The Smith & Wesson Model 66: The Stainless Combat Magnum That Became an American Legend
Posted by Quick Draw Gun on Jul 14th 2026
Few revolvers have earned the respect and admiration of shooters quite like the Smith & Wesson Model 66. Introduced in the early 1970s, the Model 66 quickly became one of the most trusted sidearms carried by law enforcement officers, sportsmen, and civilian shooters across the country.
As the stainless steel counterpart to the legendary Model 19 Combat Magnum, the Model 66 combined durability, accuracy, and timeless styling into one of the finest double-action revolvers ever produced.
Today, it remains one of the most collectible and desirable revolvers Smith & Wesson has ever built.
The Birth of the Stainless Combat Magnum
During the 1950s, famed U.S. Border Patrol officer and firearms expert Bill Jordan worked with Smith & Wesson to develop what became the Model 19 Combat Magnum. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it offered law enforcement officers a powerful revolver built on the lighter K-Frame rather than the larger N-Frame.
By the late 1960s, police departments operating in humid and coastal environments wanted the same revolver—but in stainless steel to better resist rust and corrosion.
Smith & Wesson answered the call.
In 1970, the company introduced the Model 66, bringing all the handling characteristics of the Model 19 into a rugged stainless steel package.
Built for Duty
The Model 66 quickly became one of the most widely issued law enforcement revolvers in America.
Departments appreciated its:
- Stainless steel durability
- Excellent balance
- Manageable recoil
- Outstanding reliability
- Easy maintenance
For decades, officers trusted the Model 66 while patrolling city streets, highways, and rural communities.
It proved equally at home in a duty holster as it did on the target range.
The K-Frame Advantage
The Model 66 is built on Smith & Wesson's famous K-Frame, a medium-sized frame that perfectly balances strength with portability.
Compared to the larger N-Frame revolvers, the K-Frame offered:
- Lighter weight
- Faster handling
- Better carry comfort
- Excellent natural pointing characteristics
This balance helped make the Model 66 one of the easiest .357 Magnum revolvers to shoot accurately.
Chambered for Versatility
Like other .357 Magnum revolvers, the Model 66 can safely fire both:
- .357 Magnum
- .38 Special
This versatility allows shooters to enjoy inexpensive, low-recoil .38 Special ammunition for practice while still having full-power .357 Magnum performance available for hunting, defense, or field use.
Few revolvers offer this level of flexibility.
Model 66 Dash Variations
Smith & Wesson uses "dash" numbers to identify engineering changes made during production.
Some of the most notable versions include:
Model 66 (No Dash)
The original production model was introduced in 1970.
Model 66-1
Produced beginning in the late 1970s, the 66-1 incorporated engineering improvements while retaining the classic pinned barrel and recessed cylinder features found on many early Smith & Wesson revolvers.
Model 66-2
Perhaps the most common variation, the 66-2 remained a favorite among law enforcement agencies throughout the 1980s.
Later dash numbers introduced additional manufacturing refinements as Smith & Wesson continued to modernize production.
Why Collectors Love Early Model 66 Revolvers
Collectors actively seek early-production examples for several reasons:
- Pinned barrels
- Recessed cylinders (on early models)
- Factory walnut target stocks
- Original blue box and paperwork
- Law enforcement history
- Excellent craftsmanship
Well-preserved early Model 66 revolvers continue to appreciate in value, especially examples with matching accessories and desirable barrel lengths.
Accuracy That Earned a Reputation
The Model 66 has always been known for exceptional accuracy.
Its crisp single-action trigger and smooth double-action pull allow experienced shooters to achieve remarkable precision.
Whether shooting paper targets, steel plates, or hunting small game, the Model 66 consistently delivers excellent performance.
Barrel Length Options
Smith & Wesson offered several barrel lengths over the years, including:
- 2.5-inch
- 3-inch
- 4-inch
- 6-inch
The 2.5-inch and 3-inch models became favorites for concealed carry and detective work.
The 4-inch version became the classic law enforcement sidearm.
The 6-inch model excelled in target shooting and hunting applications.
The End of the Revolver Era
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, many police agencies transitioned to high-capacity semi-automatic pistols.
Although the Model 66 slowly disappeared from duty holsters, its reputation had already been firmly established.
Many retired officers kept their revolvers, while collectors quickly recognized their historical significance.
Why the Model 66 Still Matters
Even today, the Model 66 remains one of the finest double-action revolvers ever built.
Owners appreciate it for:
- Superb trigger pull
- Classic styling
- Stainless steel durability
- Outstanding accuracy
- Collectibility
- Proven reliability
Whether carried in the field, displayed in a collection, or enjoyed at the range, the Model 66 continues to represent one of Smith & Wesson's greatest achievements.
Finding a Model 66 Today
Original Model 66 revolvers continue to be highly sought after by collectors and shooters alike.
When shopping for one, consider:
- Overall condition
- Barrel length
- Dash number
- Matching serial numbers
- Original grips
- Original box and paperwork
- Timing and lockup
- Bore condition
Well-maintained examples remain excellent shooters while also serving as investments in American firearms history.
Final Thoughts
The Smith & Wesson Model 66 represents an era when craftsmanship, durability, and practical design defined the American service revolver. Built to withstand years of hard use while delivering exceptional accuracy, the stainless Combat Magnum became a trusted companion for generations of law enforcement officers and firearms enthusiasts.
More than fifty years after its introduction, the Model 66 continues to stand as one of the most iconic revolvers ever produced. Whether you're an experienced collector, a revolver enthusiast, or someone discovering classic Smith & Wesson firearms for the first time, the Model 66 is a timeless example of American engineering done right.