If I Could Pick One Fighting Revolver…. S&W Model 66

[@garrettlundy3959]

Already saving my pennies for the new No Lock 66! 👍

[@TheEpicpwnr100]

Right there with you. I have always wanted a model 65, and was just about ready to order a Colt Viper since it is very close in setup to the 65, but now with the no-lock models, I would be even happier with a clean looking 66 when they release it. Although the retro styled model 10 also has my attention. 🤔

[@bubbafudd]

Have they announced a 66 yet?

[@TheEpicpwnr100]

@@bubbafudd They haven't explicitly. Myself and garrett are making an educated guess they will release it. (Although I believe a sales rep said more no-lock models are on the way) It's a safe bet though since the 19 no-lock is now available.

[@truthseeker1581]

They announced a non lock 686... its the Smith Mountain 686

[@masonball5]

Cool to see us “younger” guys still enjoying revolvers. I watched a 7 year old LCR video of yours, went to your channel, sub’d, and watched this one. Good stuff man, I’m so burned out on the “content creators” going over specs and talking the same words over and over. Cool to watch a calm video without any sponsors, ads, flash, or fluff. Theoretical situations for “which gun would I pick” is something I think all of us gun nuts do, but it’s cool to see someone’s take who knows what they have. That 66 is something I can only hope to handle one day, what a sweet piece.

[@bubbafudd]

Appreciate the nice comment man - thank you! We gotta keep the revolver alive!

[@Pavia1525]

I carry a Model 66 Combat Magnum with 2.75” barrel for urban and woods carry. I did a Wilson Combat action job and went with Pachmayer compact grips. Very comfortable to carry and the Underwood 357 ammo is powerful enough for most encounters in the lower 48 US States.

[@bubbafudd]

I’ve got the same one and have had good luck with it.

[@charlesdudek7713]

At age 21 I started my 36 year law enforcement career carrying an S&W model 13 then three and a half years later when I went to a larger department I was issued a model 15 and the issued round was 38+P. As my rank changed, I was issued a Chief special for a short time until we transitioned to autos. Even though the Chief Special is a cool gun, I would have preferred to retain the model 15 until the autos were fazed in. The k frames are nice revolvers. They just seem to be that perfect size. You're right about the 38+P. It's a very competent round.

[@bubbafudd]

Love hearing the old stories… thanks for your service to the public

[@brianklamer3328]

Like that Dawson front sight, came from factory with integral orange ramp non removable. I have the original 66 no dash. Front sight is all stainless and entire rear sight assembly is chrome flashed to match the rest of the revolver. Super slick SA/DA trigger that has never been modified.

[@bubbafudd]

It’s hard to beat an old smith.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

Dawson? is that the same as patridge? the actual plastic red insert can be removed and a night sight installed in the dovetail like I did to my 629 That gives you a patridge.

[@brianklamer3328]

@@doranmaxwell1755 Dawson is the brand of front sight on this model. Patridge is a style of sight. That is not a true Patridge sight on this Smith. You're right, now that S&W has a roll pin on this front sight you could change it out to whatever a guy wants. My old 66 would require milling the integral front sight off and then mill & drill for the new sights, I'll leave it alone.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

@@brianklamer3328 Ah.. many guns like my Trooper have a 'semi' patridge which is ten times better than a ramp tho. Ok.. you do not need to mill off the front sight tho. if it had a red insert it would be easier but you can mill a dovetail into the ramp where the red insert would be. Then buy a nightsight (easiest way) or carve out something similar. the nightsight goes into the 'dovetail' that the red ramp was set into and it converts to a pretty nice patridge style. that is what I did on my 629

[@suntzu5836]

Seal Team 6 used these back in the 80's!

[@neiljohnson6815]

I carried a model 66 back in the day. Eventually had to switch to semi autos. I no longer have it, but it retrospect it was the best handgun I ever owned.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

I do not own one. I own 19's tho. I also own an old Python and an old Trooper. Pythons are better but... not a huge deal. I prefer revolvers but my 1911's are? perfect. my Makarov and PPK are great. I will not own plastic guns nor will I have rubber grips. when I pull the thing it has to shine! I want a mirror finish if that means Python blue or a nice nickel or a polished ss.. I polished my 629 and it looks nickel. I want to blind and or strike fear!

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@doranmaxwell1755My Pythons both got out of time quite easily. I’ll take a 66-1 any day

[@doranmaxwell1755]

@@guaporeturns9472 everyone I know must have gotten good ones none are out of time.

[@bubbafudd]

Sweet! Thanks for dropping by.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

@@guaporeturns9472 oddly neither mine nor anyone I know has timing issues with their Pythons. even if you do it is like a $25 (repo) hand replacement that takes half an hour and then you are good for another 15k rounds. soooo....

[@williamryan9195]

I think your take on self-defense application is right on the mark. Say whatever but 6 shots in a weapon like that is plenty for EDC. Maybe not for spray and pray outside the liquor store in a bad neighborhood but for real world it's perfect.That Gold bead is nice.nice touch.

[@bubbafudd]

Thanks man - modern polymer pistols with high capacities are great no doubt - but I think realistically a mid-frame wheelgun will do just fine for most average joes

[@anonymousf454]

Your equal with any semi auto shot for shot up untill round 6, and if you don't miss within those 6, you will never be outgunned. Make your shots count.

[@W.E.Bigelow]

Love the M66 4"BBL. I carried one as a duty gun when I was a LEO and loved it. I also carried a Colt Trooper Mk III, the Colt had less barrel jump due to the bull barrel. But that being said, I still carry an M66-3 (2.5" bbl) as and EDC. Thing is a tack driver!

[@bubbafudd]

Sweet! Love hearing from old school LEOs about the wheelgun glory days. Thanks for stopping by!

[@hugoruthling2864]

Excellent choice. Make mine my 686 no dash, which was on my hip or by my side for many years back in the 1980s and early 90s. She still comes out to play now and then. If I could only have one gun, she would still be in serious contention. Great vid.

[@bubbafudd]

I like a 686 too… might have to pick one up at some point. Thanks for the kind words

[@rudolfyakich6653]

I typically carry two revolvers . A Ruger LCR that goes my Kramer horsehide pocket holster during shopping excursions. My old beater Smith and Wesson 65 stays in a go bag. Something useful for stand off distance. This 65 was a police trade in. It was rough but I smoothed it up and shoot it the most, there by saving wear and tear on other guns. It has been holding up so far. I agree that VZ grips really help to toughen up any revolver.

[@bubbafudd]

Love it. Good, practical combo

[@atoadigi]

If I can find one of these I will grab it. I just saw that Lipseys is coming out with a 4" 686 plus mountain revolver, no lock, it also looks awesome, I will be adding that to my wish list as well.

[@bubbafudd]

Yep, eyeing the 686 MG myself

[@quicktoevil]

Looking forward to the 686 MG but its still an L frame, afterall. That extra weight might turn me off.

[@Godscaliber1911]

We have a lot of the same guns, and they’re similarly setup with similar holsters. Great video man

[@bubbafudd]

Thanks man! I just dig the American classics, I can’t help it… appreciate you tuning in!

[@Godscaliber1911]

Are you on other social media platforms? I’d like to keep up with ya!

[@bubbafudd]

@@Godscaliber1911I’m on IG @fuddbubba Don’t post very much but I log in and check it out a bunch

[@kenmcclain1499]

Beautiful revolver.

[@bubbafudd]

It’s definitely a nice one. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to have it. Hope to pass it on to my sons one day

[@joea5810]

Love my Model 66. .38 rounds make this a fine feeling choice and can put six on target for defensive purposes. .357 probably only 2 or 3. Of course, that's still .357. Great video.

[@stevelewis1221]

I carry the 66 that you were showing in the background. The newer 66 Combat Master, with the black trigger, hammer and cylinder release, with the 2 3/4" barrel. I also carry the exact same ammo. I thought I was the only one. I subscribed to your channel and I enjoyed your video. Good luck

[@bubbafudd]

Sweet - the 66-8 has been my go-to utility gun too. I hate the lock but the gun itself has been solid.

[@Iowaclass65]

I love my Model 66-2 'snubbie'. I don't carry it as much as I used to, but I still love the build quality and wonderful trigger pull. I carry 125gr Federal .357, but I agree with you limiting the amount of full house .357 loads through a K frame is a good idea.

[@bubbafudd]

Love snubby K frames… thanks for stopping by

[@user-yd2jr1uj7u]

re: applicability... I don't know if it's true today, but only a few (10?) years ago the French anti-terror special forces still used .357 Mag revolvers by choice. I recall they trained to shoot bad guy in the right-shoulder, not the head. My dad passed down a Model 66-2, and this video of yours is proper tribute to an heirloom. I appreciate your way of talking about things.

[@bubbafudd]

Yeah - I’ve heard the same about the French AT guys. Sounds like you got a cool old Smith from your dad, that’s a special thing. Take good care of it - but shoot it! I hope to leave this one and a few others to my sons one day. Thanks for the kind words.

[@theoriginalDAL357]

With retirement on the horizon, I don't plan on any new firearms purchases, but I will continue to enjoy what I have now. My S&W 686-6 6" is great to shoot .357 Mags. out of, and my mid-level .38 Spl. reloads are pure powder puffs of joy. My S&W Model 64-3 4", the stainless steel version of the Model 10, is so well balanced that I've put well over 5K rounds through it since I bought it ten years ago, mostly for IDPA competition. I'm not a revolver snob, I own bottom feeders, but for pure shooting pleasure I just immensely enjoy a well-tuned revolver.

[@bubbafudd]

There’s just something about wheelguns…

[@johnmadow5331]

I brought one S&W m-66-1 with 6" barrel from my 1st job back in 1982 for $325.00, I gave it to my father and when he passed away, I told my family not to send it to state police for destruction. The gun still in the box and I might have to sell it before I moved back home that forbit a private ownership of firearms.

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

Good to see younger people showing interest in revolvers. I think the DEFENSE part of defensive shooting is lost on too many gun owners and they dismiss perfectly reasonable options for yeoman service. They also seem to forget that bad guys are not video game bots that fight with suicidal fanaticism. In my opinion you are just as well served with a revolver as any other handgun for defensive use and your choice of a "K" frame .357 is, as S&W used to state in their advertisements, the best three guns you will ever own. Thanks for sharing!😊👍🙏

[@bubbafudd]

I’m with you… thanks for stopping by!

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

4" barrel, 357, 8 round , S&W 627 proformance center 4in barrel, because most bullets are made for a minimum of 4 inches for best performance obviously a longer Barrel will do more. But 4 inches is supposedly the test medium for 357 revolvers.

[@bubbafudd]

I like the way you think!

[@stevenwright6573]

When Seal Team 6 was founded, Plank owner C.O. Commander Richard Marcinko, chose the S&W Model 66 as the side arm for the team. There's a reason for that.

[@T30-z5w]

Bought my first M66 4” in 1982. Still have it plus another mid 80s production 4”. Best all around revolver.

[@bubbafudd]

They really are a great all around option

[@TheGearTester]

Great video!

[@bubbafudd]

Appreciate it!

[@williamhollis6578]

I like the 66 too, a lot. I’d still go with the 686+ in your scenario though just because it’s a little stronger shooting .357 over the long run and the extra round doesn’t hurt anybody but the bad guys. But that’s what’s great about discussions like this, everyone can have both an opinion and fun at the same time, and there’s nothing the bit wrong with your choice: the 66, absolutely. 😊

[@bubbafudd]

Yep - it’s all just for fun! Would love to get a 686 at some point. Definitely eyeing the new Mountain Gun

[@josephleggett5559]

Nothing wrong with that! When I started Law Enforcement in 1995, there were still a lot of wheelgun guys. They shot well and could reload FAST!

[@bubbafudd]

The old generation… wheelgun mastery takes a long time to build

[@MrNedsaabdickerson]

That is a nice S&W m66-1, I have a M66-2, love it.

[@bubbafudd]

The 66 is a great option.

[@contemporaryprimitiveman3469]

I bought my 66 (no dash) used from a deputy sheriff in 1978 best trigger ever.

[@bubbafudd]

Very cool.

[@tombryant6061]

My 66 is a -1 that belonged to a police officer. I happened to be in my LGS when he traded it in…. It never made it onto the shelf…

[@bubbafudd]

Awesome… hard to beat a worn in Smith

[@1awrenceofarabia]

What an amazing gun to find on yhe used market. The previous owner aure knew what they were doing.

[@bubbafudd]

Definitely lucked out with this one. All things considered I got a smoking deal on it too - paid basically what a shooter grade 66-1 is going for

[@samwhitaker0]

625 with plenty of moonclips

[@bubbafudd]

I can dig that

[@rayrau76]

Looks pretty but not built to handle the really hot stuff from Underwood and Buffalo Bore. Great video my friend, a wheel gun is still a solid tool.

[@bubbafudd]

Thanks for checking in man!

[@SalvoSix]

It’s going to be my no dash S&W 586 4 “. Trigger is so good !

[@bubbafudd]

Good call on the 586

[@praetorian371]

Dude can you go over the rear sight on the 66 2.75”? Is it a D&L or cylinder and slide? Was it worth the upgrade? Have you found having a non adjustable rear sight an issue with different bullet weights? U notch or square? I am trying to set up my 66 2.75 for carry and wondering if the rear sight provides any advantages besides being more robust. Thanks from a fellow revolver guy.

[@bubbafudd]

Hey man - it’s the C&S sight. It was worth it for me - they’re not super expensive and built very tough. I always thought the stock sight was just kind of flimsy. Yeah - if you’re really particular about zero I would stick with an adjustable setup. Mine shoots a couple inches low with the stock front sight at 15 with 158s. I should really calculate what I need and buy a different front sight but I’ve been lazy/busy. This is square notch and works fine, I would prefer U notch.

[@praetorian371]

@@bubbafuddright on man. I appreciate the response. I’m going to go with the C&S and glad to hear it’s working with the stock front sight.

[@TARandFEATHERS]

Was that a model 66 at 6:10 ?? I noticed a couple of differences and am curious.

[@bubbafudd]

Yeah that’s a 66-8, newer production with internal lock etc. it’s been a great gun

[@stormking57]

Model 19 Combat Magnum would be my choice. I have a 4" 19 and a 2 3/4" 66. Both are great

[@bubbafudd]

Yeah 19s are great. I have a 2.5” 19 that is one of my favorites

[@eagleflownsouth7728]

Definitely a GP100

[@bubbafudd]

Yep, the GP is a great gun no question

[@Helofelokids]

Nice choice of knife sir, the Manix 2 is on of the best pocket knives made, especially if your a knife nerd an know about good steel and heat treatments. Spyderco Nails it.

[@bubbafudd]

I am a huge Spyderco fan. Love the manix 2!

[@glennsammon4465]

well since I have a nickeled M19-4 with 4.2 inch barrel I cannot fault your choice. but my M66 2.5 or M19-4 2.5 inch barrel would really make a nice back up. ( I have alot of guns) revolvers are still a good choice today. just as they were for many years.

[@bubbafudd]

That sounds like a sweet 19.

[@craigbenz4835]

I didn't know the 66-1 had a pinned front sight.

[@Leland300]

I’d go with my 625JM.

[@revolverroundup]

Very cool 66-2. I enjoyed your video.i would enjoy chatting revolver with you some time. Where in the northeast are you?

[@bubbafudd]

I’m down in the bottom half :D

[@revolverroundup]

Very cool. What's your favorite revolver in general .

[@coreydiaz7297]

That's a nice lookin' 66, buddy.. What's your opinion on semi calibers in a revolver? I recently acquired a S&W 610 and am really liking it. I consider 'bullet creep' some, but can sorta overlook it.. I like that the shorter auto rounds are easier to manipulate than the taller 357/38. I'm with you on them 357s being unpleasant to shoot.. I've owned 686's in 2 inch and 4 inch, and both sucked shooting 357. 38 is a competent round, but I'd much rather 10mm and 40. Did the L-Frame, dig the 610 N, but if I weren't in Commiefornia, I'd be on a S&W model 13 so fast!

[@bubbafudd]

Haven’t messed with any semi calibers in a revolver personally, just ended up that way. Would like to get one at some point…

[@MatthewLocke-b5l]

686 plus for me but yours is good too

[@bubbafudd]

Need to get myself a 686

[@doranmaxwell1755]

notice the mountain gun has patridge front sight. the average handgunner has no idea why his pistol (revolver and pistol are the same) shoots so accurately with the patridge. Rubber grips will never blemish my guns. matte stainless will never blemish my guns. as always.. your mileage may vary.

[@bubbafudd]

Heck yeah man!

[@doranmaxwell1755]

@@bubbafudd I hesitate to keep telling people how good the patridge front sight is... it has been my 'cheat' for years. not as good a shot as I was 40 years ago but if someone comes up to me with a glow plug front sight? LOL betting time... the game is on.

[@spudboyQ]

Love revolvers, and the only one I love more than my 66 is my 19. The 19 is just too pretty to carry, so the 66 stays by my side.

[@bubbafudd]

I love the 19 too.

[@kennethrisner-c8q]

If wheel guns were obsolete they would no longer be made, but they are being made so they are still relevant. And contrary to popular belief the 38 special is NOT underpowered, it just quite often gets mistaken for the 38 lc which IS underpowered. The 38 special round can kill you just as dead today as it did when it first came out 127 years ago, and it will be around for another 100.

[@bubbafudd]

I hear you!

[@TheWickedclownz123]

This issue with those earlier k frames was the forcing cone. Now you can run standard pressure 158 grn 357 it will be fine. The forcing cone issues was because of the lighter high pressure loads. I’m a revolver fanatic. I have a combat magnum 66-7, 65-8 and master in 38 plus a standard model 10. My favorite is my no model highway patrolman lol. You wanna talk about a hogleg. It’s an N frame 357. It’s comical when you shoot 38 in it because it’s like a 22. Now my other fav is my ruger speed six in 357. That’s a no frills pistol. But good vid. I would like to get a new model 19.

[@bubbafudd]

Appreciate the info, thanks for watching

[@guaporeturns9472]

Most civilian/citizen defensive shooting are settled in well under 6 rounds

[@bubbafudd]

True statement

[@ohcrap3263]

Only one? MR 73 4 inch barrel. I made the choice. Yes I could have three of the others. I only need one.

[@bubbafudd]

Sweet!

[@sleepthoughamostqruelandde1116]

Nice😊

[@bubbafudd]

Appreciate you checking it out!

[@Misitheus]

Got mine in 1994....

[@bubbafudd]

I hope you still have it!

[@SirWhiteRabbit-gr5so]

1st Question; Who am I fighting?

[@bubbafudd]

Aliens?

[@gotshpilkes]

Model 625 with full moon clips.

[@bubbafudd]

I’m down with that

[@brookeduncan9699]

What the hell could be more "tactical" than a gun that works every time and shoots a round that has nearly a century of criminal KIAs?

[@bubbafudd]

true enough!

[@doranmaxwell1755]

I handload so never shoot 38 spl from a .357 gun duh? why? I have two loads for .357 one is 1000 fps cast and coated SWC and one is 1400 fps cast and coated both 160 grain.

[@rickypitman1035]

Reload .357 brass with. 38 load of your choice most folks have 2 loads in .38 whatever power reqd. Could have ask Mr. Elmer he loaded what you Won't

[@bubbafudd]

Yeah, I’m not Mr. Elmer. I’m just a random guy

[@scottheathco7323]

i think i will go with the new .44 mtn. gun

[@bubbafudd]

I’m planning on getting the 686 MG when I have the dough

[@nonyabiz9487]

S&W 6 inch 686 7 shot NO LOCK... 7 always better than 6.

[@bubbafudd]

7 is definitely better than 6

[@richvest7212]

4" model 64

[@bubbafudd]

Hell yeah

[@woodrowcall3158]

Law enforcement should move back to revolvers and increase training standards to establish marksmanship mastery. Current training standards cater to and reinforce panic fire mag dumping. The military should either be issued revolvers or no sidearms at all. Every semi-auto handgun issued to modern militaries has claimed more casualties against friendlies than enemy combatants.

[@bubbafudd]

Interesting argument. I see where you’re coming from - I think the issue especially with LEOs is the more modern threat they face and making sure they’ll be well equipped for it.

[@woodrowcall3158]

@ There is no threat that our Glocks can handle that a revolver couldn’t with proper training. Your average officer is statistically more likely to get into a physical contact use of force than they are a situation where they need to shoot multiple assailants. If we need lots of bullets, we need our patrol rifle. There are vastly more incidents of malfunctions in semi-autos than instances where multiple threats need to be engaged. Add to that incidents of negligent discharge that can be attributed to the inherent design of contemporary semi-autos, and the number of errant shots from officers mag dumping threats wildly resulting in either property damage or personal injury, and the contrast becomes even greater. I’ve been in law enforcement for 11 years, and I’ve trained and competed in various shooting disciplines for 23 years. The advent of semi-autos being touted as the tool to have is purely from hypothetical “what-if” scenarios that are based in fear and not critical review of statistics. Those troopers in California and FBI agents in Miami would have been just as dead with a wonder-nine in their hands. Equipment cannot replace training, and training is being sorely neglected in our day and time. Admin enjoys the fact that they save money on equipping their officers with cheaper equipment, but they won’t dare spend extra money on establishing discipline and investing training funds to establish and maintain mastery. Training is the ultimate hurdle, and when it is crossed the semi-auto will work fine, but at that point the officer would likely be better served by a revolver for the vast majority of incidents.

[@sylvioedmundosantosjunior6522]

I prefer The model 686 357 magnun. The best revolver form Smith wesson

[@bubbafudd]

I want to try a 686 at some point

[@TomRiddle-ww5on]

Is this bubba fud? New channel?

[@bubbafudd]

Yep, just changed the name

[@Siskiyous6]

No, the 625

[@bubbafudd]

I can dig the 625…

[@algoneby]

model 66 !!!!!

[@bubbafudd]

Yeah!!!

[@algoneby]

@bubbafudd My Favorite, easy to reload for. Makes a loud noise.

[@InfBerBat-143]

S&W m13

[@bubbafudd]

Love it

[@doranmaxwell1755]

yeah... my carry gun is a 340 PD .357 cause it is a 'carry gun' duh? Sooo if I want 686 size? maybe the gun it copied? my 1969 Colt Python or maybe my (self) rounded butt sambar stag gripped Trooper? or my model 19 target? Maybe my ultra reliable Bulgarian Makarov? or my PPK in 32 auto? maybe my Beretta 950B in 25 auto that is in the front pocket of my western shirt as we speak? get the idea? there is no way on the planet I could pick the best. it to me is a silly concept. now.. for revolvers I agree that the bianci strips are best. the 'jet style' speed loaders are best (safariland now) Two guns are better than one. my SAA 1873 Uberti Clones are just fine. one is by my nightstand cause...duh? it points well without sights key word being NIGHT?

[@dattape2828]

Good for you. The latest model sucks. Shrouded barrel. Trigger.

[@bubbafudd]

It’s definitely not as refined - I will say I’ve had good luck with my 66-8

[@rickypitman1035]

Recessed cyn.

[@bubbafudd]

Did I not say recessed cylinder? I could’ve sworn I did