Joel‘s Iconic Smith & Wesson Model 66 Revolver
Joel‘s signature sidearm across the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us video game series is a Smith & Wesson Model 66 revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. This classic double-action revolver oozes gritty style and stopping power, perfectly fitting the survivalist nature of his character.
Why the Model 66 Stands Out for Joel
The Smith & Wesson Model 66 is one of the most popular and well-respected medium-frame revolvers ever produced. First introduced in 1971, over one million have been sold across multiple variants. Joel likely wields a standard Model 66 with a 2.5” barrel and blue finish.
This reasonably compact package provides ample power with .357 Magnum rounds, high reliability, and robustness to withstand harsh field use. Its swing-out cylinder also enables rapid reloading critical for high-stress combat.
Compared to alternatives like a 9mm semi-auto pistol or a small snub-nose revolver, the Model 66 significantly outpaces both in raw firepower. Semi-autos can suffer jams or misfeeds and smaller revolvers require very precise shot placement.
Given spare ammo is extremely scarce in The Last of Us world, the Model 66 provides the best balance of firepower, capacity, and accuracy given Joel’s rugged survival lifestyle.
Key Specs and History of This Iconic Wheel Gun
- Caliber: .357 S&W Magnum
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Barrel Length: 2.5”
- Weight: 30-36oz
- Length: 7.5-8”
- Action: Double-action revolver
The medium-framed Smith & Wesson K-Frame debuted small-bore .38 Special models in 1899. But it wasn’t until 1935 that the more powerful .357 Magnum cartridge arrived in the K-Frame Model 27 revolver, later proving immensely popular.
The original Model 66 emerged from this lineage in 1971 as an all-stainless version of the Model 19 .357 Combat Magnum. It was intended as a premium-grade service revolver and general-purpose handgun.
Over successive variants, the Model 66 showcased enclosed ejector rods (reducing fouling issues) and ramp front sights better suited for jackets hollow point (JHP) ammunition feeding. Both features likely match Joel’s post-apocalyptic edition.
.357 Magnum – Ideal Balance of Stopping Power and Control
A hallmark perk of revolver platforms is the ability to chamber heavyweight magnum rounds like the .357 Magnum. This provides tremendous raw stopping power precisely why it still features as a popular self-defense, hunting, and wilderness protection cartridge today.
Fired from a short 2.5” barrel, a 125grain .357 Magnum JHP still achieves over 1,000fps velocity with up to 584ft-lbs of energy. This allows accurate shots within 50 yards to deliver hydrostatic shock for quickly neutralizing human sized targets.
While a long-barreled .357 provides more complete powder burn and velocity, the sub 3” tube of Joel’s Model 66 facilitates easier handling and concealment without an excessive drop off in terminal ballistics. It’s a versatile balance suitable for close quarters engagements or semi-precision shots if needed.
Credit: Ballistic Studies
And while .357 Magnum packs some vicious recoil, the all-steel Model 66 soaks up much of this punishing force thanks to its 1.5lb heft. Less felt recoil facilitates quicker follow up shots if needed – an important consideration given its limited 6 round cylinder.
Built Rugged For the POST-Pandemic World
As an all-steel revolver built to handle high pressures approaching 35,000 PSI, excellent reliability and longevity are essentially hardcoded into the Model 66’s DNA.
The harshest torture tests around prove even budget-minded examples can easily soak up 24,000 dry firings and thousands of maximum-powered .357 Magnum rounds without a hitch.
And without more sensitive internals to baby compared to semi-autos, the Model 66 shrugs off debris fouling and neglected maintenance in the post-pandemic wastelands. Its mundane lockwork happily runs borderline dry if needed.
Double-action reliability does depend slightly upon keeping the exposed ejector rod and cylinder gap meticulously clean. But this is a worthwhile tradeoff to enable swift tactical reloads.
Overall if properly maintained, a Model 66 should outlast Joel through decades of hazardous journeys across the infected wilds. Its longevity and life-saving dependability cement why all-steel revolvers remain popular even in today’s polymer-framed pistol markets.
Customization Optics
Snub nose version allows easier concealment – Credit: Sportsman‘s Outdoor Superstore
One of the Model 66’s strengths is easy customization and aftermarket parts support thanks to its widespread service adoption. This allows enhancing specific characteristics to better serve niche applications.
Given Joel’s frequent perilous encounters, swapping the factory wood grips for enhanced Hogue rubber grips proves useful. Besides better adhesion when sweaty or bloody, these help mitigate felt recoil – important for swift target reacquisition.
More aggressive grip texturing is also popular to ensure weapon retention in close quarters grappling. For quicker targeting, adding tritium night sights or a red-dot sight not uncommon. And while spare ammunition is limited, speed loaders and moon clips help accelerate cylinder reloading.
But for raw zombie-slaying power right out the box, it’s hard to beat the combination of a Smith & Wesson Model 66 .357 Magnum revolver as found in Joel’s trusty Sidearm.
