Coach And Instructor Spotlight
Taurus Debuts Model 66 Combat: Optics-Ready, 3-Inch, 7-Shot .357 Magnum
DAO mid-frame revolver returns with modern features, optics plate support, and $972.99 MSRP
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Bainbridge, GA
Taurus has officially reintroduced its Model 66 in a Combat configuration designed to blend revolver tradition with todays defensive carry demands. The new model brings back the long-missed 3-inch barrel length, discontinued for the 66 in the early 1990s, and pairs it with contemporary enhancements such as optics compatibility, tuned double-action-only operation, and practical carry-oriented ergonomics. With its chambering for .357 Magnum/.38 Special, the 7-shot wheelgun is positioned as both a concealed-carry option and a viable home-defense firearm. Central to the release is the Model 66 Combats optics-ready setup. Taurus designed the revolver to accept a drill-and-tap pattern with an optional plate supporting micro-red dots in the Shield RMSc footprint. While optics-equipped revolvers remain rare in the mainstream, Taurus is clearly betting on a growing demand for sighting systems that benefit shooters with aging eyes or those seeking faster sight acquisition in low-light and high-stress encounters. The addition of a removable HiViz fiber-optic front sight ensures that users who prefer iron sights are not left behind. The revolvers double-action-only (DAO) trigger is tuned for consistency, a choice that reflects the needs of defensive shooters, agencies, or private owners who prioritize a uniform pull over single-action versatility. The DAO configuration also simplifies manual of arms, which can be particularly valuable in high-pressure encounters. Complementing this is a chamfered, unfluted cylinder designed to aid in smoother reloadsa subtle but important nod to the realities of defensive use where speed matters. Weighing in at 36.5 ounces with an overall length of 8.4 inches, the all-steel revolver balances concealability with recoil management. Hogue rubber grips ship standard, adding control for magnum loads, while a transfer-bar safety system rounds out the safety features. With an MSRP of $972.99, the Model 66 Combat lands in the upper-mid tier of the revolver market, competing not only with legacy Smith & Wesson models but also niche custom options catering to defensive shooters. The decision to bring back a 3-inch version is notable. Many enthusiasts consider this barrel length the sweet spot for balancing sight radius, ballistic performance, and carry convenience. In defensive circles, 3-inch mid-frames are praised for offering significantly better control and energy delivery than snub-nosed variants while still being concealable under light cover garments. Combined with the optics-ready platform, the 66 Combat is positioned as a tool for shooters who want modern capabilities without abandoning revolver reliability. Market chatter suggests that adoption will depend heavily on accessory support. The success of the optics-ready concept hinges on robust red dot options that can withstand magnum recoil, as well as holster availability for optics-equipped revolvers. Tauruss move here could push holster makers and optic manufacturers to expand compatibility, potentially driving wider adoption across the revolver community. Trainers and range officers are also likely to experiment with the platform, pressure-testing reload drills and optic performance under speed and recoil stress.