By John Markwell | Contributing Writer
Although this is a holster review, it’s also a story about a special gun; specifically, a Smith & Wesson Model 66-2, .357 Magnum revolver.
This handgun was manufactured in 1982 with a 2.5-inch barrel. This is when the recessed cylinder charge holes and pinned barrel were discontinued. We acquired this gun in ’83 or ‘84 from a mid-western police department where an old friend (Bob) was the chief firearms instructor and armorer. Bob called one day and told me the PD was switching to Sig P226 pistols and was trading in all the service revolvers, and confiscated guns, to the dealer to help finance the change. Officers could buy whatever they wanted at the trade-in price.
He had the list and wanted to know if I was interested in any of the guns as he could get them for me. Long story short, several guns eventually ended up in my hands, the 2.5-inch 66-2 being one of them. I took the gun to Novak’s and had it re-barreled to a 3-inch with Mag-Na Porting. It was given a light carry bevel treatment, as were the charge holes, and a matte bead blasted finish. Finally, I finished the round butt off with a set of high-quality Fuzzy Farrant stocks.
At that time (the early ‘80s thru the mid ‘90s) I was helping an outfitter friend run river trips on the Rio Grande thru the Lower Canyons in the Big Bend country of TX. 100-plus river miles, over 10 days, through the heart of the Chihuahuan desert. This was an early Spring and late Fall endeavor during our business’ off season; much like a paid vacation.
The PD surplus Model 66-2 became our “river gun”, covering a lot of river miles over 10 or so years, sheathed in a hand-me-down DeSantis holster and riding in the bottom of a canoe in our red ‘Tall-50 cal.” ammo can with other stuff that needed to stay dry no matter what. We stoked the 66 with a hotly loaded Speer 146-grain ¾-jacketed SWC hollow point bullet and Speer .38/.357 shot shells.
Over the years on the Rio, the 66 accounted for a few rattlesnakes and a skunk that had all the signs of rabies. I always wanted to cap a Javelina for a barbecue, but never got the chance. Although, even back then, the Big Bend area was a bit like the wild west, the Model 66 served only as a utility piece. Its presence was a comfort that was never needed during its 10-12 year tenure on the river.
Fast forward to the present day and Galco’s introduction of their Masterbilt holster line. I reviewed the Thunderclap for autos previously and I was a bit surprised when the Revenger for revolvers was announced. We arranged for a sample, for a 3-inch Python, to be sent to a gun-guy buddy in Idaho and asked Mike Barham at Galco what the odds would be of getting a Revenger for a 3-inch K Frame S&W? His reply was even more of a surprise; “There’s one being made for you by the Custom Shop now, as well as one for my Model 65.”
About two weeks later we had the new rig in hand and it is quite the nice outfit!
Galco uses only full grain premium leather in the Masterbilt holster line. The holster body is a double layer of leather with the smooth inner layer offering protection to gun finishes as well as a smooth draw stroke. Featuring detailed hand molding, the holsters under goes a proprietary drying process on a solid form, or last, which provides a precise gun to holster fit.
The Revenger has a slight forward cant and a reinforced opening that allows easy one-handed re-holstering. There is plenty of clearence for the middle finger when acquiring a firing grip in the holster. The metal-reinforced tunnel-style belt loop provides excellent rigidity during carry and on the draw, and the trailing belt slot aids with concealment – even with large revolvers.
Feed back from Our bud in Idaho on the Revenger for his new Custom 3-inch Python has been very positive although he told me the holster could have a bit more retention and that a Chicago screw type tension device may be necessary down the road. But for casual and range use the rig is outstanding. Our Revenger for the old 3-inch 66-2 has only been in use for a week or so now. The fit of the gun is snug yet the draw is very smooth and the retention seems just right as the Revenger holds the gun when the holster is inverted and shaken. Comfort-wise the Revenger rides well on our Galco Fancy Stitched Belt with the metal lined belt loop and trailing belt slot providing stability and enhancing concealment.
For a few more years than we like to admit, we’ve toted extra revolver ammo (quite comfortably I might add) in a 2x2x2 belt pouch by Galco (and a couple of other makers). Our Buddy Mike enclosed one of the new Pick Six Ammo Carriers with our Revenger holster. This is an open to the air ammo carrier that will hold 6 cartridges by twos between screw adjustable tension units. The pick Six is a bit heavier and takes up a bit more belt real estate than the old 2x2x2 pouches but offers easier access to the ammo and eliminates the chance of dumping it all as is pretty common with the 2x2x2 pouches as they age. Our sample Pic Six holds both .38/.357 cartridges and will work with .32 H&R Mag when the tension screws are cranked down.
We took the Revenger and the old 66 down to the Range a few times and ran some drills with the old revolver reloading from the Pick Six Ammo Carrier. There were no surprises as both pieces of gear lived up to our expectations. The Revenger provided smooth but quick presentations with hassle free re-holstering and reloading from the Pick Six was very convenient once we got the tension adjusted to our liking.
Like the Thunderclap for autos, the Revenger for revolvers is an extremely attractive rig. The boning is very precise, the 6-stitch-per-inch stitching is absolutely flawless and the hand rubbed finish is stunning. The Revenger would be right at home at a barbecue, the office, in the field or, as is the case with our old 66-2, on The River.
For those in the market for a new rig for their favorite revolver, and a new way to tote ammo for same, the Revenger and the Pick Six are definitely worth a look. Both are available in black or tan, fit 1.5-inch or 1.75-inch belts respectively and retail for $259 and $96.
For more details go to; Galcogunleather.com
