3" Model 66 Questions

[dgludwig]

A couple of months ago I started a thread indicating that I was on the lookout for a Model 65 "LadySmith" and I inquired as to what I should expect to pay for one. The consensus seemed to be at least $600.00 for one in excellent condition (if one could even be located). After attending a few gun shows, I still haven't found one for sale but I did see a Model 66 round butt in excellent condition with a 3" barrel that I am very much taken with. I much prefer a 3" barrel over a 2" one, even a 2 1/2" one, and I am very partial to having adjustable sights on all of my handguns that aren't being carried in the pocket or in some other "deep" carry location.

Though smitten by this model 66 configuration that I'd never seen before, I was somewhat taken aback by the price the seller was asking: $1,100.00. I know that Smith didn't make very many Model 66s with a 3" barrel (the figures I've heard are less than 3,000 and maybe closer to 2,000 or under). I'm not a "collector", per se, (though my wife might wonder why I have so many firearms if I'm not collecting them), so I'm not interested in buying a revolver soley because it's a scarce variation that I need to complete a collection ensemble. So my questiions are:
(1) I'd appreciate learning more about this revolver in terms of the production dates, nomenclature (pinned/recessed or not, etc.), number of them made, etc., and
(2) Is $1,100.00 a fair price? If not, what should I expect to pay for one-that is, if I ever see another.

Thanks for all inputs and advice.

 

[murphydog]

You'll get a lot of answers on this one, trust me .

Somewhat over 5000 3" model 66-2 and later engineering changes were produced. There is a thread here about a pinned/recessed 3" 66, but it was likely made from later parts. Member 5Wire here tracks selling prices of various guns on a graphic spreadsheet and may be able to tell you a selling price, but in my observations somewhere in the $700-900 range depending on condition, original box, etc. seems to be the going price currently.

 

[Beemerguy53]

As you've discovered, those 3" Model 66s are both scarce and expensive right now. (I do think the one you saw was a bit overpriced.)

If you are looking for function rather than collectibility, and since you're in that price range anyway, I would suggest you also take a look at a used Performance Center F-Comp, which is a 3" Model 66 with S&W's propriety compensator on the end of the barrel. I've had one of those since about 1995, and it's terrific: accurate and easy to shoot, with a great trigger. You might be able to find one that is priced comparably to a regular 3" Model 66, and it's a much nicer revolver, IMHO.

Good luck!

 

[twomoons]

beemer ,i agree,i would love to have one of those,even the ported rsr gun would be nice.i just about bought a 66-6,f comp,but just could not hit the buy button.i handled a 66-4,fcomp,and fell in love with it.the owner would not break loose,so i am searching for one.i know if i posted a wtb 66 f comp in the wtb part of the forum,i would get about 100 pm's saying,who doesnt want one??
lol

 

[mag318]

When it comes to 3" 66s there are more collectors and shooters that want them then guns available. One just sold here that I believe Twomoons acquired. I sold one on an auction site a couple years ago and the high bid was $1025 with no box or papers. Occassionally you'll luck into one for a much lower price if you're in the right place at the right time. It's definately a sellers market with regards to these really great revolvers.

 

[dgludwig]

Right Place at the Right Time Directions?

Thanks for all of the informative replies thus far (more inputs are welcome!). Given the fact that I'm looking for a revolver to use as opposed to just adding to my "collection", I may just resume my search for a nice, but less esoteric, Model 65 "LadySmith" and pass on the notion of buying virtually the same revolver having adjustable sights but at almost twice the price. Still, that 3" Model 66 is almost the perfect configuration for what I have in mind. Maybe I just need to be where mag318 thinks I might find one "for a much lower price": Be at the right place at the right time. Where is this place and when should I be there?

 

[18DAI]

There are 3 inch 66's out there for less than $1000, they just don't come up very often. I think the days of the inexpensive pre lock revolvers are largely behind us and the days of $1K plus 2.5 and 3 inch K-frames are very close by.....if not already here.

I can still recall the 3 inch 686 CS-1 being a $650 revolver - not all that long ago. I appears to sell for over $1K with some regularity on the auction boards. The 3 inch 66 is not far behind it IMO.

I recently found a 3 inch 66-4 for a Doctor who had shot mine. He cheerfully paid $1100 for it. I told him that I thought the price was a little high. He asked me when the next LNIB 3 inch 66-4 might be seen. I went ahead and ordered the gun for him.

There are still folks out there with 3 inch 66's who don't know what they have - though evidently not very many - and may let them go for $450 or so.

In this economy I've seen quite a few nice revolvers traded for tupperware guns and sold cheap by dealers who think revolvers are antiquated. So theres always hope. My advice is to go ahead and get it while you have the opportunity. Ramen noodles for a few weeks aren't that bad.

Otherwise....good luck with the search! Regards 18DAI.

 

[murphydog]

There are quite a few 3" model 65s for sale online at present, similar to the 65 LS but without the ejector rod housing, in the $400 range. They appear to be carried much/shot seldom LE trade-ins. Food for thought.

 

[mag318]

Thanks for all of the informative replies thus far (more inputs are welcome!). Given the fact that I'm looking for a revolver to use as opposed to just adding to my "collection", I may just resume my search for a nice, but less esoteric, Model 65 "LadySmith" and pass on the notion of buying virtually the same revolver having adjustable sights but at almost twice the price. Still, that 3" Model 66 is almost the perfect configuration for what I have in mind. Maybe I just need to be where mag318 thinks I might find one "for a much lower price": Be at the right place at the right time. Where is this place and when should I be there?

I check several gun shops weekly because you never know what you will find. The 66 3" in my photo was bought from a local shop last year for $350, so deals are still out there. A couple years ago driving home from a gun show I stopped in a pawn shop and found the below pictured Model 547 priced at $280, which I instantly bought. These are two examples of what I mean when I say being at the right place at the right time.

 

[chief38]

I think the 2 1/2" or 3" M66 / M19 is the "sexiest" gun S&W ever made, and it's a great CCW piece. That said....... IMHO the 3" M65 is BETTER! Sleeker, No heavy under-lug, fixed sights (better for CCW), 3" Bull bbl, controllable with 357's, just a GREAT "business" gun.


Chief38

 

[Sportsterguy]

If you can find a nice model for less than 1K with the box and all and can afford it I'd buy it as the prices aren't coming down. Little less for one missing it's box.

IMO it's the handiest .357 ever to come off the line. Extremely accurate and handy to carry. I wouldn't take $1500.00 for my 3" 66-2. Buy it, take care of it and you'll have one of the best S&W revolvers ever made. It sounds like the model you want and anything less will leave that empty hole open in your heart.

 

[WardenRoss]

If you can find a nice model for less than 1K with the box and all and can afford it I'd buy it as the prices aren't coming down. Little less for one missing it's box.

IMO it's the handiest .357 ever to come off the line. Extremely accurate and handy to carry. I wouldn't take $1500.00 for my 3" 66-2. Buy it, take care of it and you'll have one of the best S&W revolvers ever made. It sounds like the model you want and anything less will leave that empty hole open in your heart.

I concur! Purchased this example way back in the 1980's. I had no idea that they were somewhat rare.

I shot her in LEO compact carry (less than 4 inch barrel) pistol matches for years. I'm as accurate with this 3" as I am with a 4". Plus, one of the advantages over he 2.5" barrel is the full length extractor rod which makes for fast and less troublesome combat reloads with a speed loader.

But, the best attribute is the balance. Fast and neutral. Sweet, sweet handling indeed!

 

[dgludwig]

Well, as I said, I'm not a collector, per se, so I'm not so intersted in paying about $500.00 for that extra half inch of barrel (i.e., most nice model 66s with the 2.5" barrel that I've seen go for between $500.00 and $600.00 as opposed to the $1,100.00 as quoted by the seller of the 3" barreled model 66 I mentioned earlier) just to have a revolver in a scarce configuration. Still, there's a certain undeniable intrigue associated with the 3" barrel and I think it has to do with what WardenRoss, chief38 and Sportsterguy admired most about the 3" Model 66: "sweet" handling and "superb" balance and "sexiness".

I have been looking at a more affordable alternative to the K-frame Model 66 with the three inch barrel and that is an L-frame Model 686 plus with a 3" barrel (I fully understand that in terms of handling, weight and balance that these two revolvers are different but they do present the same concept). My lgs is selling them for $709.99. Is that a good price? Thanks again all.

 

[18DAI]

You could do way better than $700 on one of those. Hell, you can probably find a 3 inch pre lock 66 for that price. I'd check the auction boards.

Comparing 3 inch K-frames to 3 inch L-frames is apples to watermelons IMO. The L-frame is bulky and doesn't point as naturally or handle as quick. And yes I own examples of both. Of course my 3 inch L-frames are pre lock. A 3 inch 686 CS-1 and 3 inch PC 586-5 L-comp. I prefer my 3 inch 66's to them.

Keep in mind, with a 3 inch pre lock 66, you can get your money out of it should you sell it down the road. With one of those current production L-frames, probably not. Good luck! Regards 18DAI

 

[dgludwig]

"Comparing 3 inch K-frames to 3 inch L-frames is apples to watermelons IMO." QUOTE

I acknowledged that the two revolvers are "different" (I fully understand that in terms of handling, weight and balance that these two revolvers are different...QUOTE) but made the point that the CONCEPT in terms of their configuration was/is the same.

"The L-frame is bulky and doesn't point as naturally or handle as quick." QUOTE

"Natural" pointing and general handling characteristics of any handgun are, of course, largely very subjective opinions. I happen to agree with you in that I feel the K-frame to be a slightly better handling revolver than is the L-frame (though I wouldn't argue for a moment with someone whose opinion is otherwise-based on their individual perceptions, hand size, experience, etc.). However, the K-frame revolvers I've shot (I carried and qualified with both a Model 13 and, later, a Model 65-both with three inch barrels, for several years before my agency switched to semi-autos) didn't "point" any better for me than does my 4" barreled L-frame 686 and I would certainly make the point (pun intended) that my Model 686 recovers faster from recoil than any of my K-frame revolvers ever did.

"You could do way better than $700 on one of those." QUOTE

Well, I hope you're right. But I've been looking at the "auction boards" and other sources and have not found any "way better" prices on a nib, 3" Model 686 plus than the $709.99 price my lgs is asking, especially once transfer fees and mailing costs are figured in. If you know of any "way better" prices on a nib Model 686, I would certainly appreciate it if you would give me a heads up on same.

 

[ladder13]

You can get a 3 inch 686+ at Budsgunshop for $702 delivered to your ffl. Add in transfer fee and you're probably at what he's offering for his gun + tax. Looks like a wash.
IF you are a current or ex cop, firefighter, corrections officer, EMT, military,etc you can get one for less than $600 delivered at Budspolicesupplies. In this case you'd save about $150, if he didn't charge tax, and about 100 if he did.

The big question is would your dealer be pissed if you didn't buy from him?

An L frame can shoot full powered magnums all day long for days.

 

[dgludwig]

Thanks ladder 13. I do like to keep my gun buys local-whenever feasible and reasonable.

 

[P35fan]

Here's my 66 with a 3" barrel. I have the correct box, papers and cleaning tools and would value the package at $1000.