S&W Model 66 .357 Magnum – Full Review & First Shots

Published on April 26, 2026
Duration: 7:22

This video provides a comprehensive review of the Smith & Wesson Model 66 revolver, chambered in .357 Magnum. The presenter, Mr. Madness, details its history as a popular law enforcement sidearm, its K-frame construction, and a 4.25-inch barrel marked 'Combat Magnum'. The review includes practical shooting demonstrations comparing the recoil and ballistics of .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition, as well as a trigger pull test. The presenter also shares insights on carrying revolvers, referencing his own Smith & Wesson Model 340 PD.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 66 is a K-frame revolver historically favored by law enforcement in the 1970s and 80s. It features a 4.25-inch barrel and is chambered in .357 Magnum. The .357 Magnum cartridge produces significantly more recoil than .38 Special, requiring practice. Its single-action trigger pull is approximately 4 lbs.

Chapters

  1. 00:18Introduction: Mr. Madness and the S&W Model 66
  2. 00:21Introducing the Smith & Wesson Model 66 K-Frame
  3. 00:30History: Popularity with Law Enforcement in the 70s/80s
  4. 00:37Firearm Specifications: 4.25-inch Barrel, Combat Magnum
  5. 00:45Planned Tests: Trigger, Shooting, .38 Spl vs .357 Mag Recoil
  6. 00:55Action Type: Double-Action/Single-Action
  7. 01:01Thanks to Targets Online for Providing Targets
  8. 01:17Range Conditions: Cold Weather (5°F) and Mr. Buddy Heater
  9. 01:32Shooting Plan: .38s First, then .357 Magnum Comparison
  10. 01:41Post-Range Session: Chronograph Test with Garmin C1 Pro
  11. 01:50Comparing Velocity: .357 Magnum vs. .38 Special
  12. 02:00Ammunition Used: 124 Grain .38 Special
  13. 02:09First Shots: .357 Magnum
  14. 02:33Chronograph Reading: 1137 fps (.357 Magnum)
  15. 02:34Shooting Demonstration: Single Action at 25 Yards
  16. 03:07Targeting the Big Gong and Small Gong
  17. 03:34Aiming for the Bullseye
  18. 03:52Comparing .357 Magnum and .38 Special Shots
  19. 04:00Three .357 Magnum Shots
  20. 04:37Three .38 Special Shots
  21. 04:54Recoil and Handling Comparison: .38 Spl vs. .357 Mag
  22. 05:05Recommendation: Practice for .357 Magnum Carry
  23. 05:15Presenter's Carry Gun: S&W 340 PD
  24. 05:30S&W 340 PD Details: Titanium Cylinder, 2-inch Barrel
  25. 05:40Carry Ammunition Choice: .38 Special +P
  26. 05:49.357 Magnum in Lightweight Revolvers ('Barks')
  27. 05:53More Shooting: .38 Specials, Double and Single Action
  28. 06:00One-Handed Single Action Shooting
  29. 06:26One-Handed Practice at 15 Yards
  30. 06:30Shooting Remaining .38 Specials: Single and Double Action
  31. 06:35Single Action Trigger Characteristics
  32. 06:57Trigger Test: Empty Cylinder
  33. 07:10Trigger Pull Measurement: Approximately 4 lbs
  34. 07:13Conclusion and Call to Action: Subscribe and Like

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key historical points about the Smith & Wesson Model 66?

The Smith & Wesson Model 66 is a K-frame revolver that gained significant popularity among law enforcement agencies during the 1970s and 1980s. Its robust design and chambering in .357 Magnum made it a reliable duty sidearm for many officers.

How does the recoil of .357 Magnum compare to .38 Special in the S&W Model 66?

The .357 Magnum cartridge produces a noticeably sharper and more powerful recoil compared to .38 Special. This difference is significant and requires more practice to manage effectively, especially for less experienced shooters.

What is the trigger pull weight for the Smith & Wesson Model 66?

During a trigger test with an empty cylinder, the Smith & Wesson Model 66 exhibited a single-action trigger pull weight of approximately 4 pounds. This provides a crisp and light pull for accurate shooting.

What ammunition is recommended for carrying in lightweight .357 Magnum revolvers?

For lightweight .357 Magnum revolvers like the S&W 340 PD, carrying .38 Special +P ammunition is often recommended. This offers a balance between power and manageable recoil, avoiding the extreme blast and bark of full .357 Magnum loads.

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