Gear And Accessories
Taurus 66 Combat Revolver: A New Contender in Concealed Carry
Review: Taurus 66 Combat Revolver
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Unspecified, USA
Original Article
[Review: Taurus 66 Combat Revolver](https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/review-taurus-66-combat-revolver/)
Source: American Rifleman
View original articleThe Taurus 66 Combat revolver represents an intriguing entry into the contemporary concealed carry market, particularly given the proliferation of efficient micro-9 mm pistols. While traditionalists may view revolvers as an anachronism in comparison to semi-automatic handguns, Taurus has crafted the 66 Combat with serious consideration for its role as a fighting revolver. With features tailored for modern defense, including a 3-inch barrel, optics capability, and a smooth double-action trigger pull exceeding 10.5 pounds, the 66 Combat is designed with the principles of reliability and ease of use in mind. Its seven-round capacity, chambered in .357 Magnum, grants users considerable stopping power despite fewer rounds compared to its semi-automatic counterparts.
Caleb Giddings, Taurus USA's general marketing manager, remarked on the revolver's development, indicating it was crafted by experienced shooters aware of the nuances that a good revolver must offer. The ease of adoption due to its familiar form factor and ergonomics makes it appealing to those who still favor revolvers over the newer semi-automatic options. The revolver’s weight—36.5 ounces unloaded—also aids in managing recoil when using heavier .357 Magnum rounds, illustrating the significant craftsmanship in production. Despite the competitive market, the Taurus 66 Combat earns a place for those who prioritize comfort and familiarity over magazine capacity in a self-defense weapon.
The launch of the Taurus 66 Combat could suggest a resurgence of interest in revolvers, a firearm type that has seen diminishing appeal in the face of advancements in semi-automatic technology. Notably, the 66 Combat is positioned strategically against the backdrop of growing consumer preference for handguns that offer user-friendly characteristics, including optics readiness and customizability. This could open doors for revolvers in niche markets, specifically for self-defense where reliability and user comfort are paramount. Additionally, the allowance for varied ammunition types, from .38 Special to .357 Magnum, enhances the practicality of this revolver, showcasing its versatility across many shooting scenarios.
As market trends indicate a steady influx of both millennial and Gen Z shooters into the firearm community, revolvers like the Taurus 66 Combat could cater to those looking for a tactile, hands-on shooting experience that aligns with modern firearm technologies. The implications for training and instructor circles may include a renewed focus on revolver handling and skills development as instructors respond to shifts in consumer preferences and desires for diversity within their firearm training programs. Historical constraints, such as prior legislation limiting magazine capacity during the Federal Assault Weapon Ban of 1994, may also possess an echo in current consumer sentiment, as some individuals recall the reliability and simplicity offered by revolvers. In this landscape, the introduction of the Taurus 66 Combat with its modern enhancements could reignite conversations around revolver efficacy in personal defense.
The Taurus 66 Combat emerges at a time when concealed carriers are presented with a multitude of choices. With its formidable chambering, superior trigger, and thoughtful design, it offers an attractive alternative to standard semi-automatics. Early reports indicate a strong interest, particularly from those who appreciate the rotary action and strategy behind revolver use for self-defense. However, as competition heats up with advancements in semi-automatic pistols, the market's response will be telling. What remains unclear is whether the inertia of consumer preferences will shift meaningfully back towards revolvers or if the Taurus 66 will remain a niche offering in a predominantly semi-automatic world. The next months will reveal the true resonance of this reimagined classic within the firearms ecosystem.