Help with 66 357 mag

wiseloan · #1 09-14-2018, 05:19 PM

I'm trying to identify a model 66 357 mag. The serial number is 2K82602. I believe it was made in 1972. What's throwing me off is that it has a matte finish stainless. I'm wondering if it's been bead blasted/ refinished. Also I can't find anything about early models having 3" barrels. I've read through the Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson and also searched the internet with no luck. It has a stainless adjustable rear sight and a non serrated back strap. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

S&W Fan · #2 09-14-2018, 09:44 PM

**Ahh, I see RdrBill beat me to the punch**

If you can post pictures that might help. The experts here might be able to run it to ground so to speak with them. The cutout in the frame where the model number is stamped, the grip frame without grips, full left and right side shots. The more the merrier, just a suggestion.

Hope you are able to get some answers.

wiseloan · #3 09-15-2018, 02:54 PM

Pics of the gun in question.

wiseloan · #4 09-15-2018, 02:56 PM

More pics of the gun

haywood · #5 09-15-2018, 04:21 PM

I would guess somebody Bead blasted do to imperfections in the finish. 1. I am just guessing 2. I am no pro.

Dieseltech56 · #6 09-15-2018, 04:26 PM

I agree with haywood. It probably had a questionable finish so the owner had it bead blasted

Edit - looking at the pics further I would say they did not dissemble the gun to do the blasting. This concerns me as there could be particles inside the gun.

Camster · #7 09-15-2018, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieseltech56

I agree with haywood. It probably had a questionable finish so the owner had it bead blasted

Edit - looking at the pics further I would say they did not dissemble the gun to do the blasting. This concerns me as there could be particles inside the gun.

Plus 1. The hammer and trigger say they were in place during the blasting.

GerSan69 · #8 09-15-2018, 05:39 PM

Looks to me like the grip frame was altered. There's still part of one groove on the back, and the 'P in the circle' fitter's mark is right on the front edge of the right side, which may or may not be visible on the front of the frame. There's also a mark at the bottom rear of the frame that I can't make out. Could this be a square frame that was cut?

ken158 · #9 09-15-2018, 05:42 PM

Now that is a frankengun!

Muley Gil · #10 09-15-2018, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerSan69

Looks to me like the grip frame was altered. There's still part of one groove on the back, and the 'P in the circle' fitter's mark is right on the front edge of the right side, which may or may not be visible on the front of the frame. There's also a mark at the bottom rear of the frame that I can't make out. Could this be a square frame that was cut?

That's what it looks like to me. I have round butted a number of revolvers over the years. It appears that about half of the front strap serrations are missing/polished away.

F75gunslinger · #11 09-15-2018, 11:02 PM

I agree, aftermarket work. Also agree that the gun wasn't torn down to blast it. Is it just me or does the gun appear to still have sand all over it ? And the grip frame has definitely been altered. Can't speak to the back but the edge of the strain screw is proud of the frame by just a touch. I've seen most where the center is slightly proud but never the outside edge.

My suggestion is strip it down and spray it with a good degreasing cleaner then re-oil and put it back together.