66-2 serial number question

[lilcountry]

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a S&W 66-2 with the the 2.5 inch barrel. I have been reading the 4th edition of the standard catalog of smith and wesson and cant seem to find my serial number manufacture year. My serial number is BAD$%#&. I know the 66-2 was made from 1982-1986 but according to the smith catalog the tripple alpha serials beginning with the letter B didn't begin until 1988. I know that they tried to do them in sequence but some were made out of order for a special run or for a specific firearm. If anyone has any information on the tripple alpha BAD I would really appreciate it.

 

[AveragEd]

I was told some time back by an S&W employee that frames are serial numbered as they are made but are not necessarily taken for production in serial number order, thus the jumping around of serial numbers.

Ed

 

[lilcountry]

The one thing that I find interesting is that the catalog doesnt mention the Triple Alpha BAD.

 

[laytonj1]

Are you sure it's not a -3. See if it has the newer yoke retention screw that started with the -3. It would be larger in diameter than the 2 other screws.

Jim

 

[lilcountry]

It is definitely the -2. I will post pictures.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Welcome to the Neighborhood and congratulations!

 

[laytonj1]

You're right, no question it's a dash 2. At this point I would call S&W on Monday and get the DOB for that serial number and go from there.

Jim

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

.... a S&W 66-2 with the the 2.5 inch barrel. ..... My serial number is BAD$%#&. .....

June - August 1988.

It was a common prefix. I've seen it used on a bunch of Smiths. I've also seen -2s with ship dates later than that. It's a nice gun, but I don't think it's anything unusual.

 

[lilcountry]

Thanks for all the information. I was just looking for any knowledge since it seems to not follow the common serial number timeline.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

.... it seems to not follow the common serial number timeline.

I don't see that, either. The s/n's in that range go from BAB, to BAC, to BAD, then BAE, and BAF. And so on. It all looks pretty normal. The ship dates progress in a predictable fashion, with some mixing and variation which is typical of that era.

The question I'd have is is that Combat Magnum good "BAD" or bad "BAD"? Cuz it definitely looks totally bad a** to me! [emoji6]

It wad made in the time that the transition to the -3 was occurring. That phase lasted at least 6 months. By October it was all -3's. I have seen -3's with ship dates a few months before your gun's.