66-2 3”

[Gene Parmesan]

First S&W, first post, first questions…

I had always thought I was a Colt revolver guy but after picking up my first S&W this week I now realize the error of my ways. I already love this gun. It looks great, feels great in the hand, and the SA trigger is wonderful.

It came with these grips on it but I’m wondering what it would have shipped from the factory with. I believe it’s an Ashland gun (AHL prefix) if that matters. Would it just have had round butt magna grips? Is there a trick to finding period-correct stocks for it? Thanks in advance.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Ashland 3" usually command a higher price. Early limited run. Stocks can be found relatively easy.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I borrowed this picture. The border around the checkering on a 66-2
These are earlier round corner border.

 

[Venom6]

Great choice. The vast majority of 66 snubbies are 2.5"; the cognoscenti prefer the 3" mostly for snob appeal but also for slight but positive improvements in sight radius, balance, and velocity. But mostly because the fractionally longer ejector rod better clears the empties from the cylinder.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

I borrowed this picture. The border around the checkering on a 66-2 View attachment 862423
These are earlier round corner border.
View attachment 862429

That’s helpful, thanks. It looks like a pretty subtle difference.

 

[MX762]

My 66-2 with original stocks ..

 

[cndrdk]

From S&W Letter
"The first group of special barrel lengths were sold in May of 1985. It was a special run of 4195 units of 3-inch barrel Model 66's for Ashland Shooting Supplies. These revolvers were the first group of 3-inch barrels produced. They were serial numbered in the AFZ, AHL, AHJ, and ANA prefix series. Smith & Wesson has produced the 3-inch barrel variation on special request for various distributors."

 

[gnappi]

I'm no member of the cognoscenti but back in the day my 2 1/2" 66 kicked some serious butt at carry matches. I'd give up a number of guns acquired since I foolishly sold it to get it back.

And I no longer have use for the caliber

 

[snw19_357]

They were serial numbered in the AFZ, AHL, AHJ, and ANA prefix series.

They are seen in other prefixes as well.

 

[BAM-BAM]

There are 3" 66-2,-3 [88] and -4 [95] the consensus is that all told there are only 500-550 out there!

They are great carry guns, you're lucky to have one!

Not the "first 3" guns"; there were also some 3" 19s made in the mid-70s most went to government sales outside of the country.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

So the 3” Ashland guns have the round butt, target rear sight, and longer ejector rod - was anything else non-standard about them compared to other 66-2s? The smooth-faced trigger?

 

[snw19_357]

All Model 66's have a target (adjustable) rear sight. Does yours have a white outline rear?
Like the 2.5" version, the 3" have a round butt whereas the 4" & 6" have a square butt.
The smooth, .312" wide 'combat trigger' became standard on model 66-2's (except the 6") in 1982.
The 3" have the longer ejector rod not found on the 2.5" but also used on the 4" & 6" versions.
Besides the 3" barrel, I guess the only other thing non-standard is that the front sight blade is pinned to the base (which is integral to the rib). By that time all other versions had sights integral to the barrel.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

All Model 66's have a target (adjustable) rear sight. Does yours have a white outline rear?

No white outline.

Thanks (to everybody) for all the good info.

 

[wproct]

That is a super nice revolver, we are all envious. Those stocks on it now are Hogue Bantam grips, I have them on my 64-2 and love them. Large enough for adequate grip but not too big for carry. Your setup is nice for sure.