I have a line on a Model 66-1 at a LGS I trust, going in to look at it next week. It dates to 1978 mfr, and does look from the pics like a pinned & recessed model, so 66-1 seems right.

They're asking 650 for it, so what should I look for specifically that would make it worth or not worth that? Holster wear, barrel condition, lockup, sights, ...?

I do want a 4" bbl Smith .357 (which this is, the length I mean), and like stainless, so the 66 is right up my alley in theory.

What I'm looking for is mostly going to be a range gun, so it will eat mostly .38 loads, making the K frame a good option and the adjustable sights a must have. I do have a snubbie 686, which is surprisingly accurate to 15 and even 25 yards. It feels great in my hands (custom grips that I didn't put on it), but 4" is a good balance for me between weight and length to let me have much better 25 yard accuracy.

How is this pistol likely to compare to, say, more recent 686 or current 686+, or other poss alternatives?

This time with the right model number referred to, slightly embarassed…

S/F,
Echo6mike

The model 66-1, P&R, is just about the pinnacle of S&W revolvers in any barrel length. It's very popular as can be seen by the re-release of the 66 after a short hiatus.
The older models are preferable IMO compared to the newer stuff, given their forged components and lack of a lock. However, many old S&W .357's have been shot to death and back. It's very important that you know what to look for as far as mechanical wear and tear. You want to make sure there is minimal endshake and that timing is good. With a K frame make sure the barrel face/forcing cone is not eroded or cracked.
Also make sure that some goon hasn't done a home made trigger job. Signs of this are buggered screws in the sideplate and hammer push-off.
If it all checks out and you feel good about it, I'd say 600-650 is a decent price to pay. Most LGS don't know anything about vintage S&W prices and are all over the map. You'd likely be able to talk them down some with wad of cash in your hand.

Good luck Devilnuts

Just what I was about to say, walk in with 5 crisp 100s and 2 50s. Start at 550 and let the haggling begin. If my LGS won't haggle I won't be back very often. The 66 and 66-1 were some of S&W's very best.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

By mostly shooting .38 SPL's and occasionally .357 Mag. rounds, the model 66 would be my choice over the 686. Law enforcement agencies would qualify with light .38 SPL loads and carry .357 Mag. ammo. Model 66's held up well. When it was decided that duty ammo should be used for qualifications, the model 66 wasn't up to the abuse. Just before semi-autos became popular among law enforcement agencies, S&W responded to the need for a tougher revolver and the L frame revolvers, like the 686 came into vogue. They held up better. That being said, the model 66 IMHO handles better and is somewhat easier to shoot double-action than the 686. If you know little about the mechanics of a S&W revolver, you are getting a pig in a poke with a used 66. I'd either study up on what to look for and/or get a buddy who is well versed on revolvers to accompany you to the LGS. I'm not up to the minute on revolver prices and it varies by area, but $650 seems mighty high to me unless it is like new in the box. Also a caution, even "like new" model 66's had their problems from the factory at times, so they all need a close examination. Quality control was up and down over the years.

We carried this revolver in 4" before changing to semi-autos. I am not a proponent of adjustable sights on a combat gun. I prefer the model 65.

While I do love the look of a pinned and recessed revolver, thinking strictly about accuracy and shootability, and not about possible collectible status, I would opt for one of the current Model 66s over a vintage example for use as a regular shooter.

The current Model 66 offering is the eighth engineering revision

The modern tensioned barrel design that Smith and Wesson is using has potential for far greater accuracy then a barrel just hanging off the frame like on the vintage revolvers

While I do not own one of the newest model 66s (yet), I do own several of the eight shot Model 327s that employ the tensioned barrel design.

These new designs of Smith and Wesson's are among the most accurate revolvers I have ever fired. Rivaling the Legendary Accuracy that the Dan Wesson's achieved during the Metallic Shilouette days when Dan Wesson brought the tensioned barrel concept to mainstream revolver manufacturing. Just ask any owner of a 327 TRR8, 327 R8 or 327 JM about accuracy
The other advantage of a modern Model 66 over a vintage Model 66 is that you do not need to worry if the occurrences of forcing cones cracking at the bottom is common or rare. The modern Model 66 with it's redesigned barrel is not susceptible to this phenomena, You are free to fire any and all SAAMI specification 357 Magnum ammunition in the revolver no matter what the projectile weight.

<excellent points about improvements in design snipped>
<and hey, what about those 327s? snipped>

Much food for thought, thanks!

I've never seen one of the 8-round Smiths in person, so wasn't really considering those. Those are M frames though, right? The K and L frames seem to be a good size for me, plus it's a bit hard to find someone with a 327/627 in stock.

Maybe I should expand my search criteria to the new pistols though, since I do intend this to be a shooter.

Not a carry piece, I live in Maryland where we don't get much of our 2A rights, but a range gun.

Again, thanks for the pointers - I should be able to stop in and check out the Mod 66 in person tomorrow, that will give me a better idea about it.

Keep it all coming, it's appreciated!

s/f
Andy

Mike, as of August 15, 2017, the price may be a little high. But, ask yourself the following. If you can find another one, a year from now, what will the going price be? Also, remember you will have lost a year of enjoying the one you bought to day.

So my advise is go buy the damn thing NOW, and be happy you did.

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Always Stay Strong!

Although I'm not a fan of the lock hole on the side, you do get a lifetime warranty if you buy a new one.

The 66 is a great gun. I hope the one at the LGS works out for you. My preference in the model 66 is the snubby for easy cc, and my 66-3 has been with me for close to 30 years without any issues, mechanical or otherwise. However, having duty carried a 4-inch 686 in the early part of my LE career, I have only good things to say about its accuracy, balance, and recoil control with full loads. I kick myself for having let it go. Good luck and happy shooting, whatever your final choice. You really can't go wrong with either model.

It turns out I found a deal on a truly LNIB 4-inch 686+ from a local list, and will be snatching that up for $500. So with thanks for all the advice, I'm going with a newer design/model of a gun I expect to shoot a fair amount.

The 66-1 at the LGS is extremely nice though, I checked it out and found no wear on it, only a slight cylinder drag mark, everything tight and clean. Cylinder lockup and timing seemed nearly perfect, the grips are beautiful - if I was a collector, I'd have offered 550 for that and maybe more. I predict it will sell to the next guy in line for a good 600 bucks.

Meanwhile, I'll have my just-long-enough range and (when I can get to free America) carry gun!

s/f

Echo6mike, the "main" shooting (and CCW) revolver I owned for about 15-20 years was a LEO trade-in Model 66 no dash. When it became the donor gun for my 327 Fed Mag Project 616, I had a 357 sized "hole" in my arsenal that was filled nicely by a nice early 686. I think you have chosen wisely. I have no personal experience with the seven shooter iteration you got but it's been around long enough to be well tested and proven. Enjoy it up there in the land of blue crabs and bluer gun laws.

Regards,
Froggie

I spent almost 2 years looking for a 1978 4" 66-1 that I would be happy with. Here's my thread with some pics of the complete package that I found:
'78 66-1 grail is here! Photos restored

I got it for under $700 which also included 3 holsters, a speedloader pouch and dump pouch. The grips are in pristine condition due to them being removed by the original owner, put in the box and replaced with rubber versions. I've since added football cutout presentation grips that look great and feel even better.

2 1/2 years ago I bought a 6" 66-1 for $600 but, I had to replace the stocks. I'd say buy it and enjoy !