hihosilver13
Member
Is there any one version of a 66 3 inch that is more desireable than the others, and why?
66 3 inch
- Thread starter hihosilver13
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Allen-frame
Member
Hello HiHo. There is no simple answer to your question.
The 3"model 66 was produced in a -2 ,-3 .-4 and -5 engineering changes.
Each has their own merits. The -2 is more collectible ,as it is older and the first produced.
The -3 had a new crane screw with spring loaded plunger and a
floating hand,one of the least desirable features on a 66.
The -4 has the new rear sight assembly and other endurance features which would make it a better shooter.
The -5 has a heavier barrel and came in a 3.25"barrel length,
which is collectible in its own right.
Be more specific in your question and I will try to answer.
Probably the barrel profile of the -2 and the traditional rear sight assembly that extends all the way along the topstrap would be my favorite pick.
But they are all handsome in their own individual right.
Of course ,I believe one should have at least one of each engineering change and barrel length, which I am working on.
Good luck ,, Allen Frame
The 3"model 66 was produced in a -2 ,-3 .-4 and -5 engineering changes.
Each has their own merits. The -2 is more collectible ,as it is older and the first produced.
The -3 had a new crane screw with spring loaded plunger and a
floating hand,one of the least desirable features on a 66.
The -4 has the new rear sight assembly and other endurance features which would make it a better shooter.
The -5 has a heavier barrel and came in a 3.25"barrel length,
which is collectible in its own right.
Be more specific in your question and I will try to answer.
Probably the barrel profile of the -2 and the traditional rear sight assembly that extends all the way along the topstrap would be my favorite pick.
But they are all handsome in their own individual right.
Of course ,I believe one should have at least one of each engineering change and barrel length, which I am working on.
Good luck ,, Allen Frame
Texas Star
US Veteran
I have a 66-3, bought new in 1990, and the hand has never caused a lick of trouble. It is one of the most satisfactory guns that I've owned.
T-Star
T-Star
OP
hihosilver13
Member
I just purchased a 66-3 and it has the full strap for the sites. And I read on line that there is a 66-1 too. So I'm not sure the info that was stated earlier was correct. Anyone have more input on the models and which one has the best features?
Thanks
Thanks
Brian894x4
Member
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2009
- Messages
- 66
- Reaction score
- 9
Can someone explain the problem with the -3 changes and why aren't desirable?
I just picked up my 4th S&W stainless .357 K frame and my 3rd Mod 66. All are -2s, except for one -3. I was planning on making the -3 my carry piece, but it sounds like maybe I should use the -2 instead. It's a nicer overall gun anyway.
Sorry for the hi-jack.
Sportsterguy
Member
I agree with this fine gent. Best S&W I've ever owned. Used to carry it as my CCW till I found out prices went way up from the $275.00 I purchased it for in 85. I'll never part with mine as it's my favorite. I still have the the original box, and fixins. For a 3" barrel the revolver shoots like a 6".
stiab
US Veteran
There was a Model 66-1, but you asked specifically about the three inch model, and I have never seen or heard of a 66-1 in three inch. I have owned a three inch 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4, and believe the information posted about those models is correct.
OP
hihosilver13
Member
oh, so there was no 66-1 3 inch., okay.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2007
- Messages
- 27,669
- Reaction score
- 21,359
No factory 3" guns prior to the 66-2, but I recently saw a -1 on an auction site. Someone milled a slot in a later 3" barrel's shank for the pin, installed it, and presto! Instant 3" 66-1.
webley green
Member
Allenframe: thanks for posting the pictures and the info. Very nice collection you have. WG
very nice collection Allen Frame!!!
if the deal is good, i'd snag on any 3" 66.. no matter the dash. i recently purchased a -4 (shipped to RSR, 11-94) and am curious to know how many 3" -4's were made.
a letter states that 4195 were made for Ashland...afterwards S&W produced the 3" on special request for various distributors....bringing the TOTAL production to well over 5000 units.
so in effect, the Ashland 3" is the most common.
if the deal is good, i'd snag on any 3" 66.. no matter the dash. i recently purchased a -4 (shipped to RSR, 11-94) and am curious to know how many 3" -4's were made.
a letter states that 4195 were made for Ashland...afterwards S&W produced the 3" on special request for various distributors....bringing the TOTAL production to well over 5000 units.
so in effect, the Ashland 3" is the most common.
Last edited:
Allen-frame
Member
Hi Ho ,,just as an aside ,on your 66-3.
The 'floating hand' the part that indexes the cylinder, can
SOMETIMES cause trouble.
Like some of the cost cutting innovations at Smith and Wesson
throught the years it did not work well ,and was discontinued
with the next engineering change.
Nothing to be concerned about ,,unless your gun does'nt work.
Yes ,indeed ,I am sick. Got Smithicknia, with complications
caused by Wessonitis.
Can't say no to a new revolver ,but still can't afford new socks.
Regarding the model 66-6. It has the hole in the frame,
and is the devils gun. Unless priced well under retail ,,
I will never own one.
Regards , ,Allen Frame
The 'floating hand' the part that indexes the cylinder, can
SOMETIMES cause trouble.
Like some of the cost cutting innovations at Smith and Wesson
throught the years it did not work well ,and was discontinued
with the next engineering change.
Nothing to be concerned about ,,unless your gun does'nt work.
Yes ,indeed ,I am sick. Got Smithicknia, with complications
caused by Wessonitis.
Can't say no to a new revolver ,but still can't afford new socks.
Regarding the model 66-6. It has the hole in the frame,
and is the devils gun. Unless priced well under retail ,,
I will never own one.
Regards , ,Allen Frame
OP
hihosilver13
Member
Does anyone have a pic that shows the floating hand and what to look for?
ramptester
Member
Smith and Wesson 66-3 3 inch
custom wood stocks
custom wood stocks
Last edited:
Bearcat
Member
I agree with this fine gent. Best S&W I've ever owned. Used to carry it as my CCW till I found out prices went way up from the $275.00 I purchased it for in 85. I'll never part with mine as it's my favorite. I still have the the original box, and fixins. For a 3" barrel the revolver shoots like a 6".
Best Model 66 ever!
Similar threads
