Info needed on Mod 66-1 Bright Stainless

Pete Marinari · #1 12-12-2011, 01:34 AM

Hello out there,
This is my first post so if I am doing anything wrong, please correct me.
I have come across a S&W Model 66-1. It is pinned and recessed with a 4 inch barrel. The thing that confuses me is that it looks like it is highly polished stainless. At least that is what I think that it is. And that is what I was told by the owner. Were there high polished stainless models made? If not, I would imagine that it would have to be nickled or chromed. Any ideas or ways to tell? Any information provided would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Pete

alaskavett · #2 12-12-2011, 02:15 AM

Welcome to the forum, Pete. You will find a wealth of info on here in a short time. Many owners of the stainless steel guns polish them up so well they can pass as nickel or chrome. It is done with jewelers rouge, Flitz and or Mothers Mag Wheel Polish. Depending on how the original surface is it is sometimes advantageous to use a very fine sand paper to smooth it out before the polishing begins. i have herd of factory high polished guns but have never seen it documented by a factory letter. Hope that helps you out. Kyle

photoman · #3 12-12-2011, 10:04 AM

I'm not aware of any factory high polish Model 66-1's ever being made ( the factory has sold high polish guns on occasion). The gun was probably polished later. I have an old Model 64 that I polish with mag wheel polish and it's very nice looking for being an old surplus gun (and easy to clean after shooting too).

Welcome to the Forum!

Ashlander · #4 12-12-2011, 12:51 PM

Welcome to the forum. As our stainless guns get little scratches and dings, many of us buff and polish them out -- and some of us just flat go to town. I have seen some high polish stainless guns at the range that just sparkle!

DRYHEAT · #5 12-12-2011, 01:15 PM

Maybe not shipped in high polish, but the S&W Performance Center offers a high polish re-finish service for any and all stainless Smiths. I had a Model 60 done.

TAROMAN · #6 12-12-2011, 02:10 PM

One of life's simple joys is lovingly hand-polishing a fine stainless S&W revolver:

Its a Zen thing..

1 old 0311 · #7 12-12-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krehmkej

One of life's simple joys is lovingly hand-polishing a fine stainless S&W revolver:

Its a Zen thing..

NICE!!!!!!!! I usually find one and do it as a winter project.....keeps be out of bars.

photoman · #8 12-12-2011, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1 old 0311

NICE!!!!!!!! I usually find one and do it as a winter project.....keeps be out of bars.

It's ~really~ nice when you consider those guns came from the factory with a bead blast (rough) finish!

18DAI · #9 12-12-2011, 03:43 PM

I've got a bright stainless no dash I purchased off a retired Chicago PD officer. He claimed it was part of a run made by S&W for some Chicago PD officers. No special markings and not a commerorative.

I've come across one or two since I purchased it.....over twenty years ago. All in the same serial prefix. I've also seen a few 66-1's purported to be "factory bright stainless". In fact IIRC there is one up on Gunbroker this AM.

Mine is a flawless finish. All the roll marks are crisp. Only the topstrap and frame window interior, as well as inside the yoke remain brushed satin stainless. Everything else looks like bright nickel. Fine looking sixgun. Regards 18DAI