Richard Simmons
Member
So far the only one I have is this LNIB, M66 circa 1976
The gun itself is much nicer than my photo.
The gun itself is much nicer than my photo.
66s anyone.
- Thread starter sw44spl
- Start date
My 66
Bought it new in late '74. One of my favorites, and a real tack driver. I have packed it a lot over the years.
Bought it new in late '74. One of my favorites, and a real tack driver. I have packed it a lot over the years.
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I've been collecting S&W's for over 40 years and since their introduction I don't believe I've seen any other handgun with stronger owner dedication and appreciation than the Mod 66.
Today they are becoming one of the most sought after handguns of their era by both shooters and collectors. Former LEOs tended to keep them when they had the chance. Many original owners tend to keep them and declare them to be the"last gun I'll ever part with."
S&W made a bunch of them but just try to find nice ones today-- and for those still looking, the quest will only get more difficult and more expensive.. especially for the early ones.
Some mighty fine specimens on this thread....
Today they are becoming one of the most sought after handguns of their era by both shooters and collectors. Former LEOs tended to keep them when they had the chance. Many original owners tend to keep them and declare them to be the"last gun I'll ever part with."
S&W made a bunch of them but just try to find nice ones today-- and for those still looking, the quest will only get more difficult and more expensive.. especially for the early ones.
Some mighty fine specimens on this thread....
S&W_aussie
Member
I recently purchased Model 66-1.... a 6", serial number 45K71XX, P & R (so around 1978-ish). Got it for $400.
I have never had a SS gun in the 20 or so years I have been shooting handguns - this will be my first. I have always known that 66s are well regarded and sought after but didn't understand why until recently (hence the purchase)
I will post pics as soon as my permit comes through (still taking a few months here)
Mike
I have never had a SS gun in the 20 or so years I have been shooting handguns - this will be my first. I have always known that 66s are well regarded and sought after but didn't understand why until recently (hence the purchase)
I will post pics as soon as my permit comes through (still taking a few months here)
Mike
Texas Star
US Veteran
Mike-
I think you'll find that six-inch M-66 to represent a really good balance of power and portability. In fact, the late Jeff Cooper especially recommended it in one of his books, although he is better known as an advocate of the Colt .45 auto. He thought it made a fine trail gun for a backpacker.
Actually, he was just speaking of the Combat Magnum in general, but the stainless construction of the M-66 makes it even better than the M-19, I feel.
I gather that you can't pack it there, but it is also a splendid target shooting revolver. Limit .357 ammo to about 10-15% of what you fire, and it'll last a long time. (I assume that the gun is now in good condition?)
Congratulations on a good purchase. I think you'll like the stainless aspect. I think it is one of the greatest advances in handguns in many a decade. This is particularly true if your climate is humid.
How does your dollar compare in value to ours? If comparable, you got a good deal.
T-Star
tstrenuous10
Member
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2005
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Thanks, Flint Ridge.
I noticed something about tstrenous's no dash in this thread. SN 35K0000. My SN is 25K6679, and it is a -1.
That's wierd.
It is weird. I changed the serial number but only the last 3 numbers. 35K0XXX IS the serial number. If I remember correct I was told it was from 1978 and it's kinda rare since it's the 6 1/8" barrel.
AirCommando
US Veteran
Roy Jinks says mine shipped in Nov. 78. Your serial number is 10K more. And it is a no dash.
I heard sometimes the factory did not stamp the dash numbers on some guns. Maybe yours is one. I have a 18-1 that is not stamped -1 also.
I heard sometimes the factory did not stamp the dash numbers on some guns. Maybe yours is one. I have a 18-1 that is not stamped -1 also.
S&W_aussie
Member
Thanks for the info T-Star!
I have heard a little bit about the forcing cone cracks that can happen with too many heavy .357s.
The gun is in excellent condition. The only problem (if you could call it a problem) is that it doesn't have the original stocks. It has Hogues.
At the moment the AU$ to US$ is going a little our way...the price would be around US$ 421.00. Here in Aus a good Model 66 ususally goes for around $600-$700. They are not that common for sale because everyone wants to keep them
I picked this one up from a gunsmith who is closing down his shop after about 40 years.
Cheers
Mike
snubbiefan
Member
I was "forced" to pick up a 66 ND 4-inch circa 1974 the other day. Got robbed....$450 out the door.
Gunman76
Member
Here is my model 66's
One 66-1 4" and one 66-2 2,5"
Both performs very well for me here in Oslo, Norway!
AirCommando
US Veteran
Very nice guns, Gunman76! Welcome to the forum.
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