Should I buy this 66-1 snub? Update

sigp220.45 · #1 08-05-2021, 09:29 PM

Somehow this little P&R jewel is still sitting in the case after many weeks.

Its in decent shape, will clean up very well, and seems woefully under-priced.

I have a very nice nickel 19 snub that fills this niche already.

But damn - it sure seems like a good deal, especially since I could probably get it for $425.

Thoughts?

Artyldr01 · #2 08-05-2021, 09:30 PM

Yes! I'd jump on it for that. Dying to find one at a reasonable price.

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Pine_Worker · #3 08-05-2021, 09:32 PM

Buy it, buy it, buy it!!! What are you waiting for?

SVT28 · #4 08-05-2021, 09:33 PM

That would’ve have already come with me, of course after I asked the store to pull the rubber grips to check and see if there are any surprises. There have been a bunch of stainless smiths to hit the market lately that are rusted pretty bad under the Goodyear’s.

Also, check the forcing cone for a crack and obviously check the mechanics.

SVT28

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Richard Simmons · #5 08-05-2021, 09:44 PM

I’d buy it at that price.

jay73 · #6 08-05-2021, 09:44 PM

That has been there a few weeks? Hard to believe that it sat that long.

lkabug · #7 08-05-2021, 09:45 PM

Buy that thing!
Do really expect any self-respecting enabler on the forum to tell you not to buy such a gun.

ME94 · #8 08-05-2021, 09:51 PM

If I were you I would not by it, but you should PM the store that has it for sale 😁 so I can see if they will ship.

steelslaver · #9 08-05-2021, 09:55 PM

I would already own it and I already got more guns than I need.

Bumpus13 · #10 08-05-2021, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sigp220.45

Somehow this little P&R jewel is still sitting in the case after many weeks.

Its in decent shape, will clean up very well, and seems woefully under-priced.

I have a very nice nickel 19 snub that fills this niche already.

But damn - it sure seems like a good deal, especially since I could probably get it for $425.

Thoughts?

Wanna make a quick $75???

dmar · #11 08-05-2021, 10:07 PM

Seems like a fair price for the gun. As long as the mechanics are good, I’d grab it, especially at $425!

For some perspective, I was at a large retailer and they were selling some used Smith, and Colt revolvers that looked horrible. They had rust, pitting, finish worn off, grips worn smooth and darkened (one didn’t even have any grips), etc. for $700+...! Couldn’t believe it, they were so rough.

I told the young sales guy they were way overpriced. His response, in a condescending tone, “well, they’re classic guns.” I’m usually kind to retail salespeople, but I literally laughed out loud...

That 66 is decent, and would be a worthy project to try to restore the finish. I believe gray Scotchbrite pads (someone correct me if I’m mistaken on the color pad) are supposed to approximate the factory satin finish. Do that, and find a good set of grips, and you’ve got an awesome gun! Even in that condition, it’ll be a fine truck, carry, beside gun. I’d be all over that one...

G-Mac · #12 08-05-2021, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sigp220.45

But damn - it sure seems like a good deal, especially since I could probably get it for $425.

I would have already had my wallet out at that price!

P.S. - I paid less for my 66-1 snubby but that was a long time ago.

THE PILGRIM · #13 08-05-2021, 10:30 PM

Get it before somebody else does.

LPD256 · #14 08-05-2021, 10:33 PM

I have a like new 66-1 you could buy for about 3 times that price. If the mechanics on that one are good it’s a bargain. I’m guess it may have some LEO provenance based on grips and condition. If I owned it I’d be checking on the history via a letter and ship date request.

minconrevo · #15 08-05-2021, 10:46 PM

Peculiar its been there so long. Look it over really well and, if passes, take it home.

jbtrucker · #16 08-05-2021, 10:47 PM

I recently got beat on a 686 and 66 so better get it quick .

stansdds · #17 08-06-2021, 06:42 AM

$425 asking price for a 2 1/2 inch Model 66-1?
What's wrong with it?

Grayfox · #18 08-06-2021, 07:25 AM

If it were me, this thread would not have been necessary. I wouldn't have left the store without it.

Laketime · #19 08-06-2021, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pine_Worker

Buy it, buy it, buy it!!! What are you waiting for?

These crazy deals seem to always get in front people who
Don’t realize it.

max503 · #20 08-06-2021, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmar

Seems like a fair price for the gun. As long as the mechanics are good, I’d grab it, especially at $425!

For some perspective, I was at a large retailer and they were selling some used Smith, and Colt revolvers that looked horrible. They had rust, pitting, finish worn off, grips worn smooth and darkened (one didn’t even have any grips), etc. for $700+...! Couldn’t believe it, they were so rough.

I told the young sales guy they were way overpriced. His response, in a condescending tone, “well, they’re classic guns.” I’m usually kind to retail salespeople, but I literally laughed out loud...

That 66 is decent, and would be a worthy project to try to restore the finish. I believe gray Scotchbrite pads (someone correct me if I’m mistaken on the color pad) are supposed to approximate the factory satin finish. Do that, and find a good set of grips, and you’ve got an awesome gun! Even in that condition, it’ll be a fine truck, carry, beside gun. I’d be all over that one...

A gun store near here has a 32-20 for $700. I can't even remember if it's a Colt or S&W. It's beat to heck.
Why can't I find a good deal?

Retired W4 · #21 08-06-2021, 08:41 AM

I bought my 2.5" 66-1 new in 1977 and still own and shoot it. It has had countless full blown magnum rounds through it over the decades, including 125 gr. HP's. I did install shims for end shake several years ago and it shoots like a new gun, only better. I say grab it. It's a winner.

sigp220.45 · #22 08-06-2021, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laketime

These crazy deals seem to always get in front people who
Don’t realize it.

I know its a good deal. Just not sure if I’m gonna take it.

two-bit cowboy · #23 08-06-2021, 09:37 AM

Now you're just teasing us.

At the worst do what your sign-off says. Easy money.

sigp220.45 · #24 08-06-2021, 10:10 AM

Thanks, everybody. I’m gonna pass. The store won’t ship but if any of my fellow Coloradoans want to check it out, shoot me a PM.

local_dirt · #25 08-09-2021, 10:31 AM

Good thing you passed. You now have your 3 month supply of Starbuck's.

Whew..

sigp220.45 · #26 08-28-2021, 10:21 PM

I went by today and it was still there, so I took a better look.

The cylinder was hard to open and would barely turn. It took considerable effort to cycle it, but it locked up fine.

It was still marked $499 (down from $619) and they wouldn’t budge besides giving me the GI Joe discount which made it $475. Close enough.

While they were doing the paperwork I snagged some oil from the shelf and gave it a sneaky drop down the ejector rod. Wonder of wonders - it started spinning like it should. The prospects seem good.

The backgrounds were running about three hours so I’ll get it tomorrow and pop it in the 50/50 mix for a while.

I still don’t need it, but if it recovers I may give it to my nephew for his birthday.

Pictures tomorrow!

S&W Fan · #27 08-28-2021, 10:38 PM

Hahaha, well done! I almost headed to that store today to see what they had left!! Of course with buying the 4567 yesterday I decided not to go. Yesterday the background check took about 20 minutes, crazy that it went up that much.

After seeing how the 13 turned out I can't wait to see this one!

sigp220.45 · #28 08-28-2021, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S&W Fan

Hahaha, well done! I almost headed to that store today to see what they had left!! Of course with buying the 4567 yesterday I decided not to go. Yesterday the background check took about 20 minutes, crazy that it went up that much.

After seeing how the 13 turned out I can't wait to see this one!

They said CBI was down for a couple of hours, so its just backlog.

They still have a nice 4516 and a 3” Model 65.

MajorD · #29 08-28-2021, 11:14 PM

It’s funny the lighting in the picture makes it look very much blued, same with the 3” 65

sigp220.45 · #30 08-29-2021, 04:49 PM

So here we go....

Doesn't look too bad from afar:

Something is amiss here for sure:

Someone tried to pry these square butt Pachmayrs off. Turns out the rusty grips screw just turned and turned. I had to cut them off, which is a first for me.

Grim:

I don't want to know:

Dirty but not cracked:

Gonna have to straighten this out:

Its in the soup now.

The action is really nice, at least. I think it'll clean up ok.

I think it was polished once upon a time. I'm not sure if I should polish it again or try the Scotch Brite pad thing.

quikdraw67 · #31 08-29-2021, 04:59 PM

For $475 you did fine.

Can't wait to see the "after " pics

jbtrucker · #32 08-29-2021, 05:13 PM

Congratulations on the M66 . Rear sight assemblies can found eBay and USA Guns and Gear, plenty of grips on ebay also.

ordnanceguy · #33 08-29-2021, 05:55 PM

Sig:

I bet that it will turn out to be a real nice revolver after its bath and some proper attention. You will be much happier with it in the safe than the bucks in the bank.

If it was mine I think I would opt for the satin finish with the Scotchbrite pad to approximate the original finish rather than the high polish. I might also think about putting some stag stocks on it.

I would rate it as a very worthwhile save.

gmborkovic · #34 08-29-2021, 06:37 PM

I love these threads. Should I bend over and pick up this
UNC $20 gold coin ? Duh! bend over and buy it.

Telecaster · #35 08-29-2021, 06:54 PM

The brown stuff on the front sight could be leather chunks.

minconrevo · #36 08-29-2021, 07:00 PM

I'd imagine you will do well with your "experienced" 66. Replacing the bent rear sight blade with a new blade requires a special "pickle fork" tool and a kit containing a new blade of the proper height as well as associated small parts. READ the instructions that come with the kit. DO the work inside a plastic gallon bag. Small parts will go flying during the process and be contained inside the bag. You can even choose if you want a black or white outline blade.

If finish bugs you I think I do the grey auto repair pad thing to it. A careful touch will get it looking much like what I did leaving the factory. Helpful if you have a factory newer S&W SS revolver to look at to determine direction to work pad.

RKmesa · #37 08-29-2021, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sigp220.45

...Its in the soup now.

The action is really nice, at least. I think it'll clean up ok...

I too am looking forward to the after photos.

two-bit cowboy · #38 08-29-2021, 08:56 PM

In the old Chevy truck world we'd call that a "20 footer." Looks great from 20' away.

I think you (and we) will be pleasantly amazed at its resurrection.

Can't wait to see it.

Biggfoot44 · #39 08-29-2021, 09:01 PM

As a general observation , it's been enough decades since the Revolver Era b that more than a few LGS proprietor literally don't know anything except plastic and tacti-cool . And when they get in something classic in trade or whatever , they just scratch their heads .

Sometimes everything becomes massively overpriced , sometimes find an underpriced gem .

My recent Bday present to myself was a consignment 1971 Win M94 in a store/ range that was 99.9% modern and tacti-cool .

PatriotX · #40 08-29-2021, 09:02 PM

Greetings fellow orphaned revolver enthusiast.

I can’t wait to see the ‘after.’

minconrevo · #41 08-29-2021, 09:03 PM

I'd imagine you will do well with your "experienced" 66. Replacing the bent rear sight blade with a new blade requires a special "pickle fork" tool and a kit containing a new blade of the proper height as well as associated small parts. READ the instructions that come with the kit. DO the work inside a plastic gallon bag. Small parts will go flying during the process and be contained inside the bag. You can even choose if you want a black or white outline blade.

If the current finish bugs you, I think I do the grey auto repair pad thing to it. A careful touch will get it looking much like what I did leaving the factory. Helpful if you have a factory newer S&W SS revolver to look at to determine direction to work pad.

Retired W4 · #42 08-30-2021, 08:16 AM

That firearm is a perfect example of what happens when Pacs are installed on a neglected gun. One another point, straightening the rear sight blade will only make it worse, and as described in an earlier post, blade replacement is not an easy task. It is much easier to replace the entire rear sight assembly. Shoot me a PM Sig.,

sigp220.45 · #43 08-30-2021, 11:51 AM

Looking pretty good after a day in the soup. I gave it a wipedown and plopped it back in.

As expected, the sight blade broke when I attempted to straighten it. New one is inbound.

sigp220.45 · #44 09-01-2021, 05:42 PM

Took it out to the range today. It was interesting shooting a gun with no right side to the rear sight, but it shot well. Fifty rounds of Armscor .357 FMJ all headed downrange with no problems.

I think I’ll try the Scotch Brite pad thing. I have some purple and grey ones coming from Mr Bezos. We’ll see how it goes.

S&W Fan · #45 09-01-2021, 07:56 PM

Glad it worked the way it should. Looking forward to seeing how it looks after the pad workout.

sigp220.45 · #46 09-08-2021, 09:09 PM

I think I’m done. My nephew’s birthday is next week and its going to him. I think he’ll like it.

After the soak it was time to pop the sideplate. It was gunky but not as bad as I expected.

Then the rear sight. To everyone who said to just buy the whole assembly: YOU WERE RIGHT. Of course I didn’t listen, and was forced to perform micro-surgery on it. Never again. But its done.

Last was a rubdown with a purple pad then a gray one. All the scratches and almost all of the pits disappeared.

I think it looks ok. My nephew prefers Pachmayrs so that’s what I went with.

Xfuzz · #47 09-08-2021, 09:15 PM

Great save........

S&W Fan · #48 09-08-2021, 09:40 PM

Outstanding! Your nephew has a damn fine uncle.

Loyaljeeper · #49 09-08-2021, 09:52 PM

Sig, you want another nephew? How about one that is 41 years old? Awesome find! I’m glad it found such a loving home.

minconrevo · #50 09-08-2021, 10:18 PM

Your ugly duckling 66 came out fine. I will tell you that your first trip through the rear sight rebuild process was a learning curve. The next ones will be much easier. Nice to have all the sight options and black/WO choices. Always remember to work inside the gallon plastic bag. I got overconfident once and tried it without the bag; nope, not the next time.