I have a model 66 that appears NIB. Trying to decide whether to shoot it or not.
The end label indicates "451-L" in the 'special features' portion of the label.
Does anybody know what this means?
I've never considered myself a collector, but if this is something really special, I will leave it pristine.Sorry for the pic quality, using my phone.

And, since I know some of you will ask....

I have no idea what those numbers mean, but you have a really nice one there. I have a no dash 66 also. That model is not rare, but certainly not common. I shoot mine all the time. Take care it and you won't get hurt too badly on the value if you shoot it. You'll hear arguments both ways. You know you want to shoot it, don't you? If you do, you might want to put a shooter grade set of stocks on it and keep those presentation stocks in the box.

You have a very nice model 66 with the stainless steel front and rear sights. You have the box and tools as well as a really nice set of factory smooth targets. I am actually looking for one just like this. I am jealous.

On a stainless gun, it would be harder to determine if it rely is unfired.

If the forcing cone area has powder residue and if each cylinder has rings on the front of each chamber, you know it has been fired.

Stainless is so easy to clean and mke look new, it truly would be difficult to tell.

I think if you shoot it, keep it really clean, and don't scratch it up, it will only go up in value.

If you shoot magnums through it, stick with 158 grain rounds. The 125 grain 357 Magnums are verboten in K Frames. Back in the day, steady diets of them shook a lot of 13s, 19s, 65s and 66s loose.

In regard to the writing on the box: because the writing is in a different color ink and in a different handwriting, I suspect it was written by the merchant as part of inventory tracking or some such. The SWSC certainly doesn't make a reference to a code "451-L."

Beautiful gun. I can see why you would want to keep it mint, but I shoot all mine.

I *think* even if you shoot it, as long as you take good care of it, you will command a good price when you decide to sell it, especially with the original box still in your possession. When you shoot it, you will find that it is a joy to shoot, as 66's are.

Enjoy!

Box says "T" stocks...... would it, at the time a gun in high demand by working police officers/Depts.; have shipped with smooth "Presentation" stocks?

Do they look "refinished" ???????

The 451-L may have been written on the end label by the dealer as part of their inventory control. I don't see anything unusual about the 66. The original stocks would have been checkered Target, but the smooth ones are quite nice.

Bill

Thanks for the replies, everybody. Those of you that say the notation is inventory control, or similar, added after it left the factory are probably correct. I didn't give the different colored ink much thought when I first posted.
If the gun shipped with the smooth stocks, would the notation on the label have been a "P"? If so, maybe the stocks were changed after it left the factory? Could these stocks have been originally fixed to the gun by S&W?
There is faint evidence that three, (every other), chambers have been fired. The other three show no evidence of firing.
This is the first, and only, set of smooth stocks I've ever laid hands on so I can't say if they have been refinished. They are the main reason I bought the gun about 10 years ago.
Going to keep it "as is" for now. I have another 66 that is a dream to shoot, so I have no compelling reason to break this one in just yet.
If my son ever shows any interest in shooting (he has not thus far) perhaps it will make a nice college graduation present or wedding gift....

The notation for smooth stocks may be something like TS, but not a P. I don't believe the stocks are refinished as stocks in the 70s have the glossy finish.

Bill

From your description of the cylinder-it would appear that the gun has not been fired since it left the factory. I've got a 66-1 with box it pretty much the same condition as yours except that it HAS been fired I like shooting .38's in it mostly but the .357's are fun to shoot as well.

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Forum consigliere

So, what sort of information would have been written in the "special features" box? I can find no information about this in SCSW.
I checked every box I have and none of mine have anything written in that box. I guess my guns are not 'special'
Does anybody have any pics of factory marked labels indicating special features?

If a revolver is engraved, the engraving will be noted in the special features box. I also have a special order Model 29-2 with a modified trigger guard that is noted in the special features box. Looking at the photo of your 66, it appears to be a mint example of a revolver with standard features (except for the stocks).

See photos below. This also answers the question about how smooth stocks are noted on the label as the 19-3 was shipped with smooth rosewood stocks.

Bill



ENGRAVED was also written on the bottom of the box in white grease pencil.

Re: the stocks.
If there is no trace of any finish (varnish, lacquer, etc.) on the medallions, then the stocks have probably NOT been refinished.

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Retired Dep Sheriff & Armorer

They are made to shoot, if you want investments buy stocks! Love mine shoot the heck out of it.

That's a fairly simplistic statement. I get your point, and I'm not an "investment gun buyer", but your comment made me look it up. This gun has stayed in front of the DJIA for the period of time I have owned it and I have another 4" model 66 that I already enjoy shooting. I think I should at least consider it's investment potential.
I will probably either sell this one or gift it to my son eventually. In either case, it seems it will have greater value if left in it's present condition.