3/7/2012 Update: FINALLY bought it today!

3/1/2012 Update: I am close to purchasing this revolver, but have learned some things and have some more questions. I have posted pictures and questions in my latest (post #13) reply below...

I just found out a guy I work with is wanting to sell what he describes as a "LNIB (w/ docs and tools) 4" 66-1 with S&W smooth presentation target stocks". He is traveling until next Monday and cannot get me any pictures. I asked him what price he was considering and he said that he hadn't put a value on it yet. He asked me what I would be willing to offer! So, before I make an offer, I wanted to ask you fine "S&W Educated" folks some questions...

• Would smooth presentation target stocks have been an available option for a standard 66-1? Or would the gun have to be a special edition/LEO gun?
  
• Would the serial number be stamped into these particular stocks?
  
• I am sure if the box is matching, then the code for these stocks will be shown, right? What would that code be?
  
• Anything unique that I should look for? Rare options?
  
• What price range am I looking at. He is not a close friend, but we interact a fair amount at work. I don't want to insult him with an unrealistic price!

I would really appreciate any help you would be willing to offer! Thanks in advance!!

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Mark

the gun probably came with rubber pach's. the smooth target grips
probably replaced the pach's. If the gun is in good shape, worth--$375 to$450 maybe. Just my humble oinion, others may vary.

Don't make an offer until you see the revolver.

Switching grips was done frequently in the old days. Most all 66's shipped with "Target" grips, denoted on the box with a "T". I would not pay more for smooth grips if they are the standard Goncalo Alves wood.

I paid $500 for a 66 no dash with a 2 1/2" barrel where I live.

Geez MacA, you are out to rid the world of M19/66's! lol
1. I believe, others will know, that target stocks were the standard. The box SHOULD designate what the options were on the M66
2. I do not believe Target stocks were serial numbered to the gun, but I am not positive.
3. With box, doc, tools, etc, in my area $475 to $525 would be the asking price, depending on condition. I do not believe I have seen a single M19/66 around here for less than $425.
To me, it will depend on condition, proper and original accessories, and whether or not you want it. Just my opinion and I am sure there will be more knowledgeable people to weigh in on your question.

Are you sure rubber stocks were an available option in late 70s for the model 66?

No more than you are!!

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Mark

66-1 would have been target grips...

I know that the target stocks were standard. My question is could the presentation stocks have been a special order?

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Mark

I know that smooth target stocks were available for K frames. I have heard that if you wanted it on your Smith, and it was available,and you would pay for it, Smith would put it on it. The box should clarify the stock question, but it may just show that it had target stocks and no clarification of smooth or checkered. So, in short, beats the heck out of me.

I think you would have to get a $50 factory letter to verify the smooth grips. I seriously doubt that they are original. Most would have come with standard checkered Goncalo Alves target stock without the speedloader cut out. Target stocks are not numbered (there are a few exceptions on early 5 screw guns). I don't think the stocks carry more value from a collectability view. Just pay a little extra depending on their looks and how much they appeal to you - maybe $25 to $75.

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Dick

Some LE or Comm one's did have smooth presentations on them. IF it has the same cut out the other side that is to show the MSHP logo on this 66-1 of mine. If not then they would be smooth targets - I think?

He said box is with it. It would have an "S" under stocks, if it was even available that way.

Because of the seller's crazy travel schedule, he won't be back to work until next Tuesday. However, he sent me some pictures. After a little research I have learned that the stocks are S&W smooth targets, not presentation stocks as he originally described them.

Just to confirm, would there be an "S" written on the label for the particular smooth stocks shown below? I have included a picture below of the label. As has already been said, I am pretty sure that the "T" indicates the original stocks were the standard checkered targets. I am just looking for confirmation. THANKS!!

BTW, I have him down to $425. What do you think?....

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Mark

The price look right. I don't believe there is a difference between smooth target stock and presentation stock, they are the same. If there had been an "S" under the "stock", it would have indicated a service (Megna) stock. It is possible a letter from S&W will tell you if it was shipped with smooth stocks, but maybe not.

I thought the same thing, however, I found that there is a difference. The presentation stocks have a "speedloader-style" cutout on the right side stock to allow for viewing of special edition stampings on the side plate.

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Mark

That is a really good price and I think it's way under market value. All of the 66-1s I've seen came with checkered target stocks unless it was a commemorative which this one isn't. Irregardless, many people switched their checkered grips for smooth ones. Bottom line that's a great revolver at a great price and a good find. Those grips appear to be rosewood bye the way and are worth a good chunk of change by themselves.

Mark - that is a great buy for $425..........don't let it get away.
The "T" does indeed stand for Target stocks - I'd venture to guess that it originally shipped w/ checkered targets and someone put those smooth, presentation stocks on the gun.
Those are Rosewood and a huge BONUS!

I don't think you will find a better deal. The box and manual and tool kit could easily bring $75.

Thanks for the feedback! I've been waiting too long to get my hands on this gun. This guy's traveling schedule is getting in the way of my "gun fun"!!

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Mark

Vm I have a hard time distinguishing between rosewood and cocobola
I'll get it one of these days
To me they look like cocobola

I'd be buying that gun for that price don't snooze

My money would already be on the table for that one.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

BUY IT AND BUY IT ASAP! Sorry about the caps, but I got excited!

I think that's a great price. I paid $450 last year for a nice 4" 66-2 without a box and then another $45 for smooth grips.

Almost all 4" 66-1s were shipped with Goncalo Alves Target stocks as the 66 below shows. Smooth Gancalo Alves or Rosewood could be special ordered. The 66-1s were correct with either "footballs" or speed-loader cutouts.

I'm the original owner of many new 66 models from that period. The original boxes don't differentiate between smooth or checkered. A factory letter would be the only way to determine if it was shipped with smooth and/or Rosewood stocks, and then only if it was special ordered.

A typical 66-1 could have been delivered new with "football" Gancalo Alves grips. Most, however, had speed-loader cutouts. Again, no indication on the boxes other than a "T" for target show on my boxes.



A picture below was a special ordered 66 no-dash delivered with Rosewood grips. No 66 no-dash or 66-1s were ever delivered or available with Pachmayr grips from my experience.



As VM has stated your 66 appears to have Rosewood stocks. They would be a big bonus to those of us who see Rosewood as the top of the line wood. Rosewood from S&W during that manufacturing era would commonly be the dark Brazilian variety which is now listed as endangered and protected...

If the grips are Rosewood and the 66 is mechanically sound you have an excellent buy.....

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Terry

As always Terry, you provide valuable information with your responses. You're a gentleman and an asset to our great forum!! Thank you!!

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Mark

I have never heard of Factory using Cocobola

Thanks for the kind words, MacA,

I've had the good fortune to complete most of my collection. Like many others members here, I enjoy seeing enthusiastic people like yourself pursuing S&W collecting and try to help when and where I can. On occasion I think I sometimes succeed... on others I discover how dumb I am. Thanks again for the kind words....they make it all worthwhile!

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Terry

Made the transaction today. She is now mine. Excellent condition with box, docs and tools. This is one of those few GREAT deals you come across. Once I get a few minutes I will take some pictures. BTW, I REALLY like the rosewood smooth stocks. They look a lot better in person!

Another beautiful Combat Magnum for the collection!!

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Mark

Your package would be at least $100-150 higher here in the Seattle area. Well stolen....OH!,I mean bought.

Ischia

MacA, you are buying up the M66's! Congrats on a great Smith and a great deal. You should be happy. Enjoy!

OP...You did very well. I agree that a factory letter should/may clear up if the smooth grips were from the factory.

Few years back I bought a pair of 29-2's with not only smooth targets, but YELLOW insert front sight inserts instead of the red. A letter to Mr. Jinks DID mention it had shipped with the smooth stocks. So they do keep track of such things.

FN in MT

Thanks guys! I am really pleased with this purchase. I have never owned a revolver with smooth stocks (that weren't aftermarket), so I wasn't too sure how I would like them. But after seeing these in person, I like them a lot! Whether these came original with this gun or not, I think I will keep it this way! Still deciding whether I want to submit for a letter or not!

BTW, the box came with what I believe to be ALL the docs, with the exception of the lower registration portion of the warranty card. The upper portion has the purchase date and location written on it. There is also a card that simply describes the slot behind the trigger as being for an optional trigger stop. I've never seen this card before.

I'll try to take some descent pictures this weekend!

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Mark

One other thing for you experts....

How common was it to have a gun with a red ramp front sight, but not a white outlined rear site?

I thought typically you got RR w/ WO, or neither one.

Just curious!!

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Mark

I think the sights changed along with dash progression, special orders and whatever was next up on the workbench.

Some sights were unique to the model, such as the Mod 28 ( Mike, did you know that ) and some to the "package" ordered - Target Hammer, Trigger & Sights got you a white outline rear sight.

If you don't already own it, get the "Standard Catalog of S&W 3rd Ed." and you'll find it full of info and great pictures of guns I can't afford.

GF

Well.... I don't claim to be an "expert" in anything. S&W really is "expert" in making fools out of any of us with our assumptions that they followed predictable assembly and configuration patterns....

When S&W made black rear sights and red ramps the standard for 66 (and 67) no-dash guns, a white outline rear sight blade wasn't included. That same sight configuration commonly carried over to the 66 and 67 dash ones.

If a white outline was preferred it could be ordered or added later... many were.

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Terry

Mike,
I happened to have picked up a 66-1 today myself. Not sure if my paperwork is complete, but I also have the trigger stop card in mine, with warranty card, ammo booklet, owners manual (one pamplet that is labelled "parts list , instructions for use, maintenance, and specifications") , list of service centers, original box, original tools (screw driver, 2 pcs aluminum cleaning rod with soft pad and brush) and a hardly fired 66-1! The tools are in the plastic sleeve unused, and the grips are squared target, as marked on the box. My serial number is 39k3742, which I am thinking is 1982. It has been fired, so I will not have a problem shooting it, as it is not an unfired gun!
Nice grab on your 66-1, the smooth grips sound awesome.
Can't believe my local shop had this come in two weeks ago. Went in after a vacation today, and it was still there. Bought it with an unfired Sig 220 in box 1988 from W Germany . Both guns, and many more, were part of an estate collection the gun shop just bought.

You should have trouble sleeping tonight knowing that you stole that beautiful 66-1. Just don't carry it with the rosewood stocks anywhere near a Gibson guitar factory.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

It is funny that you mentioned that. I was thinking the exact same thing yesterday!!

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Mark

Congrats on your new purchase! Post up some pics if you get a chance!!

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Mark

Here are a couple. Got this for well under $500. It sat for two weeks, in a high volume gun store. Another guy was asking about a sw 357mag, and the counter guy couldn't find it. I got my turn, asked for it on the bottom shelf, and bought it!

Attached Images

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Very Nice!! Thanks for sharing the pics!!

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Mark

Sure!
It is a late 1978 or early 1979, per ser number dating help on another forum.

I took some more pictures outside today. Thought I'd share them...

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Mark

Wow that is really nice, enjoy that one, those grips are fantastic!