There is an older thread on the Forum (2011) that does not appear to conclusively resolve the question. The topic came up recently in conversation with a friend. Did Smith & Wesson ever make a factory bright stainless or high polish revolver, specifically a Model 66-2? I was shown a bright stainless 66-2 with a 2 1/2” barrel. It is in its original box. There is no mention on the label of bright stainless, high polish or the like. The old Forum thread from 2011 discusses the issue. Some members say that some early Model 60’s were high polish. Nearly all say that there were none in 66’s and 686’s, but rather, those wearing bright stainless were polished by their owners after leaving the factory. One member said that he has a 66 no dash, ex Chicago PD, with a factory high polish finish. Another member said that police officers would never have high polish guns because they would draw unwanted attention. Does anyone have a definitive answer? Has Roy Jinks ever given the definitive answer?
Thanks all!

I think the chances of finding a "factory bright stainless finish 66-2" are slim. I'm not aware that the factory ever did bright stainless but we learn, and relearn, S&W oddities every day here. I bought this 617-1 from an "old guy" (have to be careful how I use that term these days as sometimes they're younger than I am) a few years ago. He insisted that it was "bright stainless" and that he was the original buyer. I bought the gun because I was ok with the polished finish but I didn't buy the story.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I have a bright stainless 4” Model 66 purchased new in 1973. I’d post pics if I knew how . . .

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Does it have the original box? Do you know if it is factory bright stainless?

I’ve never heard of Smith shipping bright stainless guns, but I know the custom shop would polish it on a return trip. I have a 66 no dash and 627-0 that have such treatment. I don’t think it’s quite as bright as Colt’s bright stainless, but it’s nice.

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213th FBINA

As noted in an old S&W ad, the model 60 first came out in 1965 with a high polish but was later changed due to LEO objections of the bright finish. Since the model 66 was introduced for LEO, it is unlikely there was ever a high polish option on a 66 when you could get nickel models to satisfy such a need.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

Dr. Jinks' book, History of Smith & Wesson, clearly identifies the
first 39 Model 60s made in 1965 and the first regular production
run of 897 Model 60s had a "Bright polished finish with a polished
hammer and trigger."

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Model s&w 60 high polish ser.# 409818 (1965)
Model s&w 60 brite finish ser.# 478891 (1966 0r 1967 ?)
Dick

I would certainly agree with that. I had a couple bright stainless Pythons that were like mirrors.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Aside from the early model 60s noted above, the factory did not generally make bright polished stainless guns. The degree of polishing varied so some would look shinier than others, and they would probably do it for a special order.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I had a 686 no dash that had been a Westerville, Ohio PD gun. In talking to officers that knew the original officer; He would sit watching TV at night and polish the revolver with Flitz. The gun was like a mirror by the time I got it.

Ivan

The Instruction sheet that comes with the early Model 60s lists the
"Finish" as "Polished Stainless Steel."

The Instruction sheet with the subsequent models says, "Satin."

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Very nice!

I own one of the early polished stainless M60's that shipped Ocotober 1965 according to Mr. Jinks

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

I knew a number of old-time po-leese officers who carried nickel revolvers that stated that when they pulled out their handguns, they wanted EVERYBODY to see them.

I worked with a sheriff's deputy who carried a M66. He would sit at his desk and hand polish it with Simichrome. It shone like a new silver dollar!

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

My 401781, according to Dr. Jinks' letter, was one of the first 12
produced, and S&W loaned it to gun writer L.R. "Bob" Wallack on
October 18, 1965, so he could write a magazine review.

I've documented 14 other Model 60s that shipped in October '65,
some from the summer '65 run of 39 revolvers, and some from
the first regular production run of 897. I don't know where they are.

If you're willing to share the serial number off yours, I'd sure
like to include it in the Chiefs database. Please send a PM to me
if you're not willing to share the full number here, or simply give
me the last three digits here, and I'll figure it out. Thank you.

Naturally I'd be interested in knowing if you also have the correct,
numbered stocks and box, with papers and tools.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Smith made a run of 650 629's (product code 103638) for the NRA that were factory polished. The polishing on that gun rivals any I have seen on Colts.