I'm not sure about the tracker, but I know the trigger on the 66 is hard to beat, 7 rounds and very accurate.

 

Thanks for the reply Harry.

 

The Tracker has a smaller frame than the 66. Personally, I like the large service frame on the M66 .357. It's a better fit in my hands and it is a bit easier to control due to the additional weight. The smaller frame will make a better pack gun or camp gun perhaps. Both are good shooters and depending on your preferences and planned usage either one would be a good choice.

 

Thank you Big Skiff all i need to know now are they both built with the same strength? The frame that is.

 

The 627 is a fine revolver and so is the model 66. Big Skiff hit the nail directly on the head with his info.

Porting or non-porting can be, but does not have to be an issue.

I've gone with the model 66s due to no porting as a personal choice. The 627 seems more like a hunting and pack it with you in the field gun. The porting keeps the muzzle down and that I can see much use for if .357 magnums are used primarily.

Just as an example though the 66 can do the same job, but the right shooting techniques doesn't make the recoil such a hard thing to deal with. Primarily, too, I shoot more .38 Specials through the 66s and the 65.

 

Im with Quick Draw, I went with the model 66s due to no porting as a personal choice.

 

the only plus to the tracker series is the ribber grip. everything else side to side, the model 66 comes out ahead.
the tracker series is slightly shorter then a sw l frame, the model 66 is slightly larger then an l frame in key areas. L frame in 357 is not a wimp, but a slightly more robust version CANT BE BAD.

6 inch barrels are MADE for hunting. and carrying. I don't know why the tracker series is sold as a hiking camping hunting gun. perhaps for the big logo on it. I dunno. id have no issue pulling my 66 on a deer critter. but I have rifles that do much better.

But honestly, you can get a brand new m66 for less then youll get a tracker for. cheapest tracker 627 ive seen in person was 650.
buds sells the 66b6 for 450.

 

Too me, the 66 is aesthetically more pleasing. Of course, my 66 is from the late 80's.

 

Never was a big fan of porting, both guns should be just fine. Guess it comes down to preference.

 

I guess that I am the odd duck as I much prefer the TRACKER™ in 357 Magnum over the Mdl 66.

 

I've had both an older M66 & a Newer being 2002 M617T which is a Tracker Frame & Prefer the lightweight titanium for carry but the stainless for all around use..
I like the grip tang of the Tracker series, a Dan Wesson/Ruger design adaptation as most if not all Taurus revolver mechanics can be traced back to Smith & Wesson..

The Mini Tracker M617T 357Mag X 7

 

The 7 shot 66 is a great house gun. Nice trigger single or double action, very accurate & great price. Quality is high; tight lock up. Not the deepest blue but a nice looking gun. I was looking for the S&W 686+ but couldn't find one anywhere so I got the Taurus 4" 66 & I'm happy with it. I put Hogue grips on it with exposed back strap & my wife easily reaches the trigger with medium-small hands. She hits with it way better than with our 5 shot snubbies. The 66 is her nightstand gun, she doesn't like autos. Mine's a SIG P250 .45 but I may get another 66. We looked at Trackers & the grip felt great. I'd prefer one for hiking around the woods. For a house gun though, the porting wouldn't be a good idea so I got the 66. Those Hogue grips look & feel wonderful. I have big hands but my wife likes the Hogues too. See avatar.

 

Just bought your twin , its in jail cant wait to get out ..question- mine has hogue grip but not sure what you mean by exposed back strap for wifes smaller hand as mine does not have exposed back strap and I dont see grips that leave the back strap exposed?

 

Ahem...:nopics:

 

Thursday mine gets out of jail , I forgot to get the mug shot! haha

 

I have both and they have very different purposes. The 66 is more for personal defense and the 627 is more of a trail gun.

 

Both are good guns, which is better for you depends upon how you want to use it.

The Tracker is smaller and lighter. From what I can gather researching online, the Tracker isn't 28oz as listed on the website (that was the weight of the long ago discontinued Titanium Tracker), but more like 34oz. For a carry gun, the Tracker's weight is a bit higher than most people like, but wouldn't be bad. The 66 at 38oz may be over most people's weight limit for carry (but with a good holster and belt it can certainly be done). I would suspect that the 66 is more durable with extended .357mag use than the Tracker, but I have not heard of any issues with the Tracker.

For me, the biggest deciding factor that will lead me to more likely pick up the 66 over the Tracker is the porting. Even if I would use it as a carry gun, I'd go with the 66 despite the extra weight. Porting will push the flash up right into your line of vision and wreak havoc with your night vision, which would be a huge problem in the typical low-light self-defense scenario. Also, the ports will make the already loud .357mag even louder and likely cause hearing damage if used indoors. So, for me, I'd only get the Tracker as a fun gun at the range and maybe as a woods gun (though the 66 would be fine as a woods gun as well), and I'd stick with the 66 if you are thinking of using it as a carry or home defense gun.

A less important issue overall, but one that will matter for many people, is the availability of grips. With the 66 you will have far more options if the factory grips are not what you want. You may also find the 66 easier to find a holster for than the Tracker (more holster makers make holsters specifically for the 66 than for the Tracker, though many K-frame and L-frame holsters should fit both guns).

 

I handled a 627 tracker and a m66 today at the gun shop. Both were very nice tough decision!! By the way, I also handled a smith 686 and both Taurus triggers were far better than the smith!!!! I've owned 5 Taurus revolvers so far and will will never go back to smith or ruger again. Taurus revolvers are every bit as good as the other ones at a much better price!