Hi all.

Just picked up a 66 2.5" barrel. Forgive my ignorance. First 66, first S&W and 1st revolver.



What I know about it, it is 2.5" barrel no dash. 6Kxxxx, so my guess would be 1975? From my searching.

Looks like it has the recessed barrel, and the pin is on the hammer. That is what is meant by pinned?

I assume these grips are not factory, any idea what they are? Also, what grips would have come from the factory with this gun? Pictures would be great as I would like to pick up a set.

Speaking of grips, I have rather large hands, nothing rediculous, but larger than most. I would also like to pick up a set of grips to accomodate my larger hands, any recommendations?

Also curious on value, any idea what this should go for? It is very clean, 2 very small scuffs on the top by the barrel, each smaller than Lincoln's nose on the penny. Guessing maybe holster wear? Other than that, nothing.

Try to take some better pictures, pic was right after I got home from the shop. Didn't wipe it down yet.

Anything else anyone can share about this gun I am all ears. Hoping to learn all I can. Thanks.

Hello, That's a fine weapon you have there. When you hear
pinned and recessed it means the barrel has been pinned to
the frame. Recessed means the cylinder has been recessed so
the cartridge "sits" down inside the cylinder face. The 66 is stainless
steel and should give you many years of fun shooting with a little
care. I don't know what kind of aftermarket grips those are but the
66 came with factory "magnas". I'd guess a fair price on your weapon
would be around 5-6 hundred dollars.


Chuck

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They hold no Quarter

A model 66 is a stainless Mod 19. I carried a 4" on duty for years. I had the action smoothed by a gunsmith. That may already have been done on yours. The pin can be seen just forward of the muzzle end of the cylinder. The barrel is screwed into the frame, the pin holes lined up with a groove and a SS pin driven into it to fix the barrel into position. By eliminating the pin it was cheaper for S&W to make. Same for the recessed cylinders. I just had a 6" barrel installed for hunting purposes.
Looks like you have a target hammer and target trigger (TH TT). They are wider and checkered. Might ask yourself why a TH TT on a snub nose (close range) revolver.
The grips are not factory. These should be good for your hands but any grip for a "K" frame may feel better. Its a very personal issue.
Go to gun shops and try grips on revolvers until you find exactly what you want. They sell grips too.
If you have a good hollow ground screwdriver I would look under the grips. ID numbers of the previous owner are often marked on the frame. If you check with the local PD you can find out if it is "hot" and save yourself grief down the road. Note the serial number stamped on the grip frame bottom (covered by the aftermarket grips)
I wonder how a snubby shoots with .357 mags. Of course you call always use .38 Special too. I like them. Thor









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Welcome to the forum!

Great choice!

I have the 2.5" 66-4. It's a great all-around gun IMHO. I can keep it in the blue (7 ring, about 3" grouping) at 15 yards which is about as good as I shoot any of my S&W's.

Don't worry about the scuffs and scratches. Over time, you'll read how, on any stainless gun, you can sand/buff those out - if you decide you want to.

It's a K frame - so there's tons of grips available to choose from. There is also a wide selection of holsters available.

I'm sure you'll really enjoy shooting it and, again, welcome to the forum!

Attached Images

SSPX0210.jpg (126.8 KB, 49 views)

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But then, what do I know?

The 66 in 2.5" is extremely popular, possibly one of the most popular S&W revolvers ever made. Many consider it to be the best. It is popular for a reason. As many say, everything you need and nothing you don't. I have a 66-1, very similar to yours, P&R, firing pin on the hammer, and there's a certain 'zen' to shooting it that I don't find present in many other handguns.

Nice firearm. I have one exactly like it and it is perfect in every way. I have a few other P&R revolvers that I may like a little more, but nothing I have is better than my no-dash snub nosed 66.

I have medium sized mitts so I have factory magna grips with a Tyler T grip adaptor on the gun and it fits perfectly in my hand. You might want to try combat grips to accommodate your hand size.

Welcome to the Forum.

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Ash

Welcome to the Forum, and congratulations on a very fine first Smith & Wesson. I'm thinking your 6K.... may be a little earlier than 1975, but will leave that one to one of our "born on date" experts. I have two (well one is now my wife's after she fell in love with it) Model 66-1 2.5inch'ers, both are round butts, but can't tell what we are looking at with yours. If it's a round butt, your wood/factory grip options are a bit more limited. If round though, I'd suggest at least trying out the factory "banana" style Goncalo Alves target grips. I'm also ham handed, but find them a good compromise between compact, and comfortable for shooting. They are also preferred by my 5' ft 96lb home boss, so pretty versatile for different size mitts. Congrats and enjoy!

Congratulations on a FINE revolver. Can't get much better for your first!

My 2 1/2" 66-1 is a carry weapon for me. I have replaced the factory stocks with some aftermarket boot stocks for improved handling/shooting characteristics (to me anyway!).

Here is what yours probably looked like from the factory with the standard magna stocks...


Here it is with the aftermarket Altamont boot stocks...


Shoot it and shoot it often. You'll love it!!

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Mark

Congratulations on the purchase and it will give you a life time of enjoyment if properly cared for.

Congrats on the 66 snub and on your 1st revolver! The 66 snubs are great revolvers and have a reputation for shooting like a laser beam. I'm carrying mine today.

I look for any excuse to post a picture so I'll seize the moment. Here's my 66-no dash.

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C & L

Ohhhhh, Cocked and Locked, that is just plain lovely. Thanks for sharing!

my little 66

I've got a 2.5 66 no dash. They are great revolvers. Yours will give you many years of reliable service.

had this one 3 wees and love

Can you please tell me what kind of grips those are?

Thanks!

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But then, what do I know?

I have a 66-4 2 1/2" on the way! Should be here middle of next week. I hope you enjoy yours as it's an outstanding revolver. I want to try some of the Hogue Bantam grips on mine...if I can find them.

ahrends retro combat cocobolo

You done good, The 66 is the apex of the S&W K frame magnums.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

Thanks all. Some nice looking 66's out there.

M3Stuart, what grips are those? Looks ideal for me.

Here are a few more shots of my 66.





The 66 with a couple of his buds.

This 66 no dash was my first S&W I bought about 4 years ago. A friend of mine was trying to sell it at a show. He had to go to his car to get something, and asked me to hold his 66. After I held it there was no letting it go. Got a good deal on it, and a good appreciation for the K frame 2.5".

Attached Images

	66.jpg (70.0 KB, 38 views)
	66b.jpg (78.5 KB, 34 views)