I'm ready to pull the trigger on my first S&W . I know it is a M66 but before I buy it I wanted to check with the forum as to the main differences or particulars ( hopefully with explanations & possible pics since I"m a novice to this model ) and possibility which to stay away from. In my forum search, models go from no dash to a -7 is that correct ? I would like to make the proper ID of this particular piece and make my decision based on input from the forum and the condition of this service revolver - which has had plenty of use but is in top condition ( so I am told ). Thanks for your time and expertise.

I own 66's from the no dash thru the 66-4 in every barrel length that they made them. I had a 4" 66-5 too, but traded it for something I wanted more.

I only buy/use the 66-4 and earlier variants. They have all the best engineering changes and none of the cost cutting measures, or "innovations" as some refer to them.

I've no use for any revolver sporting an internal lock and find the MIM triggers and recontoured frames too ugly to bother with. I've no use for the two piece barrel either. So no 66-6, 66-7 or 66-8's here.

I think for a collector the no dash and 66-1 are the "best" 66 variants, as they are P&R. They are very nice revolvers. Made back when more hand fitting and attention to detail was done.

As a shooter/end user/accumulator I like the 66-2's best. I own more 66-2's than any other variant. I like the flash chromed hammers and triggers. I also prefer the non recessed cylinders as they make speed loading easier, for me. Easier to clean too!

My second choice is the 66-4. I've come across some very nice examples in this variant, including my 3" 66-4 from RSR.

I don't think you can go wrong with any pre lock 66 though. Everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI

That's a lot of info to digest - but it is a great place for me to start. thank you very much for the reply. What is P&R ? the only thing I know about it is that P is for pinned barrel (?) and R is recessed cylinder (?) . Is there anything other explanation than that I should know about? By chance would you happen to know the last year or serial # of the pre lock 66 ?Thanks again

Sorry, P&R is shorthand for pinned and recessed. I don't know the serials, but the last pre lock 66's were the 66-5's. The last of the 66-5's were produced in 1999 or 2000 IIRC. Regards 18DAI

Sounds great - thanks !

My favorites are the 66 no dash because it's the first one and has a stainless steel rear sight. Floowed by the 66-4 with a 3" barrel, I really like the way they blended the rear sight into the frame plus it's the last variation with the forged hammer and trigger. I totally agree with 18DAI.

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Mag - Thanks for the pics. Do you have any problem with glare when shooting in sunlight ? I read where some were bothered in sunlight

It always bothered me. Long ago I found a black sight and dropped it in and foolishly gave away the stainless one. Thanks to a kind member here, I now have an original stainless sight to reinstall when I'm ready to pass mine on to its next owner.