Model 66 Value and Rarity

shootn99 · Nov 2, 2015

I was walking around the Market Hall Gun Show in Dallas a couple of years ago looking for a nice S&W Model 66 for my collection when I came across this one. It didn't have a box but it was pinned, had recessed cylinder and a stainless rear sight. The model is just "66", no dashes, Ser#4K59243, with a 4 inch barrel. Anyone have an idea of when it was made? Value? I've never seen another one like this one, most others have the ramp front sight and black rear sights.

reddog81 · Nov 2, 2015

I don't know the exact time frame, but I know the stainless rear blade was discontinued shortly after introduction because it was difficult to see. This means they are worth more than a typical 66.
Did you buy it? How much did you pay?
Typical prices are around $500 to $750. The aftermarket grips on that one probably offset the extra value of the stainless rear sight.
Others I'm sure will come along with more specifics.

sturtyboy · Nov 2, 2015

Looks like 1974 range.

reddog81 is right on about the sight. And out in CA. I would expect the value to about right. But good wheel guns are becoming harder to find and at a good price.

PatriotX · Nov 2, 2015

The SCSW puts the serial at 1974.

I've seen similar examples go for about $550-$650 in my area. Original grips would probably have been wood, either 'football' targets or non-diamond magna grips, and would add another $50-$75 to the value.

More experienced members here will be able to give you more info. Nice gun !

THE PILGRIM · Nov 2, 2015

It's not a rare gun, but it's a very desirable gun.
And this one, IMO, is the most desirable of the 4 inch 66s.

reddog81 · Nov 2, 2015

Pilgrim,
I thought the only reason the stainless rear sight is more desirable was because the rarity? Or are you speaking in general terms about the model 66?

THE PILGRIM · Nov 2, 2015

reddog81 said:
Pilgrim,
I thought the only reason the stainless rear sight is more desirable was because the rarity? Or are you speaking in general terms about the model 66?

I tend to shy away from the R word.
A lot of the young guys think a gun is rare just because they have never seen one before.
I don't usually refer to a production run gun as rare.

TEXVET · Nov 2, 2015

I have two 4" Model 66 (no dash) revolvers. Each has the stainless rear sight and front sight as pictured above. One was a $425 pawn shop purchase. The other was purchased on this website. The second cost me $450. This revolver is a very fun revolver to shoot in 38 spl. It takes a little more concentration when shot with full house .357 mag loads.
Both of my Model 66 revolvers were made in 1971. You call S&W and they will tell you the date your revolver left the plant. You can also search on line for S&W serial number issue dates. Finally you can buy a "Blue Book" style gun value book that will list the manufacture date by Model Type and serial number. I you look hard enough, you can find out almost anything you want about the Model 66 on-line. Dig deep Grasshopper.

reddog81 · Nov 2, 2015

I see. I'm not implying that it is rare, i'm just trying to figure out if there is another reason for the desirability.
As I understand it the reason they changed from the stainless sight is because it was not as easy to see and ended up being less desirable because of that back in the 1970's when they were new. Now the tables have flipped and the stainless sight is more desirable because so few were produced.
I'm not trying to create an argument. And I agree that it is a desirable but necessarily rare gun.

TEXVET · Nov 2, 2015

I have two 4" Model 66 (no dash) revolvers. Each has the stainless rear sight and front sight as pictured above. One was a $425 pawn shop purchase. The other was purchased on this website. The second cost me $450. This revolver is a very fun revolver to shoot in 38 spl. It takes a little more concentration when shot with full house .357 mag loads.
Both of my Model 66 revolvers were made in 1971. You call S&W and they will tell you the date your revolver left the plant. You can also search on line for S&W serial number issue dates. Finally you can buy a "Blue Book" style gun value book that will list the manufacture date by Model Type and serial number. I you look hard enough, you can find out almost anything you want about the Model 66 on-line. Dig deep Grasshopper.

A10 · Nov 2, 2015

THE PILGRIM said:
I tend to shy away from the R word.

Rear????

BAM-BAM · Nov 2, 2015

That front sight doesn't look to be original..... should be a stainless ramp without ( or possibly with a red insert).......can't be positive.... is the rear sight blade stainless or blue.....looks to be blue..........

Looks to me from those pictures someone "corrected" the stainless sight "issues" ........ destroying it's collectors value..... but making it a better shooter.

A $500 shooter in this neck of the woods..... cus you just don't see any 66s in LGSs

ralph7 · Nov 2, 2015

I would like to see a close up pic of the front sight.

shootn99 · Nov 2, 2015

I paid $500 as best that I can remember. I have the wooden grips that came with it, I put the rubber grips on to make it easier to shoot. Here are the photos of the front sight the ralph7 was interested in

shootn99 · Nov 2, 2015

I carried a model 66 in 1980 for a few years but it had the red ramp front sight and the black rear with the white outline. I let it get away many years back and was looking to replace it when I came across this one. It was in great condition and shoots like a dream.

BAM-BAM · Nov 2, 2015

shootn99 said:
I paid $500 as best that I can remember. I have the wooden grips that came with it, I put the rubber grips on to make it easier to shoot. Here are the photos of the front sight the ralph7 was interested in

99.99% sure that was never offered as an original front sight..... nicely done though

sheepdawg · Nov 2, 2015

They were made with stainless sights from the first 100 prototypes in 1970 till about 1974 so not rare but far scarcer than what were on 66s throughout the rest of the run. Here's a correct stainless front sight on my 1972 model 66. The one above it is a 1976 model 66 with the blackened rear and red front ramp sights and believe me it's far easier to shoot well.

ralph7 · Nov 2, 2015

BAM-BAM said:
99.99% sure that was never offered as an original front sight..... nicely done though

I don't think I've ever seen a Patridge on that era 66.

trigger945 · Nov 3, 2015

The prices here in CA are kind of skewed generally speaking. Even with the non-original front sight, that specific model at $500, even plus tax, would have been gone very quickly. Nice pick-up!

jrandyh · Nov 3, 2015

700 up depending on condition. If correct grips would bring slightly more. All the Smiths have been climbing in the last few months. The days of 459-500 guns in nice shape us gone. K frame snubs going through the roof and 27's hitting snake gun prices.
JR

Model 66 Value and Rarity

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