Most desirable mdl.66

[vrichard]

2 1/2 P&R,4 in.P&R or a 3 in.NON P&R model 66.?
Dick

 

[Big'un]

I would desire any one of them,but both pictured are pinned.
.I personally think that the P&R in 2.5" are more desireable.

 

[mtime7]

I would say the 3", i think the non pinned 3" 66, and 13 are some of the best carry guns available..

 

[18DAI]

I'd agree that the 3" 66 is the most desirable variant.

That said, desirable for what purpose? Shooting or collecting?

Being a shooter, I find the 66-2 and 66-3 variants most desirable. I don't like using recessed cylinders in my carry or competition revolvers as the bullets sometimes hang up on the edge of the charge holes.

The flash chromed hammers and triggers are more attractive as well.

From the two in your photo I'd take the 4" 66-2. I'd prefer a 3" 66-2 to either. Regards 18DAI.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I would say the 4" for a shooter, the 3" for the collector, and the 2.5" for carry. But any P/R will go for more money and always have more collector interest.

 

[DRYHEAT]

IMHO, the P&R 2.5" FTW.

As an Industrial Designer for 40 years, I just like the proportions of this version the best. YMM

(+ getting it for $375 OTD didn't hurt either!)

 

[TDC]

I've gotta go with any of the P&R guns. They simply represent an era of S&W production that will never again be available.

 

[roaddog28]

I would say the 4" for a shooter, the 3" for the collector, and the 2.5" for carry. But any P/R will go for more money and always have more collector interest.

+1. I take a 4 inch barrel for shooting anyday over a 2.5 or 3 inch.
Howard

 

[GF]

Driheat & TDC ALWAYS post up the finest revolver photos. And the P&R comments are correct. Go with them in any model when you can.

A dash one in 2 & 1/2 and a "no dash" 66 in 4 inch.

and a six inch -1 because they don't get posted often.

GF

 

[fyimo]

I concur on the P&R revolvers because they just don't make them like that anymore.

GF Your pictures are awesome

 

[JudgeColt]

The Model 66 was the first Magnum stainless handgun and was the gun to have when it came out. In my opinion, the first version with the 4-inch barrel and stainless sights is therefore the most historically significant of all Models 66. In my opinion, the 2.5-inch is the most handsome of all Smith & Wesson revolvers. The lines and "balance" of short barrel and round butt are superb. I suspect the 6-inch Model 66 is the least common, and my personal favorite. I lobbied Smith to offer the Model 66 in the 8.375-inch barrel, but to no avail (at least yet!).

I use the term "Model 66" as a term of art, meaning "no dash," which also makes them all "pinned and recessed," a feature that best represents the glory that was Smith & Wesson in the past. R.I.P.

 

[colt_saa]

Most deserible model 66 for me is the originaly release 4" with the stainless sights followed by the 3" from any era. Though the few Performance Center model 66 offerings rank right up there as well.

Yes, that is a clear sideplate on mine.

 

[jjgi5150]

IMHO, the P&R 2.5" FTW.

As an Industrial Designer for 40 years, I just like the proportions of this version the best. YMM

(+ getting it for $375 OTD didn't hurt either!)

Hi Dri...

Beautiful photos as always...and go ahead and make me jealous that I had to pay $225.00 more to get my like-new '78 vintage 66 2.5"!!!!!!

Seriously, yours is such a beauty...Has it even been fired???


Take care,


JJ

 

[jughed440]

IMHO...3", followed by 2 1/2" (P&R, or not), a close third is the round butt 4"

 

[Model39]

How About a 3" 66 (no Dash) P&R With Keith Brown Grips?

Would this be something somebody would want?

 

[lev83]

Nice gun model 39. I am still looking for an elusive 3" but vey satisfied with my 2.5" Model 19-3.

 

[Allen-frame]

I knew model 39 would bring that one out. Awesome pictures gents.

You know you don't have to ask me which I prefer.

I like my Combat magnums blue. And my Stainless Combat magnums
with round butts.

If the short ones shoot as well as the longer ones, why have a longer one?

Regards
Allen Frame

 

[MP1983]

you got to start keeping those apart, I think they're multiplying!

 

[MP1983]

great pics Allen!!

I thought you had 2 new ones at first glance...but it was the 2 1/2's...

BTW...I prefer anything P&R myself, but my 4 inch M 66 from 1983 that isn't suits me fine...

 

[DRYHEAT]

Seriously, yours is such a beauty...Has it even been fired???


Take care,


JJ

Thanks and yes, it goes with me at least once a month to the range. It's the clean up that keeps it looking good!