66-1 information request!

[dairborn]

New Here! Hello all. Been a gun(s) owner for a long time. Still learning of course. I picked up what I would call my first real classic firearm over the weekend. I picked up a S&W model 66-1. Traded some of my unused guns, calibers that have just got too expensive to shoot. I would love to know more specifics on the exact year it was made. My understanding is that these were done in the 77-82 period. It’s a pinned 6in barrel with a recessed cylinder. She is a beauty and the looks are just as good as it shoots. I have searched a lot on YouTube and other forums so I have a good idea about general history. Serial number on the gun is 64K8493. There is also a 15485 on the crane and under the extractor shroud it’s says PRI Garden City Kansas. This was acquired just north of Louisville KY! Thanks for any and all help!

 

[JP@AK]

64K numbers were used in 1980.

 

[stansdds]

Welcome to the S&W Forums! That's a nice Model 66-1 you have.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Nice start for a S&W collection. Can you post a closer image of the stamping under the extractor shroud?

 

[dairborn]

Yes sir, I will pull it out of the safe and take a picture for you this evening!

 

[Messer]

When guns are imported into the US, the importer needs to put their ID on them.

PRI is a licensed importer, so your S&W 66 went out of the US and at some point imported back.

Postrock Imports Llc/Pri, 1201 N TAYLOR, GARDEN CITY, KS | FFLs.com

I have a 4" 66-1 and it is a joy to carry and shoot - enjoy yours!

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! You have an interesting Model 66-1, but it comes with a couple of unanswered questions. The stamp in the yoke area ("PRI Garden City, KS") refers to a firearms importer, Postrock Imports. That makes me think that your revolver was originally shipped outside of the USA and then re-imported by PRI. But was it originally shipped to a foreign police force, a US military base overseas, or a foreign gun dealer? And I don't see any export/import stamps. However, your 66-1 is in really nice condition. The Model 66 was introduced by S&W in 1970, and the 66-1 appeared in 1977, with the 6" barrel released in 1978. Your s/n dates it to 1980. Perhaps some other Forum members can shed some light on your revolver's travels. Messer types faster than I do! Enjoy!

 

[Messer]

I also had a lot less to type! Good info you gave him.

 

[dairborn]

WOW, HAWG, that's some crazy information. I did some reading about the PRI stamping and it did say that it was an import company, but I thought it was a little odd. I will be posting another picture later of the rolled stamping for you all to see. Yes, the Gun is in fantastic shape, and I am super pumped to have acquired it. Thank you to all who have commented.

 

[dairborn]

There are some other numbers on the gun, I will get those photographed as well, and perhaps ya'll will have more insight. TY!!!

 

[swatcapt]

Hello,
The 66 and the 66-1 and SOME of the 66-2 have the large S&W logo on the right side (side plate) of the revolver, while later models switched to a smaller logo on the left side.
I think only the early 66 might have come with stainless rear sights and the 66-3 is the start of non recessed cylinders.

 

[Messer]

Just for some 66-1 porn, here is my 4"...

 

[dairborn]

Man these are pretty, thanks Mess, I added two pictures of the stampings that y’all were asking about.