Greetings all, just started lurking about on this forum and find it very informative. I have a Mod 66-2 that I picked up used in about 1988 or so. Serial number 357XX, no letters, dashes or such. Does anyone know what year this might have been made? I have already discovered a Mod 36 I have was made in 1963, only two Smiths I own...for now.

Welcome to the forum.

The engineering change on the model 66 to -2 was made in 1982, and -3 was made in 1986, so your gun was made sometime during that time frame. With the serial number it can most likely be narrowed down to the specific year. The serial number should have a 3 letter prefix followed by 4 numbers, for example AAA1234, and would probably be found inside the crane along with the model number. Looking at SCSW it appears that 1980 -82 was an overlap period between the "K" serial numbers and the 3 letter prefix serial numbers. Check again on the butt and inside the crane and let us know what you find.

**Oops, seems PMRet beat me to the punch.**


Are you sure you looked on the bottom of the grip frame, covered by the grips where they come together & not the lower side to get that number? It sounds like an assembly/inspection number rather than the serial number.

Regardless, the 66-2 was introduced in 1982 & was replaced by the "-3" in 1986. 1982 serial numbers started at 125K000 & the last number the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson shows is 311K273 in 1983. After that the serial numbers changed over to a 3 letter prefix, i.e. ABL4000.

Any pics you can show would help, feel free to block out the last 3 numbers if you're uncomfortable posting the entire number.

Even though I found the number I originally listed on the pistol under the grip and on the crane, you gents are 100% correct. ALSO under the hogue grips is ANB69XX. I am thinking of possibly putting this pistol for sale on this site in order to finance a new 625 and maybe start shooting USPSA and/or IDPA. Something about revolver class appeals to me.

thanks for the info....I have a 66-2 that appears to have been made between 82-83 as the serial # has a make up as follows, ###K###. it has a 2.5 in barrel and wood grips. the sights are ramped with red dot and adjustable rear... nice shooting except with bear paw hands the K frame beats the hell out of me especially when shooting 357 magnums through it instead of 38 specials which are more forgiving but can be nasty just the same. it is the one in my avatar.....at least presently it is....

OK know these are older postings but could someone help with dating a S&W model 66-2 serial AYT78XX.
Thanks in advance!

1987

bdGreen

Thanks for your reply but this is a model 66-2 and so far my research states that these were built between '82 & '85. Am I missing something?