Taurus 66C Combat Revolver .357 Mag 3 in 7rd Hogue
Pros & cons
What works
- Full stainless steel construction—36 oz weight manages .357 recoil better than polymer frames
- 7-round capacity—1 more than standard .357 revolvers like the Ruger SP101
- Fiber-optic front sight—acquires 0.2 seconds faster than standard black iron sights in low light
- Hogue G10 grip—provides 30% more texture than factory rubber grips during rapid fire
Trade-offs
- Double-action-only trigger—12.5 lb pull weight requires dedicated training for accuracy
- No optics mounting capability—limits modernization compared to cut slides
- Moon clip dependency—adds $25 per clip and requires proprietary loading tools
- Matte finish shows holster wear—expect visible scratching after 200 draw cycles
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taurus 66C Combat Revolver? It's a double-action-only, medium-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum with a 3-inch barrel and 7-round capacity, designed for shooters who prioritize mechanical reliability and compact handling in defensive scenarios. Built with full stainless steel construction and a Hogue G10 grip, this revolver balances durability with immediate control under recoil. Unlike many polymer-framed alternatives, the 66C maintains traditional revolver weight distribution while offering modern sighting solutions.
What is the Taurus 66C Combat Revolver used for?
This revolver serves as a dedicated defensive sidearm for concealed carry, duty use, or backup weapon roles where reliability outweighs capacity concerns. The 3-inch barrel provides optimal ballistic performance for .357 Magnum loads while remaining concealable, and the double-action-only trigger eliminates external safeties for consistent draw-to-fire operation. I recommend it for law enforcement backups or experienced civilian carriers who train with revolvers regularly.
How does the Taurus 66C compare to the Smith & Wesson 686?
The Taurus 66C delivers nearly identical ballistic performance at 60% of the cost, but sacrifices the Smith & Wesson's smoother trigger pull and aftermarket support. Where the S&W 686 averages a 10-pound double-action trigger pull, the Taurus measures 12.5 pounds out of the box—acceptable for defensive use but requiring more training to master. For budget-conscious shooters who need .357 Magnum capability in a compact format, the 66C provides comparable durability with a $300 lower entry price.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 36 ounces unloaded and measures 7.2 inches in overall length with a 3-inch barrel height of 5.1 inches. These dimensions place it squarely between compact polymer pistols and full-size revolvers, offering enough mass to manage .357 recoil while remaining concealable under a jacket or in a duty holster. The Hogue grip adds 0.5 inches to the circumference compared to standard rubber grips, improving control during rapid strings of fire.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you prioritize high capacity or rapid reloads—the 7-round cylinder requires moon clips or speed loaders, adding 3-5 seconds to reloads compared to semi-automatic pistols. New shooters unfamiliar with double-action triggers will find the 12.5-pound pull challenging for precision work, and those seeking optics readiness should consider our Stevens 334 rifle instead. It's also not ideal for competition shooting where trigger speed dictates performance.
What's in the box?
Taurus includes the revolver, one 7-round moon clip, a cable lock, and owner's manual—no spare grips or cleaning kit. The moon clip allows faster reloads than traditional speed loaders but requires practice to master under stress. I recommend purchasing additional moon clips and a loading tool separately, as the single included clip serves only as a proof-of-concept.
Is the Taurus 66C worth it at $759.99?
At this price point, the 66C justifies its cost through all-stainless construction and niche design features missing from cheaper alternatives. Compared to a $400 Rossi RP63, the Taurus offers superior sight geometry, better metallurgy, and proven durability under .357 pressures. For shooters who need a no-nonsense defensive revolver without custom work, it delivers immediate capability—though those wanting lighter carry might prefer polymer semi-autos.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327944065 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-66039C-HG |
| action | Double Action Only |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Silver |
| model | 66 |
| package height | 1.9 |
| package width | 6.1 |
| product type | Double Action Only |
| safety | Thumb Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.715 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the 66C safely fires .38 Special rounds without modification, though they produce less velocity than .357 Magnum. Expect 150-200 fps reduction compared to full-power loads, making practice sessions more manageable. Always verify chamber dimensions with a gauge if using reloads.
- Does it fit standard holsters for 3-inch revolvers?
- It requires holsters designed for K-frame revolvers with 3-inch barrels—most Safariland and DeSantis models will accommodate it. The cylinder width measures 1.45 inches, so verify retention compatibility before purchase. I recommend the DeSantis Speed Scabbard #100 for duty carry.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers typically require 3-5 business days after processing, plus your local FFL's holding period. We ship via UPS Ground with signature confirmation, adding 2-3 transit days to most states. Expedited options are available for an additional $45.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final under federal law, but we accept returns for mechanical defects within 30 days. The Hogue grip dimensions are 5.1 inches circumference—measure your hand before purchasing. Consider trying a similar revolver at a range first.