Choice of Revolver

[Rod]

Going to get a revolver soon. It's inevitable. So what do you guys think? Do you like the 651 Protector or the 66? I have reason to like both. I just want to know what you guys think.

[JohnM]

Those are two different animals actually. I think it all depends on your intended use and preference. If it were me, and for a few reasons, I would chose the 66, but it wouldn't be a CCW ......


BTW.... it appears you have a 9mm Semi already, so have you considered a 9mm Revolver (Taurus 905)? Common caliber you already have some of I would imagine. Just a thought.... that was one of my considerations.... and I really like it, stellar clips and all.

[Slakev]

I am partial to my 617, it is a little heavy but it can conceal OK with the right clothing.

[JayRitz]

M66 - Not a good CCW, but a fantastic all-around gun. I have the old 6-shot model.

[Qwiks draw]

The 651 Protector seems like a logical choice as it is a snub revolver of good quality that can be carried in a large number of ways.It can be carried and hidden more easily than the 66.

I've been recently been practicing carrying a different snub guns that are in the snub collection I have.

Spare ammo is easier to hide and can be carried in Speedloaders or speed strips of some kind.

It does take more practice,time,and dedication to be proficient with a snub revolver, but worth the effort.

I do own several 66s and a 65. The 65 has a 2.5 inch barrel and with a Bianchi IWB holster it carries well. With the 65 shooting it is a breeze due to more heft,being larger than a snub revolver,longer sighting plain, more velocity with the longer barrel,and medium frame revolvers are easier to shoot well with compared to snubs.

Bianchi and other holster makers have IWB holsters for medium frame revolvers, but for me that's as far as I can go with it. For others it may or may not work The person's physique is a factor that may allow medium frame gun carry or not.

Some people can use a shirt tuck over the holster carry.

For summer carry the snub is getting the most carry time due to hot and humid weather.

[Qwiks draw]

Oh,yes. Any of the Taurus 85,851/651/650/850/856/327 series will work well for carry in this weather.

In cool weather the medium frame revolvers get more use.

[badge851]

Going to get a revolver soon. It's inevitable. So what do you guys think? Do you like the 651 Protector or the 66? I have reason to like both. I just want to know what you guys think.

They are two very different animals. If for concealed carry; no question, get the 651. If not for concealed carry, and for all other uses (home defense, hunting, range, or as a trail gun); get the Mdl 66.

[glenwolde]

As a general purpose gun, the 66 is hard to beat. The 651 is fine for concealed carry, but not that much fun as a range gun. I think you'll find you'll get more use out of the 66. I have 2", 4", and 6" .38s/.357s. The 6" ones get shot the most. The 2" ones the least.

If you want to shoot it a lot, the 66. If you want to carry it a lot, the 651. I think you'll need both.

[Rod]

Thanks for all the input. I'm torn with rather or not I do want to carry it. I haven't gotten my CW yet, so I carry "at home" right now. Both my Mil Pros feel like a dream to carry. So I was thinking about getting the 66 for home defense. I like the longer barrel because I have heard scary stories about shooting 357 loads from a snubby. I am a new gun owner so I am still in process learning how to shoot. Thanks for all of your posts. Keep em comin'!!!

[JayRitz]

If you already have a carry gun, go with the M66. I agree with the other guys - you prob won't shoot the snub very much in comparison to a medium frame. Shooting .357 from the M66 is very easy, and the accuracy is great. For fun-on-the-range factor, M66 is hard to beat. People love to shoot it for its smoothness and accuracy.

Something not mentioned here is that, if you have a wife/kids/friends/significant other who want to learn, a medium frame revolver with .38's is a great way to start. My wife, who is small in stature, can easily handle the M66. A snubbie with sharp recoil is not fun for a learner.