I'm looking at a Model 66-4 with 2 1/2" barrel with only 500 rounds through it that comes with the original case. I'd like to hear thoughts on this model as I know little about it other than it being the SS equivalent of the M19.

I wouldn't plan on a steady diet of full bore 357 rounds but probably a lot of +P and 900-1000 fps lead SWC's more than anything else. I may consider it, if bought, a CCW carry.

A 66 could eat Plus P all day, every day. You're looking at a great gun. Though it might be a bit bulky for concealed carry in the Summer when you're dressing light, I have carried mine in the winter.

I can't think of anything better than a 2.5" Combat Magnum.

And, if you're not too fond of MIM, the 66-4 was the last dash before MIM.
Well, later -4's had MIM thumbpieces and triggers.

I've got a 2.5 66 no dash. They are great revolvers, and an excellent choice for concealed carry. I carried mine year round with no problems. With a good holster/belt combination, it's doable under an untucked T shirt in summer months. My current EDC is a 3" 65.

The snub Mod 66 is a great revolver. Most Mod 66s being offered now are on the pricey side. I purchased my 66-1 a few years ago. Buy it with confidence.

Would it be worth $575? I don't know the value.

got mine for $375, but it has had a lot more rounds fired than yours. I change the grips and cleaned it up. I don't think I would sell it for $575.

If I was in your neighborhood, I would buy it on sight.

With that short barrel, is the ejector rod long enough to clear the spent brass? The shortest barrel I've had was a 3" SP101 and I was unsure about one smaller.

I love my 66. Even though it's a lock model (lock removed) it's a great shooter and not hard to conceal.

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Independent Field Tester/R&D

The 2.5 inch does not have a full length ejector rod, but I have not had any issue with dropping brass. I tip it up and thumb the ejector and everything drops out. I do make cleaning/inspecting the cylinder holes part of my cleaning regiment.

I wouldn't sell mine for $575!

I'm actually looking at two right now and hate making these kind of decisions. I've run across a Model 15 that looks inviting as well. I don't know the dash but have inquired about it. All they listed was Model 15 and some pics and I can't tell a no dash from a 15-4 by looks...don't know if it's possible but the Serial number is 91Kxxxx.

The 15 is a fine revolver as well, but the 66 snub is as perfect a firearm as S&W has ever made.

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I'm with the banned ...

Maybe I should just get both. I'll have to sleep on this one tonight.

Now THAT is the right answer!

Everyone that has any kind of S&W revolver collection should have at least one each of the model 15 Combat Masterpieces and model 66 Combat Magnums!

I have a circa 1952 K-38 (designation prior to being called model 15) w/ 4" barrel. First handgun I ever shot as a boy and probably one of the most accurate shooting handguns that I own!

I enjoy shooting all of my S&W revolvers, but my 2 1/2" 66-1 is at the top of the list. Surprisingly accurate for a short barrel revolver. Not too harsh with .357 magnum rounds and a "blast" to shoot with .38 specials! It is one of my two current concealed carry weapons.

Go with your gut....BUY THEM BOTH!!

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Mark

Picked up the exact same gun (no box) for $450 a few weeks ago. Qualified with it last week (98%) and am carrying now. I have the 686 2.5" too and find that the 66 2.5" just feels better. You wont go wrong with getting it.

2.5" model 66's are great .357's and rate high in cool factor.

66-no dash...I carry it often

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C & L

I'm going to rain a little on everyone's parade of praise. I've never liked the 2.5" 19s or 66s. As mentioned above the short ejector is less than desirable in my opinion and I've always thought anything shorter than 3" chokes back the performance of Magnums, and even 38+Ps, too much.

If you heart and mind are set on a stainless K-frame I think the 3" M65 or M64 are better choices. YMMV!

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

I have been trying to find a shorter front sight for my 66-7. But can`t locate one any-ware. Any suggestions?

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The absence of pain is...death

I agree with those who state that the 66 (or 19) in 2.5" configuration is among the best revolvers ever produced, not just by S&W, but anywhere, anyhow, and by anyone. I've had two 19s and two 66s in that size, and presently have one of each. I carry my 66-1 a great deal. My biggest reason for liking the gun is that I can shoot it with more accuracy than almost any revolver of any barrel length without exception. Something about the balance and "zen" of the gun is uncanny for me.

Here's my 66, pure shooting perfection:



Here's the 19, a nickel version DOB 1980. The box is not original to the gun (nickel guns have grey boxes). This gun is quite probably unfired. Too bad I don't have the box. I don't shoot it as I have the 66 for that purpose, am saving this one for now.....

There's some good lookers here. I did make a commitment today to buy this one pending all the pertinent info from them. It has some Herrett grips I'll no doubt change out but I'm not sure what would feel/look best. Maybe even the smaller magna grips shown in one of the photos with the filler(can't think of what it's called...Tucker?) or some Ahrends. There's a wide selection no doubt. Maybe some Pearl handles...

Hope its OK to post another 66-no dash pic. This is my favorite gun pics I've ever lucked into making.

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C & L

What are the M65's going for these days?

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Existimo ergo sum armis

Most beautiful. It would a favorite of mine. I've never had a short barrel before(under 4") in a revolver other than my ol' SP101. I tried all in vain to find a 3" 686 or 65 in good condition but have had little to no success and then I ran across this M66 and decided I'd best jump on it. I don't think I made a bad decision.

These are some good looking grips from Altamont but I'm not sure your little finger wouldn't need to go under the butt.

Great looking M66 ColColt!
I have the M66 but in a 4 inch model!

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Existimo ergo sum armis

That's not mine but just a pic I snagged to show off the grips I may get for the one I just bought. They really set that pistol off nicely.

Here is my 66-1 with Altamonts...

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Mark

I do like those grips. Do you have to put the little finger under the butt?

Got myself a 66-1 2.5" today. One thing I noticed while inpectng the gun is that the front right side of the under has some material machined off. I notice the cut on some the pictures shown in this thread too. Please let me know whether this a factory defect or by design.
Thanks

If you're talking about the tapering of the front to the underlug under the barrel -- that's the way they came from the factory.

Thanks for the quick reply, it is odd that it is only on the right side.

This sort of sums it up.

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Yeah, just on the right side. I never thought about it much, though it does leave the symmetry a bit wanting. I suppose that makes your question a good one.

I love my K frame snubs..... carry one or the other of these every day...
66-3 wearing Ahrens and my 19-4 wearing...? IMHO you cannot beat the K frames as a carry revolver.

According to Fjestad the 66's in great shape like you're talking about are worth $595 plus 10% for the 2 1/2" barrel.
For $575 I'd jump on it.

Not bad for a thread that just resurrected after four years. Just as relevant as ever, though. Here is my 66 no dash that I was issued in the 1970s, and carried when I was assigned to plainclothes duties.




and here is the holster that I usually carried it in. I was able to buy both this 2 1/2 " and my issue 4" 66 no dash for what Glock was offering for trade in when my department went to semi autos in the 1990s.



The only thing missing is that I always used a plain aluminum Tyler "T" grip, which I still have, but borrowed for another revolver. I can say that these make fine carry revolvers, having carried this one for many years. Accuracy is great, and it disappears in a pancake style holster like this one from Bianchi. I have a lot of handguns, but this and my 4" 66 are ones that I will never part with, partly because of sentimental reasons, but partly because they are excellent firearms.

I still have the Glock that I was issued as well, it was presented to me when I retired. It's not very photogenic, though, so I won't post it here.

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Here's my track on the 66 snubbie:

Smith & Wesson 66 2-1/2 inch barrel. Revolver in .357 Mag. Blue Book of Gun Values (36th Edition) indicates between $678 in 95% condition and $715 in 98% condition for this gun. I have 98 recorded prices for this model gun from $423 to $1095 over a period of 4 Yrs 4 Mos ending April 2, 2016. The average price as of that date was $700. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $614.

Nice gun. Here's the one I have.

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Bob

no dash....

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C & L

Love the stags!

Yes!! C&L, those are beautiful stag grips!!! I love the look. I have the same model, and an aluminum T grip, I can't help but envision how my no dash would look dressed up in a set of those. I have kept the walnut issue grips on mine out of nostalgia, as that is how I carried it working in police work. But I could still keep them, and dress the old girl up in a set of those stags!!!

If you don't mind sharing, where did you get those beautiful grips??? I have an early model 60 that I used to carry off duty that would look pretty nifty also..... Oh boy. Here I go.

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Thanks! I bought them on Gun Broker several years ago when Sambar Stag was not overly expensive.

Here is same 66 with some Elk antler grips.

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C & L

I HAVE A 2.5" 66. LOVE IT. BUT I PREFER THE 3" 66 FOR THE FULL LENGTH EJECTOR ROD.