH]

I have a S&W 686 w/ a 2.5" barrel & a S&W Model 66 w/ a 3" barrel. Both have round butts. I don't really need 2 snubbie .357 wheelguns, so which one should I keep? I leaning on keeping the Model 66 because I like the full length extractor and it is a little more slender (K vs L frame). If I shot the gun allot and w/ diet of heavy .357 loads, then maybe the L, but sadly, the gun is not shot that much. BTW, how much are both worth?

[Kramer]

I leaning on keeping the Model 66 because I like the full length extractor and it is a little more slender (K vs L frame).

That's what I would do, keep the 66 it will fit the role better as a snubbie.

[PhillyGunslinger]

Keep the 66 they are getting hard to get. The 686 is nice but it's huge to carry, the 66 is perfect and handles 357 loads very well. That was my favorite snubby and im still sick after all these years I had to get rid of it !

[Neko456]

I agree for a cc gun the 66 357 fits the role better and can do everything that the 686 can in that role. But if you wanted a full time 357magnum and they both were 4" i'd opt for the 686. Off topic but some extra both are excellent guns and keepers if one was 4 or 6". Hell I don't see why you don't keep both, both are excellent revolvers unlss you need the money.

[Rundownfid]

I think you are getting excellent advice. The K frame Smiths
are the best compromise to date. A three inch K is an all around excellent piece. Good call on the full length extractor. I have a 2.5" 66 and wish it were about 2 3/4 as then it would clear the empties better.

[MOUNTAINORACLE]

For cc stick with the 66.

[Noah_Zark]

A 3" Model 66 is almost unobtanium. They are very sought-after, and a 3" K-Frame 357 is just about as perfect a compromise between power, size, and capacity in a handgun carry piece as is possible, IMO. My own sometimes-carry revolver is a S&W M65LS "Ladysmith" with fixed sights, 3" barrel, round butt (I LOVE round butts, but I digress), and shrouded ejector rod.

If It were me, I'd keep the 3" 66 and shoot only 145 or 158 gr 357s, or 38 Specials or 38 Spl +p in the same bullet weight ranges.

NOTE: K-frame S&Ws in 357 Magnum have a reputation for forcing cone cracking when fired with a steady diet of 357s of 130 grs or less. The issue is the shorter, lighter bullets are traveling faster than the heavier bullets, and hit the relatively thin forcing cone at a comparatively higher velocity. Hence the cracking. Stay with 145s or 158s and you will be good to go for long time, all night, GI!

Noah

[LTCcarrier]

Ditto! Keep the 66.

[mongo]

A 66 3 inch. You luckey bum!!!! And you ask which on to keep.

[sigarms229]

I'd keep the 66. What would the point be of a steady diet of .357's? All you are doing is spending more money at the range.