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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 05-01-2011, 08:30 PM
calward calward is offline
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Default Model 66 3-inch availability

I would be interested to know which model in .357 I would have a better chance of acquiring with a 3-inch barrel in a $500 or so price range: 66? 686? others? I am looking at it as a HD gun / vehicle carry, possibly occasional CC. I have a 4-inch model 65, and would really like to get a good .357 with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights, without paying a premium for a new one. Looking for a shooter, not a collector. Appreciate any advice/opinions.
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Old 05-01-2011, 08:49 PM
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Decent 3 inch Model 65's can be had for the price you're looking at. Oh, you said AS.
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Old 05-01-2011, 09:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by calward View Post
I would be interested to know which model in .357 I would have a better chance of acquiring with a 3-inch barrel in a $500 or so price range: 66? 686? others? ...........................

Looking for a shooter, not a collector. Appreciate any advice/opinions.
The 3" K frames have been hot for some time.
The biggest problem is that the "shooters" have been bought up, polished up, and then advertised and sold on GB as coming from "the Doctor's Estate" - they bring ridiculous money.
Best advice I can give...........be patient! Put yourself a wanted ad in the classifieds and Good Luck with your search!
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Old 05-01-2011, 09:36 PM
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I hunted for a few years for a SS 3incher.found a 65 for $325 2 years ago but didnt have money to get it.then 3 weeks ago I find a 3inch 64 and I did get it for $450.so keep looking and hit all gun spots you will scare one up.I would love a 3inch 66.
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Old 05-02-2011, 11:02 AM
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Thanks, guys. It sounds like it takes a combination of luck and perseverance. Appreciate the advice.
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Old 05-02-2011, 11:10 AM
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It seems to involve a lot of luck anymore. I went to a gunshow a couple of years ago looking to buy a 2 1/2 inch barrel 66. I was planning on spending around $450 to $475 for a good one. I happened upon a table that had a 3 inch model 66-4, double action only, with the factory round butt combat stocks, did not have a price on it. I did some haggling and walked away with it for $500. I wish I could do that again.
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Old 05-02-2011, 11:14 AM
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I'd put the chance of finding a 3" 66 for $500 somewhere between slim and none. Really the best price I've seen one go for was $650, and that was well used, no box, rubber grips. I do see decent 2.5" ones in the $450-500 range every now and then, a new 686+ 3" runs about $700.
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Old 05-02-2011, 12:19 PM
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One other thought in addition to the excellent previous posts.

During your search you might ask your local dealers who does lay a ways. And ask if they have a "tickler" file of who is wanting what gun. You get to know who will be on the look out for you (and where do you think lots of folks go when they want to sell a gun?) and I've used lay a ways over the years to stretch my dollar and get either higher priced, or higher grades, than the cash I had in hand.

One other thought, in your search, don't neglect pawn shops. LOTS of revolvers end up there and I've found some true goodies and hard to locate models over the years in pawn stores. It seems pawn owners are getting smarter these days about collectability, but most seem only to want to recoup their loan value, plus whatever that owners usual markup is.

Good luck in your search.
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Old 05-02-2011, 02:15 PM
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Good ideas, thanks to all! It sounds as though I might need to set aside a few more shekels than I thought. About a year and a half ago, I saw a used 2 1/2 " 686+ in a local shop for $500. I was not at that time really looking for one, and did not have the money set aside, so I passed it up. I don't think I have seen a deal that good since.
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Old 05-02-2011, 02:26 PM
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In the last three years I have found two 3" M66's at gun shops, a 66-2 and 66-3 were each less than $500. I sold them. I also found at a local gun shop a 13-? 3" barrel for $350, and a 3" M64 for $395. Sold them also, the M13 to a friend for what I paid for it. They can be found in my area because most gun store operators do not spend time on the S&W forum and are unaware of the 3" premium. My suggestion is to look in shops, not on the internet.







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Old 05-02-2011, 07:40 PM
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Quote:
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.... My suggestion is to look in shops, not on the internet.
so true. this site or GB will not yield you any cheap 3" S&Ws.
you may get lucky at a gun show. i wasn't really looking for any 3 inchers when i noticed a private seller carrying a 3" 66-4 to sell at a gun show. some dealers had foolishly passed on giving him his asking price. it didn't take me any time to get out the cash.

good luck!!!!
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Old 05-02-2011, 08:20 PM
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That 66 and other K frames mentioned are much easier to pack compared to the 686 speaking from experience. The 686 is alot heavier and protrudes more under your shirt due to the cylinder diameter. My 3" 66-2 is my all time favorite revolver since 85. I used to pack it as my CCW till prices went way up on them. Back when my eyes were better a milk jug was not safe at 100 yards as its extremely accurate. The 3" barrel allows positive ejection of spent cases and shoots great. I do believe you would love that 3" as its the perfect size for doing just about anything.

Here is another pic that I've posted many a time. It will NEVER leave me.



Going back to my roots and just bought me a 2.5" 66-2 in great shape for a carry weapon. Holster and revolver should be here next week. Combat Commander is going to be pulling duty in the bedroom. Grew up on 1911's but am giving the watch to S&W for now.

I have zero luck with my local shops and do way better here on the forum for great buys from folks you can trust.
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Old 05-03-2011, 07:41 AM
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stiab, where in NC are you finding the 3 inch K Frames? I am in the Piedmont, and would be like to check those stores out.
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Old 05-03-2011, 10:15 AM
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stiab, where in NC are you finding the 3 inch K Frames? I am in the Piedmont, and would be like to check those stores out.
I'd like to know this, too. A 3" K frame is at the top of my wish list (especially a 13). You can send me a PM if you don't want to post it on the board.
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Old 05-03-2011, 10:44 AM
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stiab, where in NC are you finding the 3 inch K Frames? I am in the Piedmont, and would be like to check those stores out.
Here's the answer: You will note that in regard to the M64 and M13 I said "local" gun shops, but did not use the word "local" in regard to the two 3" M66's. The M13 came from Jim's Gun Shop in Raleigh, NC, and the M64 came from Lawman's Supply, same town. Both M66's came from gunshops in S. Central PA, and including transfer back to NC were under $500 each.
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Old 05-03-2011, 11:30 AM
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Nice finds! Thanks. A buddy of mine trades regularly with Jim.

If you come across any more that you want to sell, let me know.
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Old 05-03-2011, 12:20 PM
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I got lucky and found my 13-3 3 inch at a gun shop. Person brought it inthe day before and they just put it out in the case. I was given a lead about a couple of Dan wesson supermag revolvers at the same shop. I got lucky the DW were real cheap so I had the extra 450 for the 13.
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Old 05-03-2011, 02:35 PM
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A buddy of mine trades regularly with Jim.
Jim is a great guy. He recently sold me 3 full boxes of 1980's or 90's vintage Winchester .38 Special +P FBI load for a total of $25 out the door, about $8 per box. These are the boxes that have red plastic and white foam in the bottom, they look crisp and new.

As to finding guns in gunshops, last year I found a 940-1 at a shop in West Virginia, total including transfer back to NC less than $400. Try doing that on the internet!
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Old 05-03-2011, 02:57 PM
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You get lucky sometimes. I found a 3" Model 66 at a pawn shop earlier this year for the $450. It was pretty nice.
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Old 05-03-2011, 04:15 PM
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stiab,
your pictures are great.
love that 65 with polished t grip and white grips.
great pictures and beautifull guns.
your round butt combats really make those guns look great also
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Old 05-03-2011, 09:24 PM
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stiab,
your pictures are great.
Thanks twomoons! That old Army blanket makes a good backdrop to reduce glare. The M65 you mentioned is a Model 64. Lawman's in Raleigh had a bunch of them at $395, and I picked out the best one, then put the Ajax faux ivory on it. Came out looking pretty nice I thought.
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Old 05-03-2011, 10:35 PM
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jughead
i have to apologize,i did not mean to hi jack your thread.sorry sir.as far you finding guns jughead,one of the most important things is the feedback.when you see a seller with a couple hundred sales,and 100 % positive,and the seller communicates ,and has a ton of pictures,and will give a inspection period,then your good to go.the free market bidding drives some of these prices up.and market hype.
finding one is nice,finding a nice one is sweet.finding a nice one at a good price is a home run.good luck in your search friend

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Old 07-11-2011, 02:59 PM
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Default Model 66-3 3" barrel

I have a 66-3 with 3" barrel that I plan to take to the gun show in Austin this next weekend and possibly sell it. It has the S&W knurled wooden grips, and has had only 2 boxes of ammo fired through it.

I'm expecting to get about $700 for it. Does that seem reasonable?
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Old 07-11-2011, 04:14 PM
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I had a deal off thru on a 66-3 3" with no box and found a 66-2 3" with matching box in the same condition of just few dollars more. You just have to look for them, but they're out there.

bbuell $700 with no matching box is a little high, you can find them for less on the internet


Rick

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Old 07-11-2011, 04:45 PM
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$700 for a 3" 66-3 is a fair price, IMO.

I just took a quick scan of the auction boards and only found a 3" 66-2 with no box or docs. Opening bid was $875.

Isn't $700 around what they are asking for those current production S&W's?

I'd buy every 3" 66-3 I could find for less than that. YMMV. Regards 18DAI
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Old 07-11-2011, 05:55 PM
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I am going to be a wet blanket here. I own many fine revolvers, a 3" 66-3 ported lew horton amoung them. Also a 2 1/2" python and just about every barrel length in many other colts and smiths. The 3" 66 is not a pocket gun, you have to have a holster. Since your packing a 3", were it a 4" model 19 or other K frame, I doubt you would notice much differance!
People want whats rare and therefore "special". Guess it`s our nature. I like my 3" 66-3, however I am not going to tell you it far outshines my pythons and troopers in both 2 1/2" and 4" barrels. Lets carry this another 1/2 step. Even in my .357s I often carry .38s in them. Now when I do that, at some point it dawned on me why not carry my old M&P or .38 trooper? They dont cost a 1/4 what my fine 2 1/2" nickle python does or my exspendsive lew horton one of 300 3" ported with titanium sights and all the bells and whistles cost. And rideing the quad I dont mind getting dust and grit on them. I will go one more step here. I also own a fine old 3" model 36 with the tapered barrel. It shoots the same .38s just fine. Yet that gun with it`s holster just seems to weigh about 1/2 what the others do, and there again, it has the same ballistics with its 3" barrel with the same 38 ammo I use in my 3" 66-3, and it`s about a 1/4 to a 1/5 th as valuable to carry and dirty.






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Old 07-11-2011, 06:01 PM
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I am going to be a wet blanket here. I own many fine revolvers, a 3" 66-3 ported lew horton amoung them. Also a 2 1/2" python and just about every barrel length in many other colts and smiths. The 3" 66 is not a pocket gun, you have to have a holster. Since your packing a 3", were it a 4" model 19 or other K frame, I doubt you would notice much differance!
People want whats rare and therefore "special". Guess it`s our nature. I like my 3" 66-3, however I am not going to tell you it far outshines my pythons and troopers in both 2 1/2" and 4" barrels. Lets carry this another 1/2 step. Even in my .357s I often carry .38s in them. Now when I do that, at some point it dawned on me why not carry my old M&P or .38 trooper? They dont cost a 1/4 what my fine 2 1/2" nickle python does or my exspendsive lew horton one of 300 3" ported with titanium sights and all the bells and whistles cost. And rideing the quad I dont mind getting dust and grit on them. I will go one more step here. I also own a fine old 3" model 36 with the tapered barrel. It shoots the same .38s just fine. Yet that gun with it`s holster just seems to weigh about 1/2 what the others do, and there again, it has the same ballistics with its 3" barrel with the same 38 ammo I use in my 3" 66-3, and it`s about a 1/4 to a 1/5 th as valuable to carry and dirty.


Yup......wet blankie fer certain.....
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Old 07-11-2011, 08:24 PM
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I have a 66-3 with 3" barrel that I plan to take to the gun show in Austin this next weekend and possibly sell it. It has the S&W knurled wooden grips, and has had only 2 boxes of ammo fired through it.

I'm expecting to get about $700 for it. Does that seem reasonable?
You could easily get 700 right here in the classifieds
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Old 07-11-2011, 08:53 PM
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I've looked at the 686+ with 3.0" barrel and just wasn't impressed. Not just because of the lock, it was just that it looked "crude" compared to a K frame. Also, I have lots of leather and speedloaders for my K frames, not so much for an L frame. I searched for years for a 3.0" barreled Model 13 or Model 65 without success. Last Christmas I found a used Model 64-3 with a 3.0" barrel for about $350.00. I bought it and am very happy with it. A few months ago, I found a pristine Model 13-3 with 3.0" barrel without box, docs or tools for $499.99. A little high, except he gave me $400.00 trade in on my Model 4006 (previously, I was offered $200-250 for the 4006). I'm keeping both of my 3.0" barreled K frames and still looking for a 3.0" barreled Model 65. They don't call 'em "grail guns" for nothing! By the way, I'd be sorely tempted to get a Model 66 with 3.0" barrel for $700.00.

Best of luck,

Dave
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Old 07-11-2011, 09:37 PM
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I have a few Model 66s. The model 65 3" will do the same darn thing
all day long for 1/2 the money$. Especially with the Laser grips on it,
which is how I carry it.

The 3" model 66 is a cult gun, count me as a cult leader.

You could get one of mine from me for $700. As long as I was dead.





Merrill,, definitely a wet blankie.

We don't have Quad runners down here in Miami. We have trouble.


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Old 07-11-2011, 10:02 PM
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I picked up a Model 66-5 in MA last week for $600 with the tax.
Pre-lock K-frames go fast here.
Technically, it's not a 3". Barrel is 3 1/4".
The action is good, but it needs to be cleaned.
I got it as a project gun, and I'm taking photos as I go.
Hopefully, I can post them , when I finish.
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Old 07-23-2011, 02:59 PM
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I have a few Model 66s. The model 65 3" will do the same darn thing
all day long for 1/2 the money$. Especially with the Laser grips on it,
which is how I carry it.

The 3" model 66 is a cult gun, count me as a cult leader.

You could get one of mine from me for $700. As long as I was dead.





Merrill,, definitely a wet blankie.

We don't have Quad runners down here in Miami. We have trouble.


Regards
Allen Frame
Dude!

I thought I was doing well with two 3” model 66’s.

You are truly blessed, my child!
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Old 07-24-2011, 10:08 AM
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Quote:
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I have a few Model 66s. The model 65 3" will do the same darn thing
all day long for 1/2 the money$. Especially with the Laser grips on it,
which is how I carry it.

The 3" model 66 is a cult gun, count me as a cult leader.

You could get one of mine from me for $700. As long as I was dead.





Merrill,, definitely a wet blankie.

We don't have Quad runners down here in Miami. We have trouble.


Regards
Allen Frame
Allen,

Them 66's always amaze me! Great collection and I'm green with envy.

We moved from Sitka, Alaska to Miami back in 1993. What a culture shock for our entire family. I was stationed at Opa Locka (BAD area) and lived in Sunrise off of Flamingo and about 1.5 miles from the Sawgrass Mills Mall in a nice neighborhood. That is when I started packing my Springer 1911 24/7 and invested in our 1st alarm system. You couldn't pay me 500K to move back to that area! Rude people, terrible traffic and the crime was terrible. Had my car broken into the 1st month there. Left in 96 and will never return!

Calward. Any 3" 66 in decent condition will sell for $700.00. IMO it's one of the best S&W's to ever leave the factory! Packed mine for a few years but didn't want it in the evidence vault rusting away if I ever had to use it as thay do go for big bucks.

For your needs a fixed sighted 3" would be the way to go. Plenty to be had and an excellent SD revolver.
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Old 07-24-2011, 08:04 PM
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I think that you will have better luck finding the 3" 686.I never see a 3" 66, and I look at a ton of S&W's.
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Old 01-14-2015, 09:58 AM
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I just picked up this 3" m66. As you can see it needs some sprucing up. Any recommendationrecommendation? Will smith and Wesson do it? Thanks.
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Old 01-14-2015, 10:05 AM
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Nice! What kind of sprucing up are you talking about? I'd try taking off the stocks and spending some time getting to know your revolver with some Mothers Mag Polish...
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Old 01-14-2015, 10:09 AM
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Yep I just want to get it polished by someone who knows what they are doing. It is a 66-2 "ANA" prefix.
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Old 01-14-2015, 10:28 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by calward View Post
Good ideas, thanks to all! It sounds as though I might need to set aside a few more shekels than I thought. About a year and a half ago, I saw a used 2 1/2 " 686+ in a local shop for $500. I was not at that time really looking for one, and did not have the money set aside, so I passed it up. I don't think I have seen a deal that good since.
If it's at all possible I would suggest being patient and maybe setting aside another $20 a week in a jar until you have a bit more flexibility just in case. A little more $ would give you a lot more options.
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Old 01-14-2015, 10:31 AM
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It's fun to revisit these old threads and compare prices now vs. then.
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Old 01-14-2015, 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Allen-frame View Post
I have a few Model 66s. The model 65 3" will do the same darn thing
all day long for 1/2 the money$. Especially with the Laser grips on it,
which is how I carry it.

The 3" model 66 is a cult gun, count me as a cult leader.

You could get one of mine from me for $700. As long as I was dead.





Merrill,, definitely a wet blankie.

We don't have Quad runners down here in Miami. We have trouble.


Regards
Allen Frame
Sir, you have serious issues. And I'm seriously jealous. Yikes!
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Old 01-14-2015, 10:34 AM
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It's fun to revisit these old threads and compare prices now vs. then.
Umm, not really.
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Old 01-14-2015, 10:36 AM
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Default Model 66-2 And Model 66 (No Dash) 3" Revolvers.

I paid $700 and $750 respectfully for my two 3" Model 66's within the last 10 years. I liked them because they are fully dressed up with .500 TH's, .500 TT's and White Outline, Red Ramp Front Sights. To top them off I have two different types Keith Brown grips on them. I would not even think of selling them at the present time. If another one came available, I would not hesitate to buy it, however I have not seen any since I bought the 66-2.
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Old 01-14-2015, 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Buick View Post
I just picked up this 3" m66. As you can see it needs some sprucing up. Any recommendationrecommendation? Will smith and Wesson do it? Thanks.
Might want to enjoy it as-is -- they're fine revolvers and in present condition you're more apt to use it; refinishes tend to become paper-weights in the safe.

I recommend against a hand polish unless you like mirror reflectivity, which isn't factory standard.

Norton scouring pads in gray can most closely approximate the factory finish, though it isn't a perfect match. Several threads around here for how to do this yourself if you're so incline; run a search.

I'm sure there are aftermarket refinishers that could do it exceptionally well, though I admit, you rarely hear about it versus discussion about rebluing, hard chroming, etc.

The factory can indeed restore it to its traditional, brushed stainless finish. Their website lists prices under the Performance Center, Precision Gunsmithing section.
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Old 01-14-2015, 12:50 PM
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Here's the answer: You will note that in regard to the M64 and M13 I said "local" gun shops, but did not use the word "local" in regard to the two 3" M66's. The M13 came from Jim's Gun Shop in Raleigh, NC, and the M64 came from Lawman's Supply, same town. Both M66's came from gunshops in S. Central PA, and including transfer back to NC were under $500 each.
Funny story......I bought 2 3" 66-3s outside of Harrisburg Pa. (S.C.Pa.) in 1988/89.... a local Harrisburg based distributor had a "bunch" on his shelves for over a year...... everyone wanted hi-cap 9s.

To the OP..... for your uses a 3" 65 will do the job just as well at 1/2 the price........which will still be near $500...maybe a bit more!!!

LOL just noticed this is a 2011 thread...... Never mind!!!!

Last edited by BAM-BAM; 01-14-2015 at 12:52 PM.
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Old 01-14-2015, 01:14 PM
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I bought one LNIB in 2003 while on vacation and had it shipped home...only to have one of the members here talk me out of it...

About three years ago I happened to log on here and saw a post that was a new post only two minutes old in the classified for a 66-2 for $500 delivered. Turns out it was the guys first post as he was from the AR Forums. He had posted in their classified and had NO responses... Within minutes of posting "I'll take it" there was a line behind me of "If the deal falls through..."

3" K's just have great balance. I bought an extra new cylinder and had TK Custom rechamber it and machine it for moon clips so now the gun will fire .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .38 Super and 9mm....



Bob

Last edited by SuperMan; 01-14-2015 at 10:23 PM.
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Old 01-14-2015, 01:45 PM
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Default .357 3" for $500 !(&$_@%$))*$&??????

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I would be interested to know which model in .357 I would have a better chance of acquiring with a 3-inch barrel in a $500 or so price range: 66? 686? others? I am looking at it as a HD gun / vehicle carry, possibly occasional CC. I have a 4-inch model 65, and would really like to get a good .357 with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights, without paying a premium for a new one. Looking for a shooter, not a collector. Appreciate any advice/opinions.
A NIB of any of the models mentioned would probably be cheaper with the exception of the occasional "great find" or you are willing to accept a gun with a great deal of wear. I got lucky on a NIB M60 3" Pro series .357 for $545 as a result of GB's entire system going down the last five hours of the auction so there was no further bidding. Instead of GB putting the time back on the clock they told their sellers tough luck. Now that's what I call real customer support. I am glad I was on the buying in. I called the seller and told them they could re-list it and I would be OK, but they told me they would honor it. I only ramble on about this indecent to let people know when it comes to customer support on GB there isn't any, for the buyer or seller.
TRY KY Guns for NIB, they truly are cheaper than dirt, ship free and offer what is a real cash discount,One price for CC, with a second price discounted for cash . Just put yourself on their notification list and what you want will show up as it did with a M617 10 rd. 4" I bought from them after a three month wait, it was worth it for $735. Good Luck
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Old 01-14-2015, 02:57 PM
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You guys do know the op started this in 2011 right lol?
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Old 01-14-2015, 06:18 PM
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I apologize for ressurecting this old thread. Found it on a google search then remembered my old handle and p/w. I do thank those posters who replied to my inquiry with lots of good info.
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Old 01-14-2015, 06:21 PM
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You guys do know the op started this in 2011 right lol?
Yup, but it go some new life breathed into.
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Old 02-02-2015, 06:13 AM
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After reading over this thread I went and looked at several gun auctions...seems the going price now on one of the older -2/-3 3" 66s is right around $1200...that is a nice one with the box and accessories.

Sellers are asking a lot more but for over $1200 they just seem to sit there.

Bob
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