What should I know about a S&W Model 66 circa 1981?

[Flint Ridge]

First off - First Post here.

New to the world of revolvers after getting sick of problems with a Sig Semi-auto. Picked up an LCR .357 back in August and love it (mostly 38 spls mind you - but Magnums are fun).

Been looking at New 868's and 627's and stumbled into what my naive knowledge is a Model 66-2, from 1981. Are there any known issues or concerns with this model?

I see that others would prefer the 66-1, but this is what I have in my sights.

What is the going rate for one LNIB, 4" SS, Full wood grips?

Looking at one and not certain I should get serious about it. Less than 3 boxes of ammo through it. Actually a Law Enforcement Special Edition Highway Patrol Model, special serial numbers, presentation case, boxes, papers, square butt, exceptional wood grips, all the stuff and matching knife.

Mind you the point is to shoot it some and have as a house gun and used by The Bride. But I am interested and willing to pay a slight premium for the history, a no-lock, one basically new and I am of the general opinion they do not build them like they used to - thinking this is simpler and better workmanship.

Please help steer me to better understanding.

 

[bountyhunter]

I'd love to have a LNIB 4" model 66-2. Forged steel parts, no lock, best craftsmanship. IMHO, such guns are worth more than the new junk they sell (assuming they are in excellent condition). In california, that gun would easily sell for $600 - $700... probably more. I'd buy it for $600 in a blink.

 

[Flint Ridge]

Thanks bountyhunter, I am getting to the point of just picking out some excellent old school items and enjoying them and not having to worry too much if they will hold up.

 

[Engine49guy]

I just saw a LNIB Model 66-2 sell locally at a local gun show for $550,
Granted the buyer did not dicker and the seller admitted he would have let it go for less.
The comemorative you describe once fired becomes a shooter IMHO.
The knife is a nice addition but do you want to pay a premium for a fired gun with an engravement knowing a purist "Collector" wants an unfired gun.
If the price is right I would not hesitate to buy it and continue shooting it.
But since you are looking for a shooter, If the seller is asking a high premium for the gun as a comemorative and it is already fired ......I would probably keep looking.

 

[Flint Ridge]

I just saw a LNIB Model 66-2 sell locally at a local gun show for $550,
Granted the buyer did not dicker and the seller admitted he would have let it go for less.
The comemorative you describe once fired becomes a shooter IMHO.
The knife is a nice addition but do you want to pay a premium for a fired gun with an engravement knowing a purist "Collector" wants an unfired gun.
If the price is right I would not hesitate to buy it and continue shooting it.
But since you are looking for a shooter, If the seller is asking a high premium for the gun as a comemorative and it is already fired ......I would probably keep looking.

True, Engine48guy. An issue is time to look is basically money or time away from the home front. So that is worth a little to me. Collector item - No. Gun as a shooter - absolutely. I buy no gun as an investment nor to sell again.

 

[Flint Ridge]

How do I tell if it is a 66-1 or 66-2. Research shows me pinned and recessed... Please educate me.

 

[bountyhunter]

How do I tell if it is a 66-1 or 66-2. Research shows me pinned and recessed... Please educate me.

Should be stamped on the frame behind the yoke.

 

[rodell]

A 66-2 is neither pinned or recessed.

I have one in 6" and it is my favorite of many I own. I bought it new in 1982 and it has served me very well. It is a natural pointer for me and whitetails and targets have fallen to it.

Here in Western Washington State, a 4" runs $550-$600 in good condition.

 

[Flint Ridge]

Should be stamped on the frame behind the yoke.

Ok, I saw numbers stamped there, but do not recall them. Guess I will have to look next week.

I was hoping for a visual clue that I might remember as this could have been a 66-1 or a 66-2.

Will keep searching for some pictures to see if I can figure it out as a novice.

Thanks Guys!

 

[AveragEd]

Here's a 66-2 I bought a few weeks ago on GunBroker.com for $575. It has RR/Wo sights and target trigger and hammer.

Ed

 

[Flint Ridge]

Very nice pic's AveragEd.

Wonder if the example I saw is a 66-1 possibly.

 

[Flint Ridge]

This is a 66-2 or newer.

I will have to actually see it again, if they still have it.

Plus as close as the cylinder is toward the shooter, to me this is pinned and recessed. But I will have to see myself, thanks to all the wisdom here and elsewhere I feel semi-competent to officially check it tomorrow.

What things should I be looking at? Cylinder seemed tight, I've read the stickies and made mental notes. Have feeler gauges. I will look at timing and lockup.

What about the forcing cone for the future? Are 125 .357's a problem for all K frames, or just the blued? Mind you I would probably not push it anyway.

Thanks guys!

 

[Andy Taylor]

The M66-1 and earlier (M66) will have a pin that retains the barrel. This will be located near the top of the frame in front of the cylinder. It will be visable from both sides of the gun. All S&W hand-ejector revolvers made prior to ~1982 will have this feature. Later guns had crush fit barrels.
M66-1 and earlier (M66) will have recessed cylinders. In other words the cylinders have a small lip cut out around the chambers so the cartridges sit flush when the gun is loaded. All S&W magnum caliber revolvers made prior to ~ 1982 and all rimfire revolvers, regardless of when they were made, have this feature.
Do these features affect function in any way? Not really. Many of us like these features because it harkens back to an earlier time and shows a level of craftsmanship not found in the newer guns.
Some actually dislike the recessed chambers because during cleaning you need to clean the recess in the cylinder. I am not one of them. I have found this step to take me about 30 seconds and doesn't bother me a bit.
I'm sure someone will show some pics of P&R vs non-P&R.

 

[Flint Ridge]

The M66-1 and earlier (M66) will have a pin that retains the barrel. This will be located near the top of the frame in front of the cylinder. It will be visable from both sides of the gun. All S&W hand-ejector revolvers made prior to ~1982 will have this feature. Later guns had crush fit barrels.
M66-1 and earlier (M66) will have recessed cylinders. In other words the cylinders have a small lip cut out around the chambers so the cartridges sit flush when the gun is loaded. All S&W magnum caliber revolvers made prior to ~ 1982 and all rimfire revolvers, regardless of when they were made, have this feature.
Do these features affect function in any way? Not really. Many of us like these features because it harkens back to an earlier time and shows a level of craftsmanship not found in the newer guns.
Some actually dislike the recessed chambers because during cleaning you need to clean the recess in the cylinder. I am not one of them. I have found this step to take me about 30 seconds and doesn't bother me a bit.
I'm sure someone will show some pics of P&R vs non-P&R.

I'll just have to take a look Monday and see if it is P&R, that will be easy to figure out. Then a closer look at the condition.

 

[Flint Ridge]

Well, it is definitely a 66-1. Smooth wood grips, serrated trigger.

Presuming different types of triggers available? Target possibly?

Otherwise it is basically in original condition, may have had a few rounds down it. It is rock-solid on lock-up, timing sounds good, my attempts at checking alignment of the cylinders seemed good, but not as easy in room light with being recessed. Gap to forcing cone was very tight, did not put a gauge on it, but it was looking nice.

So, we will see what $ I can drag together and if they move any.

 

[Col Defender]

I have 3 66's with various dashes and love them all. RE your question on 125 grain bullets, the conventional wisdom is not to shoot a whole bunch of them through any Mod 66 - an occasional shot or two is OK.

But no need to anyway. You can shoot .38 Special to your heart's content and of course any of the larger bullet sizes in .357 Magnum.

Buy the gun and post pics!

 

[Flint Ridge]

I have 3 66's with various dashes and love them all. RE your question on 125 grain bullets, the conventional wisdom is not to shoot a whole bunch of them through any Mod 66 - an occasional shot or two is OK.

But no need to anyway. You can shoot .38 Special to your heart's content and of course any of the larger bullet sizes in .357 Magnum.

Buy the gun and post pics!

Bought it.

Posting may take a couple days, massive number of year end meetings, budgets and re-org, but we know what I will be thinking about

 

[Fletchman]

Congrats on the new gun. I just bought a 66-2 with the 2 inch barrel at a local shop in town today. Looks as if it has only a few rounds through it. Was on consignment from a Sherrifs deputy but has no carry marks. Turns out it was his dads gun that he almost never shot. I paid 540 bucks for it and I am very happy about it. Will pick it up in 10 days. I did have a model 19-2 that I gave to my brother about 25 years ago. I loved that gun but he had a wife and kids and needed a gun in the house so I gave it to him. Was pinned and recessed and he still has it and loves it. The grips on the 66-2 aren't the regualar checkered grips but a more bulbous type. Has the S&W medallion but was wondering if these were the stock grips it came with. Any help on that?