66-1 factory stocks

[mntnbkr1968]

Okie Dokie gang, I'm still asking newby questions (but I sure appreciate the answers & patience)

I've posted my 66-1 before but now it's time to hunt for the factory wood for this gun.
What came stock on this and about how much will I need to spend to get a decent set? The gun has scratches and a little wear. It is definitely a shooter not a safe queen so the wood doesn't have to be pristine.. just correct.



Thanks in advance,

Monty

 

[selectgear]

The stocks most often seen are the target stocks.

 

[Nevadadvx]

The stocks most often seen are the target stocks.

Yep, here are the ones that came on mine, but I ended up changing to smaller wood grips because of small hands. Not trying to make this a for sale ad because I never tried selling them, but if interested shoot me a pm. They aren't quite as red as the pics makes them out.

Don

 

[Peter J.]

From my experience it almost seems that 66's were fitted with the lightest color targets that S&W could find. Kind of a "Blonde on Silver" thing. K frame targets in nice shape will most probably run anywhere between $50-$75. If you can get them cheaper, grab them.

 

[murphydog]

Your 66-1 would have the target stocks with the "football" or extractor cutout on the left, not the later fuller speedloader cutout.

 

[vrichard]

Mne came like this. Dick

 

[Nevadadvx]

Your 66-1 would have the target stocks with the "football" or extractor cutout on the left, not the later fuller speedloader cutout.

Good info. I had no idea if mine are original or not, but the cutout is not like the one vrichard posted. It is more rounded instead of football shaped, so I assume that is the "speedloader" cutout.

 

[mntnbkr1968]

Y'all are the best.
thanks for the info and pics (worth a thousand words)

and now I know!


monty

 

[dumbert]

not long ago noticed S&W does sell them on their website again
nice, but not cheap

 

[linde]

Well, I suppose there could be more than one correct answer for the proper stocks on the Model 66. Here are three of mine and, like vrichard's, the 2.5" (66-1) and 3" (66-3) have the standard magnas. The 4" (66-1, Oct 1979), on the other hand, has targets with the speedloader cutout.

I should point out that the 4" was ordered for the Missouri State Highway Patrol and has their shoulder patch engraved on the sideplate . . . which may have prompted the need for the dual speedloader cutout targets.

Not sure this helps answer your question, but it gave me a good excuse to post my 66 family portrait.

Russ

 

[dumbert]

both mine (6 inchers) have the target style with speedloader style cut
66-2 and 66-3

 

[wheelgunnut]

Not "speedloader cutouts"

Folks, that is a common misperception. The cutouts are not for speedloaders, they are so the extractor star clears the stocks.

BILL SHANER #2148

 

[linde]

Many of us rely on the terminology in the SCSW written by Jim King who, by most observers, is considered very knowledgeable on the subject of S&W stocks. On page 23 of the 3rd edition there are pictures of the variations with captions that identify the football style relief as "extractor relief" and the full cutout (down to the bare metal) as a "speedloader cut". In his narative Jim adds to the understanding of how these two distinctive changes evolved.

Collectors tend to use whatever terminology they're comfortable with and that's fine, but I think it's helpful for newcomers to our collecting hobby to have some reference standard. I listen to Lee Jarrett on model terminology and look to Jim King as my benchmark on stock terminology.

Russ

edit: I listen to Lee on model terminology . . . except for his "sculpted hammer" term. It's a "high speed" hammer, Lee . . . just look at the box lid )

 

[celticfisherman]

My 66 no dash had the magnas. Now it wears Ahrends. my 66 is my favorite wheel gun bar none...

Linde,

I love your 3 and 4 inch guns. I have got to get a 4" 66.

 

[linde]

Linde,

I love your 3 and 4 inch guns. I have got to get a 4" 66.

Thank you for your kind comment. You'll enjoy that 4" when you get it . . . trust me! Now I need to get a 6" to complete my 66 family. Happy hunting to us both.

Russ

 

[wheelgunnut]

NOT "speedloader cutouts"

That is a VERY common misperception. Speedloaders can be employed in a revolver whether or not these cutouts are present. They are there for extractor clearance.

BILL SHANER #2148