A Forty Year Model 66

[teufelhunden]

Beautiful specimen. Nice photography too.

 

[ljmvaw124]

I think that's the first time I've see a trigger stop on a 66 - were they also on the Model 19's ? I have a 19-3, but no trigger stop ....

 

[Doc44]

The early Model 66s have a trigger stop as do the Model 19s. I have a 19-3 with a trigger stop. It is my understanding some owners of 19s had the trigger stop removed because of problems it may cause. I don't know much about this, but have heard about it on this forum. Eventually, the trigger stop was discontinued by S&W, but I am not sure when.

Bill

 

[vrichard]

I have a 66 made in 1972 has the trigger stop.Allso a early 67 with
the trigger stop.
Dick

 

[44wheelman]

Yes, I remember reading here too that the trigger stop was dropped on the magnums due to some alleged problem, but the frame was still cut for it, and was still installed on non-magnum target guns.

 

[akviper]

S&W sent out a notice to LE armorers in the early 80s advising removal of the trigger stop. The stop was adjustable by a small screw that held it in place. There were a few instances of the screw working loose and allowing the stop to protrude enough that a full trigger stroke wasn't possible thus preventing the revolver from firing. We were instructed to pull the side plate and remove the screw and stop. S&W shipped revolvers with out the trigger stop after that.

Regarding the all stainless sights, my first PD issued Model 66 was a very early gun and I managed to shoot several "possibles" on the old Tactical Revolver Course in spite of the sights. This included eighteen rounds from the fifty yard line.

I didn't buy that gun when the PD traded them in and I've kicked myself since. You found a keeper, congratulations.

 

[153]

What I find interesting about Doc's 66 is the target hammer. The box is even marked as having a target hammer.

I bought my 66 in early 1979, and wanted to doll it up with both a target hammer and trigger. At that time the Model 19 was still THE law enforcement revolver, and the "gunners" all had their 19's fitted with the red ramp and white outline sights, the target hammers & triggers and nice custom stocks.

I called S&W, but was told target hammers and triggers were not available in the "stainless" (hard chrome) finish. It wasn't until the mid '80's that I was finally able to order a set. Of course as fate would have it I got used to the standard hardware on the 66, and only changed to the target controls for a very short time.

 

[Fishslayer]

I'm waiting (Kalifornia, don'tcha know) on a 4" M66 that my LGS has.

It's no dash, P&R, & has the stainless sights, but the trigger & hammer are case colored. Both 66s in this thread have chromed T & H. Any significance there?

Didn't write the SN down but IIRC it started 4K....

I'd be interested in any thoughts you might have on it. It's gonna be a shooter. This is my first K frame. I'm not a collector but I'm always interested in any stories or those subtle nuances you experts always seem to come up with re S&W models & changes.

Next time I go there I'll get some pics & full SN.

 

[Doc44]

Fishslayer...The hammer and trigger are replacements for the originals.

Bill

 

[lhump1961]

Perfect! I have a dash 1 4" that I really like but I think I like yours a little more.

 

[410bore]

66-1 TT TH with trigger stop

 

[olman]

Model 66 with trigger stop

Newby to forum, first post. Just started shooting again after stroke few years ago, and had to get something smaller than Model 29-44mag. that i punched holes in paper with and the occassional whitetail. Stroke afffected right arm/hand, too week to handle the big gun. I digress. Just bought Mod. 66-4".
Mint condition, also has trigger stop, pinned barrell, recessed cylinder head. I shot before purchasing as did my friend (not who I bought revolver from) who is a retired Police Officer and very good with a wheelgun. He shot quite well witth the gun using Hornady 158 gr. jacketed H. P.-38 spcl cartridges. I not as well but has been 3 years since I have fired a round through any pistol. He didn't know age of revolver, but said it was one of the good ones and he use to carry as his service revolver. Said I could call Smith/Wesson pay them $35-$50, give them serial # on butt and they would tell me production date. Also is book available, but it costly also. My question. Could anyone reading this tell me production date of this revolver, on butt is 35K2162. Thanks for reading an Old man's ramblings, I appreciate.

 

[Flint Ridge]

I reckon olman yours is 1978 mid-late year.

 

[olman]

thanks, your opinion do I have a winner?

 

[Broker50]

Pretty gun-I noticed it also has the trigger stop-a nice touch that was soon forgotten.

Caj, most LE agencies either speced 'em without overtravel stops, or their armorers took them out. They were known to keep the gun from firing if they became loose, & lost adjustment. I actually had a Model 19 tie up that way, many years ago. Took a screwdriver to get it going again, took it out & tossed it too.

 

[northslope]

Gorgeous photo - great gun. I've got a similar gun (no box or papers) that I picked up for ~$425 here in California a few years ago. It has a serial of 2K7****, dating to 1972 according to SCSW.

--Neill

(seen here with a pair of non-period-correct Magnas from a 581)

 

[BUFF]

"... do I have a winner?"

Yes, indeed you do.

 

[Texas Star]

I think the M-66 is probably the ideal all-round revolver.
Others can excel more in some areas, but it makes a splendid single handgun.

T-Star

 

[olman]

"do I have a winner"

Thanks Buff and Lonestar for reinforcing my purchase. Any suggestions on this forum where I can learn more aboutt the Mod. 66? Thanks, Yall

 

[olman]

Sorry T-Star for getting your username incorrect.