66-3 In .38 Special??

[kleinkaliber]

I,m not real familiar with the post war stuff, but I've been offered a Model 66-3 that is chambered in .38 Special, not .357. It is marked on the 6" barrel Los Angeles Police Dept. It looks like a Model 68 but it is marked 66-3 in the yoke and on the box. according to SCCW there is no 68-3, only up to -2, so it doesn't look to be a lightly stamped 68. what's up?

Any opinions as to value? It appears unfired and in the box.

 

[kleinkaliber]

I,m not real familiar with the post war stuff, but I've been offered a Model 66-3 that is chambered in .38 Special, not .357. It is marked on the 6" barrel Los Angeles Police Dept. It looks like a Model 68 but it is marked 66-3 in the yoke and on the box. according to SCCW there is no 68-3, only up to -2, so it doesn't look to be a lightly stamped 68. what's up?

Any opinions as to value? It appears unfired and in the box.

 

[AKsRule]

Like This?

Worth what you WANT to Pay

, Definitely $350 +

.

 

[jag312]

Although it is a rare occurance, I have seen S&W revolvers with mismarked model numbers. Also, the gun may be a very early Model 68. Also, it may be that someone obtained a Model 68 barrel and put it on a Model 66-3. A Model 68 is a scarce and collectable gun that is worth a lot more than a 66. Unfortunately, there are always people willing to "upgrade the value" of a firearm they wish to sell. Best thing is to get a letter from S&W.

 

[OIF2]

All the LAPD 68s were shipped to the LA Revolver Club for sale to LAPD Officers (68s were never issued). Mine is over-stamped "MOD 68-2" over the 66 stamp. Some I've seen weren't stamped mod 68 at all, just the 66 markings with only the .38 Special and LAPD stamp on the barrel. Nice guns-I should have bought another one for the safe.
Bob