Concealed Carry And Permits
Taurus 66 Combat Revolver Brings Modern Features to a Classic Platform
Seven-shot .357 Magnum wheelgun debuts with optics-ready frame and combat-tuned trigger
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Miami, Florida
Revolvers are often written off as relics of a bygone era, but Taurus is challenging that perception with the release of its new 66 Combat revolver. Built on the companys well-known Model 66 medium-frame platform, the 66 Combat is chambered in .357 Magnum, giving shooters the versatility to run powerful magnum loads or softer-shooting .38 Specials. Where this revolver separates itself from its predecessors is in its capacity and features, making it a contender in todays defensive handgun market. The revolver boasts a seven-shot cylinder, a significant increase over the traditional six-round configuration. That additional round represents roughly a 15 percent bump in capacity, which could prove critical in a defensive scenario. Capacity has long been a knock against revolvers when compared to semi-automatics, and Taurus has attempted to close that gap without compromising reliability. Taurus designed the 66 Combat with concealability and performance in mind. The three-inch barrel length is a deliberate choiceshort enough to keep the revolver compact and manageable, but long enough to allow .357 Magnum loads to reach their intended performance levels. This balance makes it well-suited for concealed carry, while still retaining the terminal ballistics expected from the caliber. The revolver is packed with features uncommon in traditional wheelguns. It includes a fiber optic front sight for quick target acquisition and a squarish rear channel designed to deliver a crisp sight picture. Most notably, the frame is drilled and tapped for Taurus Optics Ready Option (T.O.R.O.) plates, allowing the mounting of red dot optics. Optics-ready revolvers are still rare in the marketplace, and this feature signals Tauruss intent to make the 66 Combat relevant for modern defensive applications. Another defining feature is the Combat Tuned Trigger, a double-action-only (DAO) design that eliminates the hammer spur. This configuration favors a snag-free draw and promotes a smooth, rolling trigger press. Revolver enthusiasts have long debated the merits of single- versus double-action triggers, but Taurus is clearly leaning into the DAO approach for faster, more consistent defensive use. Importantly, the 66 Combat isnt positioned as a nostalgic piece or a collectors safe queen. According to Taurus, the revolver was developed with input from trainers and end users who wanted a wheelgun capable of competing as a serious fighting handgun. With its improved capacity, optics compatibility, and tuned trigger, the 66 Combat is being pitched as a practical choice for self-defense in a market dominated by polymer semi-automatics. For shooters who value the simplicity and reliability of a revolver, the 66 Combat offers a compelling blend of old-school mechanics and modern upgrades. It provides the ballistic flexibility of the .357 Magnum in a package that incorporates features demanded by todays defensive community. Whether carried concealed or kept at the bedside, Taurus is positioning the 66 Combat as a credible alternative for those who prefer a wheelgun without sacrificing contemporary performance standards.