Model 66 no dash Serial Number

Vettepartz · #1 10-24-2008, 12:02 PM

I am looking at an older mod 66 with serial 4K85XXX. The second "6" in the model number almost looks like an overstamp on another number, possibly a "7". It is lower than the first "6". Could this be something someone has tried to restamp? And does anyone know what year this was manufactured? Thanks for any help.

Vettepartz · #2 10-24-2008, 12:02 PM

I am looking at an older mod 66 with serial 4K85XXX. The second "6" in the model number almost looks like an overstamp on another number, possibly a "7". It is lower than the first "6". Could this be something someone has tried to restamp? And does anyone know what year this was manufactured? Thanks for any help.

VM · #3 10-24-2008, 12:33 PM

1974

Your frame could have been restamped over a Model 67. I'm thinking 66 and 67 FRAME would be identical.

Vettepartz · #4 10-24-2008, 01:24 PM

Thanks for that info VM. So what are the differences to look for between a 66 and a 67?

VM · #5 10-24-2008, 01:30 PM

66 and 67's are identical other than the caliber - 357 and 38 spec respectively.

CORRECTION - barrels are diff. - picture in a minute

VM · #6 10-24-2008, 01:41 PM

67-2 top
66 no dash bottom

Vettepartz · #7 10-24-2008, 02:16 PM

Thanks again. I am looking to trade something for this gun. It has different grips, as they have the SW medallions but have a raised diamond around the area where the screw is, and checkering goes further to the bottom. Also has the wide trigger and hammer, with black adjustable rear sight and red insert front. I offered $300 for it, which also might happen.

VM · #8 10-24-2008, 02:25 PM

Quote:

It has different grips, as they have the SW medallions but have a raised diamond around the area where the screw is, and checkering goes further to the bottom

That's a plus for you. They are pre '68 Diamond target stocks and more valuable.
Good luck and post some pics when you get it.

mulehide9 · #9 10-25-2008, 05:16 PM

I thought I read on this forum that the 66 no dash had some problems when they first came out. Am I right on that point?????

VM · #10 10-25-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

I thought I read on this forum that the 66 no dash had some problems when they first came out. Am I right on that point?????

I don't remember reading about it and I have two that I've never had problems with

Mickstix · #11 10-25-2008, 06:12 PM

I havent come across anything supporting that either.. They've made revisions to the 66, but most were to make them cheaper/easier to produce..

john traveler · #12 10-25-2008, 06:48 PM

This is from my memory of things over 20 years ago (always a dangerous thing!), but there were S&W Warranty Center memos to the effect that during extended rapid firing using hot magnum loads, the M66 no-dash cylinder would sometimes seize up due to overheating of the gas ring. The engineering fix was to move the gas ring from the cylinder to the crane. This was also known to happen to the M19 series guns, and acknowledged by S&W engineering to the many police agencies that used the M19/M66. Someone familiar with the various -dash reisions should be able to post the engineering differences.

laytonj1 · #13 10-25-2008, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by john traveler:
This is from my memory of things over 20 years ago (always a dangerous thing!), but there were S&W Warranty Center memos to the effect that during extended rapid firing using hot magnum loads, the M66 no-dash cylinder would sometimes seize up due to overheating of the gas ring. The engineering fix was to move the gas ring from the cylinder to the crane. This was also known to happen to the M19 series guns, and acknowledged by S&W engineering to the many police agencies that used the M19/M66. Someone familiar with the various -dash reisions should be able to post the engineering differences.

The change was made in 1977. The 66 became a -1 and the 19 became a -4.

Jim