66 no dash range report

[skyraider]

Back in the spring I picked up a model 66 no dash with stainless sights and posted some questions before actually buying it. Since a couple of you were kind enough to post answers, I thought I'd post a range report now that I finally got it out to go shooting. WHAT AN AMAZING GUN!!!

I'm 61, not as steady as I used to be, and have a fractured right wrist with a splint on it from a bicycle accident (I know, should be old enough to know better...). I'm left handed, so I can still shoot, but it's a little weird feeling with the splint in the way. Not to worry...the 66 more than made up for what I am lacking. The scanned target was the first target of the day, the first time I'd ever shot this gun, and the first time I'd shot in 11 months. This is one of the two or three most accurate revolvers I've ever fired.

The outside diameter of the black circle is 3", there are 18 rounds in the target; I was shooting offhand at 30 feet. I'm adequate with a handgun (I suck with a long gun) but by no means a marksman. But the model 66 still did this well. I've never really liked target stocks before. I think I just changed my mind.

This 66 no dash was shipped about the year I graduated from high school. Between the ship date, correct original box, the accuracy of the gun and the stainless sights, it's a keeper!!!

p.s. the other gun in the photos is my 67 no dash. It was a police trade in and has some interesting notes on the box regarding being issued to a Lieutenant Sayers. I need to letter it and find out the history.

 

[4D5]

VERY nice guns!

You did well shooting considering...

I'm a lefty as well. I'll be 65 next month, and age does take its toll.
My problem is my vision is not what it use to be so I don't last as long on an outing as I once did.

Taking both those guns out on a range day... priceless!

.

 

[raylan007]

M66 N/D and 67-1, Must have revolvers

Both revolvers in my opinion are must have for any "K" frame collector. I picked up this police trade in M66 N/D and M67-1 on GB, both for the same price, $475, the 66 was holster worn but with a little TLC it cleaned up beautifully. Note the right side S&W logo is partially worn from being holstered. Both have great action and will be with me till death do us part.
The M66 came with a beautiful of target stocks that don't fit so I replaced them with the Bubinga Retro Ahrends. The M67 stocks were shot hence the Altamonts.

 

[skyraider]

VERY nice guns!

You did well shooting considering...

I'm a lefty as well. I'll be 65 next month, and age does take its toll.
My problem is my vision is not what it use to be so I don't last as long on an outing as I once did.

Taking both those guns out on a range day... priceless!

.

Yep...my "eye protection" now is a pair of reading glasses so I can see the front sight clearly!

 

[Texas Star]

I had eye cataracts removed last year and the difference in my vision is tremendous. Might that help you, too? The difference was amazing.

My M-66-3 is also very accurate as were several M-19's I've owned. But I really can't say that they were exceptional, as all S&W revolvers I've owned were very accurate. Some do shoot their best with certain ammo.

Nice target. Some people can't shoot that well, even at just 30 feet.

 

[sheepdawg]

Those stainless sights can be pretty tough. I have two 66s one with stainless sights from 1972 and one from 1976 with a blackened rear and a red ramped front . Quite a difference.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Nice shooting........ great guns.....

My 66-nutin with stainless sights is a safe queen..... the 66-1 gets to go to the mountains from time to time................

 

[old11bravo]

Super, super cool!! You need to shoot with a splint on your right wrist more often haha!

 

[skyraider]

Super, super cool!! You need to shoot with a splint on your right wrist more often haha!

The shooting with the splint works better than cycling with the splint. Yesterday I rode the mtn bike 35 miles (with the splint) and did 25 miles today on the cyclocross bike. Won't be riding for a few days--it's sore!!

Thanks for the humor and have a great week!!!

Paul

 

[skyraider]

Nice shooting........ great guns.....

My 66-nutin with stainless sights is a safe queen..... the 66-1 gets to go to the mountains from time to time................

It won't go out often--too pretty of a gun. But I had to try it and see what it was like.

My two "go to" shooters are a cheap police trade in Model 10-something (heavy barrel) and a transitional era M&P 38 with an S serial # prefix but the short throw hammer. For fixed sight guns, they are amazing. I never cease to be amazed at how well they shoot--even with me behind them!

 

[skyraider]

Those stainless sights can be pretty tough. I have two 66s one with stainless sights from 1972 and one from 1976 with a blackened rear and a red ramped front . Quite a difference.

You know, I never even thought about the fact that the sights were stainless. They were no harder to see than any other sights I've shot with.

I love your username. I have two Australian Shepherds. One is my bud and goes with me about everywhere. We used to compete in obedience competition, do some sheep herding, agility, etc. He's 11 now. We still play at stuff, but he's mostly just my friend.

Paul

 

[Chukar60]

I picked up a 66 no dash about a month ago. Stainless sights were not an issue, but I was shooting mid day too. Have no idea how they will be in lower light situations. Great shooter like all Smiths I have owned.
OP, that is some pretty good shooting for being banged up!!!'

 

[skyraider]

I picked up a 66 no dash about a month ago. Stainless sights were not an issue, but I was shooting mid day too. Have no idea how they will be in lower light situations. Great shooter like all Smiths I have owned.
OP, that is some pretty good shooting for being banged up!!!'

Thanks. Our range day was literally mid-day. Like you, I have no idea what the stainless sights would be like in low light, but this gun will spend most of it's time in the safe and never be carried. Just occasionally go to the range.

 

[skyraider]

I picked up a 66 no dash about a month ago. Stainless sights were not an issue, but I was shooting mid day too. Have no idea how they will be in lower light situations. Great shooter like all Smiths I have owned.
OP, that is some pretty good shooting for being banged up!!!'

p.s. you avatar is great. What kind of dogs?

 

[BOMBTEC]

I'VE GOT A 66 NO DASH THAT I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE SHIPPING DATE ON? THE SN IS 2K840XX I HAD JUST ORDERED THE "STANDARD CATALOG OF S&W 3rd EDITION BUT IT'S NO HELP IN DATING A SMITH.
ANY IDEAS WOULD HELP. I HAD ONE JUST LIKE IT WHEN I WORKED ON A PD IN FLA IN 1971.

 

[skyraider]

I'VE GOT A 66 NO DASH THAT I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE SHIPPING DATE ON? THE SN IS 2K840XX I HAD JUST ORDERED THE "STANDARD CATALOG OF S&W 3rd EDITION BUT IT'S NO HELP IN DATING A SMITH.
ANY IDEAS WOULD HELP. I HAD ONE JUST LIKE IT WHEN I WORKED ON A PD IN FLA IN 1971.

According to the Standard Catalog, 1972

Paul

 

[tarheelexec]

I also read your serial number as a 1972 (range 2K55997-2K99999)
listed under K frame revolvers model 66