I was lucky enough to pick up a model 66 no dash with a 2.5 barrel recently, but unfortunately it’s missing the rear right assembly. I’ve read that the 2.5 inch barrels came with a different length sight, and have had some difficulty locating one.

Unfortunately I don’t have another sight to measure to aid in my search. Can anyone offer some advice on what I need? eBay listings don’t specify compatibility and Numrich has some listed for 2 inch barrels, not 2.5.

Appreciate the help!

The snub 66, 19-3 and snub model 15-3 and up are longer and go right to the base of the snubs fs ramp.

Did the no dash 66 snubs have an all stainless rear sight? That would make it even harder to find the correct one!
Just a thought;
Mike

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Mike
S&WCA #2470

I think you're right Mike...I have a stainless rear sight assembly which I took off a recently acquired 6" blued 19-3 while I'm awaiting the correct part...It is all stainless, but has a white outline on black blade, and is missing the windage screw...I have no idea whether it would fit a 2 1/2" 66 nor whether the rear blade would be the correct height......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

I believe that the early no dash guns had stainless, and they later switched to black. At least that’s what others have said on the forum. At this point I’ll take what I can get as long as it fits correctly!

FYI;
The 2 1/2" 66 and 19 used a .146" high rear blade but they are easy to change out.

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Mike
S&WCA #2470

My understanding is that only the “early” Md. 66 no-dashes had stainless rear sights.

Will these pics help? This is a M66-1, 2-1/2" barrel.
Measurements are 2.925" length, and 0.393 height at the blade. Probably 0.400 at full height.

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That is correct.

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Send lawyers, guns & money...

I have one of the first 2.5" Mod 66 to leave S&W. A few of the gun rags had done stories that S&W was going to release them in 2.5" but none of the police supply stores around had them. There use to be a large police supply shop in Springfield IL that had a contact at S&W. They could get about anything when others couldn't.
One day I got a call wanting to know if I wanted a 2.5" Mod 66. Sure, as soon as they're out put me down for one. They said they had 3 of the first out of the factory. I got one, a FBI SA got one, and a PD range officer got the 3rd one. Blue rear sight. Can't recall the year. It was just before the movie The Exorcist came out. I have no idea why I've always related that movie to the date I got the 2.5".
In late 1974 or early 1975, same shop, I stopped by to see what they had laying in the back room. Found a 4" Mod 66-nothing, stainless sights.
Still have both of them.
You can see the difference in length between the 2.5" and 4" rear sight. The stainless 4" is shorter than the 2.5" blue.

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183rd FBINA

When purchasing from the secondary market (eBay, Numrich etc) which is the only place you will find these, you need to make sure that the dimension illustrated is correct...



Here's a schematic that you may find helpful also. The .146" blade height previously stated is correct.



Blades can be changed, you need to get the correct base.

Good luck.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

1. There is no 2", only 2 1/2" and 3" snubbies (numerich gets things wrong on occasion).

2. Your 66 with 2 1/2" needs the blue sight; the SS sight was only used the first year of production 1970, and the 2 1/2" barrel wasn't introduced until 1974 and with a round butt.

3. Don't worry about rear sight height:

When you get the correct blue sight assembly that extends all the way to the front of the frame/even with the barrel (see post #10), the rear sight notch will be correct for your barrel length because only the snubby barreled guns used a sight that long (all the way to the barrel).

4. You do not want a sight from the 66-4 or later because the front screw location was changed. Use the dimension from your gun, shown in post #11 from Pizza Bob to confirm you get the right sight!

Happy hunting,

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Jim
S&WCA #819

What Pizza Bob said is correct! And mmande is correct on blade hight .146" Good luck finding a SS one.

Contact USA Guns and Gear. Smith and Wesson Revolver Parts & Pistol Parts For Sale – USA Guns And Gear-Your Favorite Gun Parts Store. I have purchased a few sets for 2.5” from them. May have a set listed on their web site

This is the rare 3" Model 66-3 with same sight as yours. I bought three in 1988 not knowing anything about them, but I liked the idea of the full length extractor rod and full lug the 3" barrel came with. Liked it better than shooting my Mod 19 2 1/2" and especially for ejecting empty cases. I've shot one and it's a joy to shoot. The other two are sleeping, unfired.



250 of these were made per year for three years: 250 in 1988, 250 in 1996, and 250 in 1999. All 750 were distributor exclusives for RSR Group Inc. out of Texas. Product code 102712.

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Jim
S&WCA #819