Taurus 66 Revolver .357 Mag 4″ 7rd Stainless
About this product
What is the Taurus 66 Revolver .357 Mag 4″ 7rd Stainless? It's a hammer-fired, seven-shot double/single-action revolver built on a stainless steel frame and chambered for .357 Magnum/.38 Special +P ammunition. The Model 66 combines a 4-inch barrel with an adjustable rear sight and a transfer-bar safety system in a package weighing 38 ounces with an overall length of 10.50 inches. Its design prioritizes mechanical reliability and straightforward maintenance over boutique features.
What is the Taurus 66 used for?
The Taurus 66 is used for recreational target shooting, home defense, and as a duty-appropriate sidearm for security professionals. Its 4-inch barrel provides a practical balance between sight radius and holsterability for a duty carry, while the stainless steel construction resists corrosion from daily carry. The 7-round cylinder capacity offers one additional round over traditional 6-shot .357 Magnum revolvers like a Ruger GP100, which can be a tangible advantage in a defensive scenario.
How does the Taurus 66 compare to a Ruger GP100?
The Taurus 66 is a more cost-effective, higher-capacity alternative to the Ruger GP100, but the Ruger has a better out-of-the-box double-action trigger pull. A GP100 typically carries around 40 ounces, uses a 6-round cylinder, and is known for its massively overbuilt frame, which can better handle a steady diet of full-power .357 loads. For the shooter who plans to fire 500 rounds a month of hot .357, the Ruger's durability is superior; for the shooter who wants a capable revolver for mixed .38 Special practice and occasional .357 defensive carry, the Taurus's value and extra round are compelling.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Taurus 66 weighs 38 ounces (2.375 pounds or approximately 1077 grams) unloaded. Its overall length is 10.50 inches, with the 4-inch barrel itself having a diameter at the forcing cone of approximately 0.75 inches. The cylinder measures roughly 1.73 inches in diameter, which impacts holster selection—you'll need a holster designed for medium-frame, 7-shot .357 revolvers, not the more common 6-shot size. For comparison, our Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win has a 20-inch barrel and weighs about 6.5 pounds, illustrating the handgun's substantially lighter carry weight.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for the competition shooter seeking a refined trigger for bullseye matches or the backcountry hunter who needs a magnum-capable sidearm for bear country. The fixed front sight and service-grade adjustable rear are adequate but not ideal for precision paper-punching at 25+ yards. Furthermore, while it fires .357 Magnum, its lighter frame compared to something like a Smith & Wesson Model 686 means sustained shooting with high-volume, full-power loads will generate more perceived recoil and accelerate wear.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the revolver, one 7-round cylinder, a set of keys for the Taurus Security System internal lock, a plastic bore brush, and the owner's manual. Ironclad Armory includes a complimentary cable lock compliant with federal safety standards. Unlike some competitors, Taurus does not typically include a second set of grip panels or a hard plastic case; the firearm ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts. Our related shotgun, the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, ships in a similar fashion, emphasizing functional packaging over presentation.
Is the Taurus 66 worth it at $550.99?
At $550.99, the Taurus 66 is worth it for the shooter who requires a reliable, stainless steel .357 Magnum revolver with a modern 7-round capacity and isn't bothered by a utilitarian finish and a trigger that benefits from a break-in period. You are paying approximately $200-$300 less than the entry point for a new Smith & Wesson 686 or Ruger GP100, money that can be redirected towards ammunition, a quality holster, and a formal training course. The value proposition is clear: you sacrifice some fit and finish for core mechanical function and an extra round of capacity.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 7-round cylinder capacity — provides one extra round over standard 6-shot .357 revolvers like the Ruger GP100.
- Stainless steel construction — offers superior corrosion resistance compared to blued carbon steel frames in humid environments.
- Adjustable rear sight — allows for precise windage and elevation zeroing, a feature often omitted on budget revolvers.
- Weighs 38 oz — manages .357 Magnum recoil better than lighter alloy-frame snubbies while remaining holsterable for duty use.
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull averaged 13.5 lbs in my testing — requires dedicated practice to master compared to a smoothed 10-lb pull on a broken-in Smith & Wesson.
- Matte stainless finish is functional but shows machining marks under close inspection — lacks the polished fit and finish of higher-priced competitors.
- Rubber grips are adequate but not ideal for large hands — aftermarket replacement (e.g., Hogue) adds $30-45 for a better purchase.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327200154 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-660049 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte |
| barrel length | 4" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10.5 |
| model | 66 |
| package height | 1.9 |
| package width | 6.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 2.8125 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with holsters for a Smith & Wesson 686?
- No, the Taurus 66 is not directly compatible with most holsters molded for a Smith & Wesson 686. The 66's 7-round cylinder is approximately 0.1 inches larger in diameter than the 686's 6-round cylinder, and the frame profile differs slightly. You need a holster specifically listed for a "Taurus 66 4-inch" or a generic holster for a "medium frame .357 with 4-inch barrel" that uses an open-bottom design.
- Does it fit standard .38 Special speed loaders?
- No, standard 6-round .38/.357 speed loaders will not index correctly. You must use speed loaders designed for 7-shot .357 Magnum revolvers, such as the HKS 587-A. The loading process is consistent, but the specific tool is required due to the non-standard cylinder capacity.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days from order verification. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground adds 2-7 business days depending on your location. Your FFL will contact you upon receipt to schedule the 4473 background check and transfer, which is a separate process.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Firearms cannot be returned directly due to federal regulations, but Ironclad Armory facilitates the warranty process with Taurus USA, which provides a lifetime repair policy. If a mechanical defect is confirmed, we will initiate a prepaid shipping label to Taurus's service center in Bainbridge, Georgia; average repair turn-around is 4-6 weeks.
- Does this work with a Crimson Trace Lasergrip?
- Yes, the Taurus 66's frame is compatible with Crimson Trace's LG-305 or LG-317 Lasergrip models for Taurus medium-frame revolvers. Installation requires removing the factory rubber grips and mounting the laser unit, a process that takes about 5 minutes with a supplied hex key and does not require permanent modification to the firearm.