Hair Trigger
US Veteran
The Catalog mentions that the stainless rear sight was only the first year and a half of production. I haven't seen specific numbers.
-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
Model 66 with SS sights
- Thread starter Mambeaux
- Start date
CHARLIE699
Member
Though I never observed a 6" ND with stainless rear sights, that certainly does not imply that they were not built. Do you recall if the front sight was plain or red ramp?
The 6" barrel did not appear until 1978, in the -1 revision. The 4th edition has it "special order" prior to that.
Possibly the gunshop changed out rear sight from an earlier revolver? Possibly S&W used a sight from the bottom of the bin (first in & last out).
If possessed, that might be an interesting one to research?
THE PILGRIM
Member
Good question, I was wondering that as well. Was the red ramp offered with the stainless rear sight versions?
I always thought the early 66 with the stainless rear sight was cool looking and have lusted for one for no other reason that that. To that, I have never seen a 66 with either a target trigger or target hammer, but I guess they are out there.
As a matter of preference I added a WO rear sight to all the S&W revolvers I have purchased over the years, with no regard to affecting collectability at a later date. I guess I should reconsider that...
That's interesting. I've never seen a 6" with the S/S rear sight.
It seems like everyone on the forum has a 66 w/stainless sight. 
i looked and looked for over a year and settled for a 66 with the black anodized rear sight. I'm happy for you guys that have 'em, but it sucks to be me... lol
i looked and looked for over a year and settled for a 66 with the black anodized rear sight. I'm happy for you guys that have 'em, but it sucks to be me... lol
Last edited:
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
I was less concerned finding one with a stainless rear sight as I was finding a P&R gun. Found my M66-1 ANIB, which was just as good.It seems like everyone on the forum has a 66 w/stainless sight.
Attachments
Last edited:
mikeruns
Member
These were the guns that 1st gave me butterflies and sparked such a strong liking to S&W as a very young kid in G.F. Mt at our local Montgomery Wards sporting goods dept...I remember the store had a few different guns but mostly I noticed a small glass display with about 20 handguns and all those on top were S&Ws’.....then I remember a fair amount of Mossberg 500 hunting guns in the Westernfield guise....but the stainless rear sights of those model 66’s and the target grips just mesmerized me! I have never owned any model 66 and briefly have owned only 1 model 19 which was a 6”. When I came of age to buy a handgun, my 1st center fire was a 4-5/8” new model Blackhawk followed a couple years later with my 1st S&W in model 28 with a 6”.... and these were used.....when I finally got money enough up for a new magnum after boot camp in 1987, the 686 was all the rage and I followed that path....still...though the 66 with a 4” may someday get in front of me
The prototypes built in May 1970 to test the tooling for the new stainless Combat Magnum were fitted with a target hammer and standard trigger. When routine production began, the target hammer was deleted in favor of the standard hammer.
Bill
Bill
Engine49guy
Member
A few observations, I have 2 four inch Model 66's from 74, both have SS rear sites.
Dont think I have ever seen a 6" M66 no dash , seen plenty of dash 1 and dash 2 but the SS rear site was long gone by then.
Also have never seen a 66 snub with a SS rear site, well actually did see 1 once but it looked painted ( the snub uses a longer leaf rear site than the others).
Also for those with M66 with a black rear site be advised many were swapped out by individuals and dept armorers after complaints.
Lastly, if your 66 or 66-1 has a black rear site and your curious remove the rear leaf and look for a letter "S" stamped underneath, if it's there your site is actually blackened stainless.
Dont think I have ever seen a 6" M66 no dash , seen plenty of dash 1 and dash 2 but the SS rear site was long gone by then.
Also have never seen a 66 snub with a SS rear site, well actually did see 1 once but it looked painted ( the snub uses a longer leaf rear site than the others).
Also for those with M66 with a black rear site be advised many were swapped out by individuals and dept armorers after complaints.
Lastly, if your 66 or 66-1 has a black rear site and your curious remove the rear leaf and look for a letter "S" stamped underneath, if it's there your site is actually blackened stainless.
Last edited:
