I just purchased two Model 66-5's, both in like new condition. Both are pre-lock with 4" barrels and RR front sights.

One has the same standard weight barrel like yet another 66-5 I have but the other 66-5 has a heavy barrel with a pinned front sight.

I wasn't aware that a heavier barrel option was available in the Model 66.

Does anyone know anything about this variation?

Regards...

The standard barrel you have is a transition gun: made with the other -5 changes but using up what parts S&W had left such as a -4 barrel. The heavy barrel with the pinned front sight is the standard for the -5's. Sounds like a neat revolver; how about a picture of the both of them?

Wayne M:

Thanks for the response and info. As soon as I get my digital camera up and running again I'll post pictures of both. The only difference I could find between the two is the barrels and front sights. Everything else appears to be identical.

Regards...

This is one of my 66-5 "transition" revolvers with what I presume is -4 version barrel that measures 4.125". I changed out the Uncle Mike's grips for Hogue. It appears to feel the same as the 66-5 with the heavier -5 version barrel. The difference between the two is subtle unless you view the muzzle.

Thanks, Recon. I like that slightly slimmer barrel but admit I'd not get rid of my -4 or-5..

I did a thread a while back noting the different barrels on my personal model 66s.
Up to the -4s the barrels seemed to be standardized and relatively slim.

With the -5 variation on the model 66s and 65s ,the barrels became heavy ,like the model 65 has had all along. This coincides with the deletion of the square butt around 1997.

Here are pictures.

These are a 3" 66-2 ,a 3" 66-4 ,a 3.25" 66-5 (heavy) and a 4" 65-6.













Hope this helps ,,Allen Frame

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