Smith & Wesson Model 1066
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · Discontinued · 1990
Also known as: Model 1066, S&W 1066
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 1066 is a compact variant of the Model 1006, combining the power of the 10mm Auto cartridge with improved concealability through a shortened 4.25-inch barrel and compact frame. Introduced in 1990 alongside the full-size variants, the 1066 was built on a shortened frame and slide while maintaining the same robust all-stainless steel construction and 9-round single-stack magazine capacity as its full-size sibling. The pistol features Smith & Wesson's traditional third-generation DA/SA trigger mechanism with slide-mounted ambidextrous decocker/safety lever, magazine disconnect, and firing pin block safety. Despite its reduced dimensions, the 1066 was designed to handle full-power 10mm Auto loads without difficulty, making it appealing to plainclothes officers, detectives, and federal agents who needed serious stopping power in a more concealable package. The compact size and heavy all-steel construction helped manage the substantial recoil of 10mm ammunition, though the shorter barrel reduced muzzle velocity compared to the full-size Model 1006.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1021 g (36.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Barrel Length | 108 mm (4.25") |
| Height | 142 mm (5.59") |
| Width | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 53 N (11.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 350 m/s (1148 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 715 J (527 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Satin Stainless |
Calibers
- 10mm Auto · primary — also known as 10mm, 10x25mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Slide Mounted Decocker Safety, Magazine Disconnect, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Third Generation Design, Compact Frame, Ambidextrous Safety, Adjustable Rear Sight, Stainless Steel Construction, Single Stack Magazine, Reversible Magazine Release, Curved Backstrap
Variants
- Smith & Wesson Model 1076 — Decocker Only
- Smith & Wesson Model 1086 — Dao
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Various U.S. law enforcement agencies · adopted 1990
Production
Production years: 1990-1993
Part of approximately 50,796 total S&W 10mm Auto pistols produced across all variants
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1993
Notes
The 1066 was one of the more popular variants in the Smith & Wesson 10mm lineup due to its balance of power and concealability, making it particularly attractive to detectives and plainclothes officers. The 4.25-inch barrel reduced overall length by approximately 0.5 inches compared to the full-size 1006, while the shortened frame improved concealment. Despite the compact dimensions, the substantial weight of over 36 ounces helped manage recoil when firing full-power 10mm loads. Part of the limited production run of approximately 50,796 total S&W 10mm Auto pistols produced across all six variants. The 1066 shared parts compatibility with other third-generation Smith & Wesson pistols in the same frame size, simplifying armorer training and spare parts logistics for agencies. The Model 1066 served as the base for the FBI-contract Model 1076, which added a frame-mounted decocker in place of the slide-mounted safety. Today, the 1066 is sought after by collectors and 10mm enthusiasts for its quality construction and relative rarity.
Background
The 1066's compact dimensions proved ideal for federal agents and detectives who needed to carry serious firepower discreetly. At 36 ounces empty, it was no lightweight-but that heft was a feature, not a bug, when it came to taming 10mm recoil in a package you could hide under a suit jacket.