I recently purchased a pretty nice 66 no dash for $800 and change but in shopping for the 2" version I'm seeing prices almost $200 higher for the 2" versions and wondering why. Smaller pistol but higher price—is it that the 2" is considered more desirable, less made, more collectible, or what???? I thought the 4" were the most desirable. Can you guys enlighten me on this and what do you guys think is the right price for a 66 no dash 2" in very good condition (95% plus) with no issues??
6” vs 2” model 66 prices
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The snubby variant is simply more popular/in demand. That's what drives the price difference.
Incidentally, the Model 66 Combat Magnum Stainless was never built with a 2" barrel. The snubby has a 2 1/2" barrel, as does the snubby carbon steel version, the Model 19. The .357 Magnum case required the extra half inch for proper ejection.
Incidentally, the Model 66 Combat Magnum Stainless was never built with a 2" barrel. The snubby has a 2 1/2" barrel, as does the snubby carbon steel version, the Model 19. The .357 Magnum case required the extra half inch for proper ejection.
I realize that I didn't say the 66 I'd purchased at $800 was a 6" and yes, I'm sorry I did reference the snubby as a 2" but I do know it's a 2 1/2" —I was just surprised by the cost difference (again thinking desirability was first 4" then snubby and last of all the 6" so I assumed the snubby would be only slightly more than a 6" version but not 25% more!!)
.38SuperMan
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I've been to two shows in the last two weekends and not seen a single 66 2.5". I saw several 4" at $900-1000 but didn't even look at them because I felt they were just too high.
I inherited my dads 2.5" and wouldn't part with it but I'm a snub nose guy too.
I inherited my dads 2.5" and wouldn't part with it but I'm a snub nose guy too.
The basic rule of thumb for 66s or 19s is "The shorter the barrel, the higher the price." And .38SuperMan, if you think $900 is too high, you might as well quit looking. They aren't going to get any cheaper. In my area that's a bargain.
Almost any S&W nowadays the smaller the barrel the bigger the price.
Yep, same with Colts. Big jump between 4 and 2.5".
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I think it goes back to the trend of concealed carry; before this a 4" revolver was a standard duty gun, the 6" for targets and the 2-3" guns oddities. Now with CCWs shorter has been all the rage.
John Patrick
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3" Model 66s and other K Frames bring a premium over 2 1/2" or 2" guns.
The 3" revolvers have the longer ejector rod, particularly helpful with 357 revolvers.
The 3" revolvers have the longer ejector rod, particularly helpful with 357 revolvers.
It's totally subjective!
Years ago, the reverse fashion was true: the 6" barrel was the most desirable.
Many guys thought of the 6" model 66 almost as a stainless steel K-38. They tend to be very accurate and make a fine target revolver. I don't recall seeing one sit in a dealer display case for more than a few weeks.
However, since the introduction of the 586/686 back in the 1980s, I think that particular revolver has superseded the demand away from the long barrel model 66.
But, if you're needs and wants are for a concealed carry .357 Magnum, then yes, the 2" model 66 would be preferable.
But, let's face it, they're not much fun to shoot with full magnum loads!
I hope you can find both. They're very nice revolvers. That they can admirably fill the role of target use and concealed carry simply through a difference of barrel length attests to the brilliant and well thought out design.
Years ago, the reverse fashion was true: the 6" barrel was the most desirable.
Many guys thought of the 6" model 66 almost as a stainless steel K-38. They tend to be very accurate and make a fine target revolver. I don't recall seeing one sit in a dealer display case for more than a few weeks.
However, since the introduction of the 586/686 back in the 1980s, I think that particular revolver has superseded the demand away from the long barrel model 66.
But, if you're needs and wants are for a concealed carry .357 Magnum, then yes, the 2" model 66 would be preferable.
But, let's face it, they're not much fun to shoot with full magnum loads!
I hope you can find both. They're very nice revolvers. That they can admirably fill the role of target use and concealed carry simply through a difference of barrel length attests to the brilliant and well thought out design.
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With the social and political unrest that started in 2020, then the pandemic panic, there was a value inversion with handguns. Where before the short barrel revolvers were not desirable with the average citizen, the unrest and panic of a few years ago changed that. Average citizens flocked to training courses, obtained CCW permits, and emptied gun shops of handguns with barrels of 4 inches or less. Suddenly, the undesired 2, 2 1/2, and 3 inch barrel revolvers became the most desired and hottest selling items in the revolver world.
I think the CCW/self-defense market boom has peaked and has become pretty well satisfied. Prices have drifted down from their peak, but inflation will prevent prices from settling to pre-2020 levels.
I think the CCW/self-defense market boom has peaked and has become pretty well satisfied. Prices have drifted down from their peak, but inflation will prevent prices from settling to pre-2020 levels.
ACE10000D
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Nice No dash or Dash 1 2-1/2" (nice, in box, etc) will bring $1300-$1500 in my neck of the woods.
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Guys need to go to a few gun shows and see in person the prices, an eye opener for sure.
There are NO 2 in versions.........All are 2 1/2 in barrels.
For what its worth
Visted a show in NC yesterday afternoon and saw a guy toting around a blue two piece S&W box.....
Of course I'm going to ask what it is.
66-1 2 1/2" ....ask what he's looking to get?
He says $1000.00 which I thought was a great price....but I wasn't looking for one.
I'm sure one of the guys that were set up bought the gun before he made it out of there yesterday.
Masterbuck54
Visted a show in NC yesterday afternoon and saw a guy toting around a blue two piece S&W box.....
Of course I'm going to ask what it is.
66-1 2 1/2" ....ask what he's looking to get?
He says $1000.00 which I thought was a great price....but I wasn't looking for one.
I'm sure one of the guys that were set up bought the gun before he made it out of there yesterday.
Masterbuck54
Yes, but what would the same gun bring with no box or associated accoutrements, just the pistol, in your area?????
Not just 66's and 19's. With the exception of rare barrel lengths and the perennial popularity of the 3" , the general rule is shorter barrels cost more. Generally speaking the 4" are the most common, as that was the standard length for most law enforcement guns which make a goodly number of the 4" guns.
The longer 6-8&3/8 while nice on the range, are unwieldy to carry to some degree.
The short barrels lend themselves to concealed carry which at least years ago was a primary driver in people getting the shorter lengths.
.38SuperMan
Member
I'm not looking for one but would consider another if I found a bargain. I have a 2.5" in new condition I inherited and a nice stable of Smith K & N frames and Colt revolvers that satisfy the itch.
Always looking for a bargain though.
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Model19man
Member
I went to a gun show in Ft Worth TX in 2016 at the Amon Carter center. There I saw a whole herd of Model 19 2 1/2" barrels for $1250 or more. Model 66 prices with 2 1/2" barrels were within $50 at least $1200. That was many years ago.
If you are surprised that the 2 1/2" is more expensive than the 6", try looking for the 3" version..... a magnitude or two higher than the 2 1/2".
And...... it's worth it... ")
Got lucky. Just snagged this 3" -4 for $675
I actually prefer the 2.5"
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Yes, yes, and yes...
What's a "fair" price? Well, when was the last time you saw one that you thought was a "fair" price? When do you expect to next see one for that price?
Sometimes, when the object of your desire is right in front of you, you just have to swallow hard, and bite the bullet.
Sometimes, when the object of your desire is right in front of you, you just have to swallow hard, and bite the bullet.
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sbrmike
US Veteran
ETA: Ooops sorry, I am wrong as rain. It was a 2-1/2" that I had and they went to 2-3/4" for the ejection purposes.
***Wrong*****That is simply not true. They made 2 inchers and I owned one. They were discontinued because the police weren't thrilled with the less than stellar ejection.
Check parts lists. They have barrels, extractor rods / pins specifically for 2 inch model 66's.***Wrong****
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firefighterjohn
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You're exactly right CajunBass, many times I've hesitated, balked at that initial price, changed my mind, came back to get it and it was already gone! Back in early '21, I didn't hesitate when I saw a beautiful 19-6 2.5"; gun only, for $950 OTD. Took it home right there and glad I did. I haven't seen another one since.
Ya, it was a hard swallow then but the hurt didn't last once I shot it!
I've had a couple of 19s and 66s with the 2 1/2" barrel, and like an idiot, thought I didn't need them and sold them. So when a friend offered me a 19-3 a couple of weeks ago for $300, the money came out of my pocket so fast it was like striking a match. He said that was what he had in it, so that's what he wanted for it.
