Hey guys.

I picked up this 66-1 to complement my nickel model 19 yesterday. Nice and tight, clean bore, timing is good, etc. After I got it home to clean up the typical crud, I noticed this "notched" type L shaped groove at the front end of the frame around the cylinder. It was hiding out under some build-up. Looks kind of like some sort of venting groove. My 19 does not have this, is this a problem or normal for a 66-1? Thanks

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Mine does not have it

They used to put a punch mark in that area when the gun was test fired. Mine has two punch marks there, but they are pretty subtle, not like yours.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Richard, do you have any photos of yours showing this area? It definately looks intentional on mine, not like a fracture or failure. I hope it is not an issue...thanks, Tim

Ditto on my 66-1 2-1/2". No photo currently.

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Tony

Further sleuthing reveals a few stamp marks that I wonder if it may have had some work done to it. One thing that allured me to this 66 was the glass-like action. Smooth as silk, although I have not fired it yet. Upon further inspection, I find numerous stamp marks that seem "non-factory" or maybe performance center? the yoke has three stamps on it. C13, 90045 & the letter "S". The butt has more. C13, 90045, "S", 2, 10 & F18 on the left side and 7438, K with circle around it, and A with triangle around it on the right side. I think the K and A are probably the inspector's marks, but what are the others. I guess a call to S&W is in order but that will have to wait 'till tomorrow. Anyone have insight on these markings and punch marks today?

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My s&w mdl.66 -1 ser.21K91XX dosen`t have it.
Dick

as aquired with OEM S&W combat grips dated sep 1987 (obvious upgrade/replacement). I have noticed some 66-1's with the S&W logo on the left side (smaller to go with the speed loader gripset, I presume). Did they relocate the logo to accomodate the special emblem of interest (ie state emblem/special order type) on the other side or did they move it over to the left side altogether at some point? Curious...

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I never noticed it before. It is a little light punch mark. That is interesting.

66-1 6" - Yep has a punch mark
66 no dash 4" - Yep heavier punch mark
66-1 4" - Double Yep - two very light marks

Interesting - any excuse to drag them out and have a look.

Thanks for looking...was concerned as my 19's don't have that mark. Still wondering why they put it "there"? And why some have it and not others? I guess these days the spent shell would account for the test fire aspect. It looks as if I have some research to do on this particular piece as it is stamped all over. Part of my enjoyment of firearms collecting is just that...finding the history of the piece. I will call S&W tomorrow and see what I can find out. Follow up with results.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that punch marks were random QC testing for Brinnell hardness ? Proper temper of a test specimen by inspection prior to shipment. I've seen a few with punch marks, but not like the one in the pic.

My 66-1 has the mark. It's a little to the left, compared to yours, but a significant punch mark. I can't remember noticing it before, but I bought it 35 years ago. I am interested in knowing what is discovered about this mark.

The "S" stamp indicates the metal in stainless steel. S&W and other primary, as well as aftermarket makers use it for a variety of SS parts. In their raw machined state, stainless and carbon steel look identical. The "s' stamp is merely a manufacturing key that the part is stainless.

Ya got me to look. Mine are all carbon steel. All but one have a punch mark in that spot. 'J', 'K', & 'N' frames.
Ranging from a .44 HE 3rd model (1928) to a 24-3 (1983).
The odd man out is my 21-4 (2007), no punch mark.

Another 66-1 4" with punch mark.

best, RG

Talked to the local S&W gunsmith, he said that punchmark was normal, sees them often. Talked to Smith & Wesson, they said it was not. Go figure. In fact, the kid I talked to said "we don't even make those anymore, so good luck trying to find any info on that" Is this not the manufacturer? Geez Loise...goin to hell in a handbag... I am more apt to follow the many posts here which show otherwise...thanks for all your replies.

The marks are so light I don't think my old camera could get a picture. It is just very light round small punch right in the intersection at the bottom of the frame window under the barrel.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

But all mine have it, even my flatlatch model 38 no dash airweight. I didn't check my RM, or my pre- 29, 5 screw, 4", but both 27-2, 3-1/2's do, as does my 25-2


Ned

My 66-1 has it. Just a small punch mark, but definately there on purpose. All of my Smith & Wesson revolvers have it.

De Oppresso Liber

I am only guessing, but it might me a mark left by a jig when they fit the barrel to the frame. I am curious too - someone should give them a buzz.

Howdy,
My 67 no dash and 10-5 both have it. The 67 is struck a little harder.
Mike

My new [to me] 66 no-dash has it. My 67 no-dash also has one.

My 17 18 19 and 27 also have it
624 and my 66 do not

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Fe Feo Fuerte

Brinnell testing would leave a perfectly round dimple. The diameter of the dimple is what determines the hardness (the larger the diameter, the softer the metal).

Both my 80's vintage 27-2 and '69 vintage 37 Airweight have it, heavier on the Airweight's aluminum frame. As girvin02 said, hardness testing would leave a round dimple. I like chief38's idea of a jig to fit the barrel...seems plausible to me.

Puma knives have a hardness test dimple in the blade, but they measure Rockwell hardness.