early 66's were extremely hard to get on the retail end. most went to police orders. during this time frame, they were harder than 29's were and almost as hard to get as 60's. would almost bet this was an order for an individual officer that didn't get delivered for some reason.
66 No Dash, 2.5" with SS Rear Sight
- Thread starter Minnehaha
- Start date
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
Of course, that goes without saying.
To be clear, I was just commenting on "what I've seen". (Or more precisely, what I remember seeing). Obviously, I haven't seen it all, and never said I did. I'll pay closer attention in the future, and thanks to you fine gentlemen, I learn a little more all the time.
When looking at early 66s & 67s today it's wise to keep in mind that many of those with all silver sights had their rear blades or the whole rear sight swapped for easier to see blued sights. It was common to add red plastic inserts up front. Usually there's nothing to give away a swap of the whole rear sight but most often an added red insert doesn't look factory on close inspection. I'm not suggesting any of the revolvers in this thread were altered, but one of my early 66s has a replaced rear assembly and added red insert. It also was well used in its day so that's not much of a loss in its case. I just throw this out for readers to consider when evaluating their own early 66s & 67s.
I'd also like to add that I asked in a thread if any 6" 66s were made with all silver sights. The forum's opinion was "no". If anyone has one I'd like to know about it.
I'd also like to add that I asked in a thread if any 6" 66s were made with all silver sights. The forum's opinion was "no". If anyone has one I'd like to know about it.
After hearing from everyone on the model 66, I think that I have a special little snubie with correct SS rear sights, and that it is probably one of only a few. It's going to be staying with me for quite some time. I am really glad that I decided to get a letter on this gun.
My first Mod 66 4" had the stainless rear sight.
Also, I bought a lot of S&W's from Betts & Majors starting in the mid 1970's, until they closed down.
They were nice people to do business with.
Back in the day, when Mod 29's were very hard to get they kept a list of names of customers that wanted one. When you name was No1 on the list, they would give you a call. They did not charge any Premium for any of the hard to get S&W's.
Also, I bought a lot of S&W's from Betts & Majors starting in the mid 1970's, until they closed down.
They were nice people to do business with.
Back in the day, when Mod 29's were very hard to get they kept a list of names of customers that wanted one. When you name was No1 on the list, they would give you a call. They did not charge any Premium for any of the hard to get S&W's.
Back in the mid '70s, the Investigator Lieutenant at my sheriff's department had a 2 1/2" M66. It had a stainless rear sight and a plain front sight. He had me swap in a blue rear sight blade and red ramp the front.
I swapped out several stainless rear blades over the years. The rest were on 4" M66s, IIRC. I believe I still have several SS sight blades squirreled away.
This is common among older smiths. The problem from the perspective of restoring the 66s is that swapping entailed breaking the cross bolts and there are no stainless bolts to be had.
My FFL buddy in Dayton, OH had no problem charging a premium for hard to find Smiths. I paid extra for my 2 1/2" 66-1 back then, but I paid it and I still have that one. As for the old adage about not paying too much, just too soon is true for me. That 66-1 is definitely worth more than I paid then. It has the black rear sight BTW.
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