whistles, just can't quite replicate. They’re the six-shooters of the Old West, the sidearms of hard-boiled detectives, and the quintessential tool for those who prefer the satisfying click of a cylinder over the clatter of a slide. For a certain breed of enthusiast, the perfect fighting revolver isn't some mythical unicorn; it's a specific set of features wrapped in a medium frame. We’re talking about a compact grip, quality sights, and a three-inch barrel. This particular configuration is so beloved by experts that it has been elevated to an almost legendary status. And now, Taurus has taken this established formula and decided to spice things up a bit.

The latest offering from the Brazilian manufacturer, the Taurus 66 Combat, doesn't just replicate the classic design; it tries to improve on it. The big idea here is simple: if six rounds are good, then seven must be better. It's a bit like adding an extra slice to a pizza, or an extra hour to the weekend—it’s just a welcome bonus. By adding a seventh chamber to its cylinder, Taurus challenges the traditional six-shooter paradigm and offers a little more lead to throw downrange when things get dicey. Whether that extra round is a game-changer or just a nice-to-have is a matter for debate, but it certainly gives the 66 Combat a little something extra to brag about.

Beyond the extra round, the Taurus 66 Combat is built on the foundation of the reliable and well-regarded Taurus 66. This new version, however, comes with a suite of features that are squarely aimed at the "perfect fighting gun" crowd. It sports high-quality fiber optic sights for quick target acquisition, a tuned combat double-action-only (DAO) trigger for a consistent pull, and a full-length ejector rod, which is a surprisingly important detail for ensuring spent casings are cleared efficiently. All of this comes wrapped in a package chambered for the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge, with the added flexibility of also being able to fire standard pressure and +P .38 Special rounds. It’s a versatile beast, ready for a variety of tasks, from target practice to something a bit more serious.

But wait, there's more! The 66 Combat isn't content with just being a modern take on a classic revolver. It aims to drag the fighting revolver into the 21st century kicking and screaming—or, more accurately, with a red dot sight mounted on its back. The revolver comes drilled and tapped for Taurus’s Optics Ready Option (T.O.R.O.) system. While the optics plate is sold separately, this feature allows the user to mount an optic with a Shield RMSC footprint, which is a popular and widely available option. It’s a bold move, merging the old-school charm of a revolver with the new-school precision of a red dot sight. It might look a bit unconventional, but for those who value rapid target acquisition and improved accuracy, it's a feature that’s hard to ignore.

In a world dominated by polymer-framed, high-capacity semi-automatics, the Taurus 66 Combat stands out. It’s not trying to compete with the likes of Glocks or Sigs on their home turf. Instead, it’s carving out its own niche, offering a blend of traditional revolver reliability with modern enhancements. The stainless steel construction of the frame, cylinder, and barrel gives it a reassuring heft and a durable finish that looks ready to take a beating. With an overall length of 8.40 inches and an unloaded weight of 36.5 ounces, it’s a substantial piece of hardware, but not overly cumbersome. It feels like a tool built for a purpose, not just a fashion accessory.

The ergonomics of the 66 Combat appear well thought out, with an overall height of 5.67 inches and a width of 1.52 inches, suggesting a comfortable and controllable grip for a variety of hand sizes. The six-groove barrel with a 1:16.5-inch twist rate should provide adequate stabilization for the projectiles it sends downrange, ensuring a good balance of accuracy and power. The double-action-only trigger further simplifies the manual of arms, providing a consistent trigger pull every single time, which can be a comforting thought in a high-stress situation. This design choice removes the option of single-action firing, which some purists may lament, but it also eliminates the possibility of a light, accidental discharge from a cocked hammer.

The inclusion of a transfer bar safety is also a noteworthy detail. This mechanism prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled, adding a layer of drop safety and peace of mind. It’s a classic revolver safety feature that has been proven over decades of use and is a welcome inclusion on any modern fighting handgun. The whole package feels like a deliberate and cohesive design, where every feature, from the barrel length to the frame material, was chosen with a specific user and purpose in mind. It is designed to be a reliable and robust tool, not a delicate showpiece.

The Taurus 66 Combat is a fascinating blend of old and new. It respects the legacy of the classic fighting revolver while boldly incorporating features that are typically found on more contemporary firearms. The added round, the fiber optic sights, and the optics-ready frame are all features that aim to modernize a timeless design without losing its core identity. It’s a gun for the person who appreciates the simplicity and reliability of a revolver but also wants the benefits of modern technology.

While it may not sway the die-hard semi-automatic fan, the 66 Combat is a compelling option for those who already have a soft spot for revolvers. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best way forward is to look back and then add a few clever improvements. It shows that the revolver, far from being a relic of a bygone era, can still evolve and find a relevant place in today's market. It’s not just another revolver; it’s a confident statement about the enduring appeal and potential of a classic design, brought to life for a new generation.