Taurus Model 66 Reliability/Performance

wmg1299 · July 17, 2018, 11:51 PM

I am strongly considering picking up a 7 round .357 Mag/38 Special revolver with a 4 inch barrel. The Taurus 66 is available from multiple retailers for several hundred dollars less than any of the Ruger or S&W offerings. I always heard mixed reviews of Taurus products when I was growing up, but I have very limited experience with modern Taurus revolvers. Should I purchase a Taurus, or save up for the Ruger or S&W? Any opinions from owners of recently produced Model 66's would be greatly appreciated.

tallball · July 18, 2018, 01:40 AM

I have owned three older versions of the Model 66. All have been good. I've not owned a newer one. My experience with "classic" Taurus handguns, such as the 66, 85, and PT92 has been uniformly positive. The PT111 gen 2 is said to be pretty solid also (mine is good). My expectations would be lower for some of their models.

CajunBass · July 18, 2018, 05:35 AM

I've owned an older 65 and a 66 (they have factory wood grips). I liked them a lot. Never had a problem, and the fit and finish was excellent.

The newer ones, especially the stainless ones, just don't look right, so I've never considered them.

mk70ss · July 18, 2018, 05:44 AM

Older Taurus revolvers are generally really good guns. The new Taurus offerings are fair. But good luck to you if you need warranty work done.

wild cat mccane · July 18, 2018, 06:39 AM

One of my new 66ss had a binding cylinder this year. It Taurus shipped it back. It took 3+months but came back working fine.

The 66 trigger is nicer than the GP100 but a working man's level to the 686. I've owned all three at the same time.

If you want a revolve for fun, I think the Taurus 66 is the best option.

lee n. field · July 18, 2018, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmg1299

I am strongly considering picking up a 7 round .357 Mag/38 Special revolver with a 4 inch barrel. The Taurus 66 is available from multiple retailers for several hundred dollars less than any of the Ruger or S&W offerings. I always heard mixed reviews of Taurus products when I was growing up, but I have very limited experience with modern Taurus revolvers. Should I purchase a Taurus, or save up for the Ruger or S&W? Any opinions from owners of recently produced Model 66's would be greatly appreciated.

Check it over good before paying money. See Jim March's revolver checkout.

T. O'Heir · July 18, 2018, 09:44 AM

The only serious issue with Taurus stuff is their customer service is poor. Hence the 3 + months wild cat mccane mentions. Their early stuff(like 35 or so years ago) had QC issues though. Heavy tool marks left on.
"...trigger is nicer..." Factory triggers are irrelevant. They all need work.

41 Magnum · July 18, 2018, 12:24 PM

The only Taurus handgun I currently own, is a 6" Model 66 short under lug, wood grip, in blued finish. It has been completely trouble free, & is in my opinion an excellent revolver. It was reasonably priced, and handles .38 Spl. & .357 loads with exceptional performance & accuracy. What more could I ask ??!
It also often serves as my CCW in an IWB holster!

Jim

R.A.N.G.E.R · July 18, 2018, 01:17 PM

I had the exact same considerations, except that I was considering the Tracker 627 line. While I preferred the 4” barrel model, I was at an LGS and got hooked by a 6.5” barrel 627 Tracker. It’s a nice shooter overall, everything works, but I’d like to do a little polishing of the internals, and possibly lighten or replace the springs to improve the trigger.

On another topic, I’ve heard it said that the model 66 has a heavier frame than the 627 Tracker models. That’s a plus for a magnum handgun until you consider carrying the extra weight, about 10oz, in a holster or backpack all day, or over a long distance or a climb. Still, it might add to longevity against the full power rounds, and the added weight may make it easier to control — the Tracker models are all ported to hlp control, theoretically, muzzle lift....

wild cat mccane · July 18, 2018, 08:47 PM

I also put Wilson springs in my GP100--still the worst of the bunch.

Having owned many recent versions of all three, I question anyone who states the GP100 trigger can ever be as good as the 686 stock.

I do think the 66 has a great single action trigger.

wnycollector · July 19, 2018, 09:23 AM

I have an early 1990's Taurus Model 82. It has been a rock solid gun that got much better with the addition of a Wilson Combat spring kit.

craddleshooter · July 20, 2018, 08:08 PM

I have both a GP100 and a Taurus 66 and both are great guns. I carry the 66 around the property daily along with a couple of speedloaders and have had only one issue with it which was the particular ammo not the revolver...the ammo was Blazer steel and I found that it would bind the cylinder...changed ammo and have had no other problems with the 66...JM2C

tallball · July 20, 2018, 09:24 PM

From the mid-to-late 80's and the very early 90's the model 66 and variants tend to be very good. They have a lifetime non-original owner warranty. I would be looking for an older one. They are also cheaper than the new ones.

Jbar4Ranch · July 22, 2018, 05:01 PM

I spent 5 years as Gun Room Manager for Sportsman's Warehouse, and sent back more Taurus revolvers for warranty service than everything else COMBINED that we carried.
That said, of course they're not ALL bad, or Taurus wouldn't be in business, but they had a far, far higher incidence of warranty problems. The Judge was the worst of the worst. The Judge had a major recurring problem of the crane sliding forward out of the frame when opened. The single action Gaucho was runner up - it was so bad, they discontinued it shortly after introduction, "fixed" it, reintroduced it for a few months, the problems continued, so it was discontinued for good. I had a couple M66's that had rifling in the first inch of the barrel, then a chewed up section, then good rifling beyond that out to the muzzle. Rifling to rifling, jumping over the chewed up area and accounting for the twist rate of course, didn't line up. I don't know how that can even happen.
Autos were a different story, and I can only remember sending two back for service in five years.

All that being said, there are any number of Taurus owners who own one... or two... or three... and they'll come back and post glowing reports as a rebuttal to this post, but I dealt with THOUSANDS of them. I've had a couple M85's that were fine, and still have a 941 that works as advertised, but after my retail experience with them, I'd never, ever buy another Taurus revolver.

gunsrtools · August 7, 2018, 07:38 PM

I have a model 66 and a model 85.
Older production and both have been good guns.

Model12Win · August 7, 2018, 07:43 PM

Get a Smith.

Used police 66s can be had for not much money. FAR better guns.

gunsrtools · August 7, 2018, 07:53 PM

Yes, that is true....And so are Ruger Security Six and GP 100.

kymasabe · August 10, 2018, 08:35 AM

On a side note...i had a Rossi 851 revolver that I'm pretty sure was somehow related to Taurus, which turned out be a nice gun after the trigger wore in a little.

July 17, 2018, 11:51 PM	#1
wmg1299 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2013 Location: DFW Metroplex Posts: 190	Taurus Model 66 Reliability/Performance I am strongly considering picking up a 7 round .357 Mag/38 Special revolver with a 4 inch barrel. The Taurus 66 is available from multiple retailers for several hundred dollars less than any of the Ruger or S&W offerings. I always heard mixed reviews of Taurus products when I was growing up, but I have very limited experience with modern Taurus revolvers. Should I purchase a Taurus, or save up for the Ruger or S&W? Any opinions from owners of recently produced Model 66's would be greatly appreciated.

July 18, 2018, 05:35 AM	#3
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,767	I've owned an older 65 and a 66 (they have factory wood grips). I liked them a lot. Never had a problem, and the fit and finish was excellent. The newer ones, especially the stainless ones, just don't look right, so I've never considered them. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

July 18, 2018, 05:44 AM	#4
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,598	Older Taurus revolvers are generally really good guns. The new Taurus offerings are fair. But good luck to you if you need warranty work done. __________________ Say when.....

July 18, 2018, 09:44 AM	#7
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	The only serious issue with Taurus stuff is their customer service is poor. Hence the 3 + months wild cat mccane mentions. Their early stuff(like 35 or so years ago) had QC issues though. Heavy tool marks left on. "...trigger is nicer..." Factory triggers are irrelevant. They all need work. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

July 18, 2018, 12:24 PM	#8
41 Magnum Member Join Date: August 31, 2010 Location: Central Pa. Posts: 66	The only Taurus handgun I currently own, is a 6" Model 66 short under lug, wood grip, in blued finish. It has been completely trouble free, & is in my opinion an excellent revolver. It was reasonably priced, and handles .38 Spl. & .357 loads with exceptional performance & accuracy. What more could I ask ??! It also often serves as my CCW in an IWB holster! Jim __________________ I have gotten smarter as I've aged, . . . . . . . . No, Really !!!

July 18, 2018, 01:40 AM	#2
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I have owned three older versions of the Model 66. All have been good. I've not owned a newer one. My experience with "classic" Taurus handguns, such as the 66, 85, and PT92 has been uniformly positive. The PT111 gen 2 is said to be pretty solid also (mine is good). My expectations would be lower for some of their models.

July 18, 2018, 06:39 AM	#5
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,625	One of my new 66ss had a binding cylinder this year. It Taurus shipped it back. It took 3+months but came back working fine. The 66 trigger is nicer than the GP100 but a working man's level to the 686. I've owned all three at the same time. If you want a revolve for fun, I think the Taurus 66 is the best option.

July 18, 2018, 01:17 PM	#9
R.A.N.G.E.R Member Join Date: September 27, 2017 Location: Atlanta Posts: 21	I had the exact same considerations, except that I was considering the Tracker 627 line. While I preferred the 4” barrel model, I was at an LGS and got hooked by a 6.5” barrel 627 Tracker. It’s a nice shooter overall, everything works, but I’d like to do a little polishing of the internals, and possibly lighten or replace the springs to improve the trigger. On another topic, I’ve heard it said that the model 66 has a heavier frame than the 627 Tracker models. That’s a plus for a magnum handgun until you consider carrying the extra weight, about 10oz, in a holster or backpack all day, or over a long distance or a climb. Still, it might add to longevity against the full power rounds, and the added weight may make it easier to control — the Tracker models are all ported to hlp control, theoretically, muzzle lift....

July 18, 2018, 08:47 PM	#10
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,625	I also put Wilson springs in my GP100--still the worst of the bunch. Having owned many recent versions of all three, I question anyone who states the GP100 trigger can ever be as good as the 686 stock. I do think the 66 has a great single action trigger.

July 19, 2018, 09:23 AM	#11
wnycollector Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Posts: 1,996	I have an early 1990's Taurus Model 82. It has been a rock solid gun that got much better with the addition of a Wilson Combat spring kit. __________________ The wicked flee when no man pursueth - Proverbs 28:1

July 20, 2018, 08:08 PM	#12
craddleshooter Junior member Join Date: March 9, 2018 Location: NY Posts: 90	I have both a GP100 and a Taurus 66 and both are great guns. I carry the 66 around the property daily along with a couple of speedloaders and have had only one issue with it which was the particular ammo not the revolver...the ammo was Blazer steel and I found that it would bind the cylinder...changed ammo and have had no other problems with the 66...JM2C

July 20, 2018, 09:24 PM	#13
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	From the mid-to-late 80's and the very early 90's the model 66 and variants tend to be very good. They have a lifetime non-original owner warranty. I would be looking for an older one. They are also cheaper than the new ones.

July 22, 2018, 05:01 PM	#14
Jbar4Ranch Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 1999 Location: Near Helena, Montana Posts: 1,719	I spent 5 years as Gun Room Manager for Sportsman's Warehouse, and sent back more Taurus revolvers for warranty service than everything else COMBINED that we carried. That said, of course they're not ALL bad, or Taurus wouldn't be in business, but they had a far, far higher incidence of warranty problems. The Judge was the worst of the worst. The Judge had a major recurring problem of the crane sliding forward out of the frame when opened. The single action Gaucho was runner up - it was so bad, they discontinued it shortly after introduction, "fixed" it, reintroduced it for a few months, the problems continued, so it was discontinued for good. I had a couple M66's that had rifling in the first inch of the barrel, then a chewed up section, then good rifling beyond that out to the muzzle. Rifling to rifling, jumping over the chewed up area and accounting for the twist rate of course, didn't line up. I don't know how that can even happen. Autos were a different story, and I can only remember sending two back for service in five years. All that being said, there are any number of Taurus owners who own one... or two... or three... and they'll come back and post glowing reports as a rebuttal to this post, but I dealt with THOUSANDS of them. I've had a couple M85's that were fine, and still have a 941 that works as advertised, but after my retail experience with them, I'd never, ever buy another Taurus revolver. __________________ Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets replaced... SASS 47015

August 7, 2018, 07:38 PM	#15
gunsrtools Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2008 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 116	I have a model 66 and a model 85. Older production and both have been good guns. __________________ Bob ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

August 7, 2018, 07:43 PM	#16
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Get a Smith. Used police 66s can be had for not much money. FAR better guns.

August 7, 2018, 07:53 PM	#17
gunsrtools Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2008 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 116	Yes, that is true....And so are Ruger Security Six and GP 100. __________________ Bob ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

August 10, 2018, 08:35 AM	#18
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,747	On a side note...i had a Rossi 851 revolver that I'm pretty sure was somehow related to Taurus, which turned out be a nice gun after the trigger wore in a little. __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.