I just today received an S&W 66 3" that I won on GunBroker a few weeks ago, and after an initial range session, I am very pleased with its performance thus far! This is going to be a very fun hiking, trail, and hunting companion!

Today I only ran two loads through the revolver: a fast 158grn lead semi wad-cutter, and Winchester's 180grn Nosler Partition Gold. When I was doing my part, both loads were grouping less than an inch at 25 yards, which BTW continues a rather unique and interesting trend for me, that I seem able to shoot the 3-4" revolvers as well as or on many occasions, BETTER THAN the 6-8" counter parts.

The S&W Diamond wood finger groove grips, and also a set of Hogue bantam finger groove grips, fit like a glove and handled extremely well. I do not have smallish hands, but the round butt grip frames with these or similarly sized and shaped grips simply fit my hand well AND work well. Even with the 180grn loads, recoil in the 3" 357 66 was simply not a significant factor. I am looking forward to trying out some 200grn Cor-Bon HC loads next time out!

I do not know why S&W does not produce the 3" guns as a regular production item, but I far prefer this barrel length to the 2.5" or 4", as the compromise of 3" seems to retain enough velocity and also (in the round butt configuration) have an ideal balance and weight.

At any rate, I consider that this revolver will make an superlative hiking and hunting companion, able to handle shots of opportunity on our small-bodied whitetail deer, as well as Black bear defense duties should the need ever arise.