Correct grips for M66 no dash?

[flpickupman]

Anyone have a model name or photos of the correct grips for this revolver? Or would the Service grips on S&W's website be close?

The M66 isn't pristine by any stretch and I'm just looking for close enough. I figure I'll throw a T-grip on as well.

No school like the old school eh?

 

[murphydog]

Hi, and welcome. If you have a 2 1/2" 66, it came with walnut round butt Magnas without the diamond around the screw hole. I believe the current new service stocks are a laminate; they will fit but are not correct for the gun, if you are concerned about that. This is a link to a completed auction with the 2 1/2 " gun's original stocks:

Smith & Wesson- Mod 66-1 2 1/2 inch : Revolvers at GunBroker.com


If a 4 or 6", walnut target stocks with the "football" cutout.

Smith & Wesson S&W Model 66-1 357 mag NR! : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

Now that you have this information, you must post photos after you find the correct stocks

 

[VM]

Welcome to the Forum

Snubbies came with Magna grips and 4"ers came with checkered, football targets.
Here's a neat thread with pictures

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/115153-anyone-else-like-older-66s.html

 

[TDC]

The only original wood type I recall ever seeing on 4" 66-0s (as well as 66-1s) was Goncolo Alves in target form. That's not to say other woods weren't used, but I saw quite a few 4 inchers and all were the same. I do have a 66-0 4" with Rosewood targets but they were my own addition....

Almost every 4" seemed to have very "orangeish" wood compared to other revolver target stocks using the same wood, and most seemed a bit defunct of figure. At the time these early 66s were produced S&W must have gotten a fresh supply of Goncolo that was a bit different in color. Perhaps Doc44 could provide some higher wisdom on the subject.

I've not seen a 2 1/2-0 delivered that didn't have walnut magna's. If anyone has a picture of an original owner 66-0 that differs from what I've described I'd love to see it.

Here is a poor picture of an all original 66-0 4" as delivered. I'm the original owner of all my S&W's so I know it's "correct". It is an extremely low resolution shot intended for my own records and not for publication. Please excuse the quality...

 

[stevieboy]

I have an early 66 no-dash (all stainless sights), and as TDC describes, it came with orange targets which, I think, are Goncalo Alves. The grips are a distinctive and unusually bright orange with metal washers.

 

[p0838]

66-1 99K series

Right stock has serial stamped inside

 

[flpickupman]

Mine happens to be a 4" example.

Football targets huh? That's a shame. I'm more partial to the Magnas.

Thanks much for your replies and photos will naturally be forthcoming.

 

[Iggy]

Wyoming Highway Patrol purchased 150 4" when they came out. They had football target grips.

 

[rburg]

My 4" USBP commemorative has uncheckered targets on it. They're Goncolo Alves.

 

[bwsmith2850]

Football targets huh? That's a shame. I'm more partial to the Magnas.

It's your gun. Put what you like on it.

The service grips (the taller style) on the website are pretty much the same style as the non-diamond magnas that were out in '71 when the 66 was introduced. As was mentioned before they are 'dymondwood' (read plywood) but would look right. The good part of the new grips is that they are new, no dings, stripped threads, loose bushings, worn through checkering. The laminates are tough and don't warp as easily as solid woods. (Ahrends grips charges a premium for them and he uses exotic woods for most of his grips).

You can always buy the 'correct' targets for collector value. Then throw on a set of magnas from the about the same time (or new) with a T grip. Many people did just that because that fit their hands better. Think about how many of the old school M10, K38, M19, M27, M28 had those Magnas & T grips no matter what came on them.

Check out the 'classifieds' thread on the forum. There are many grips there and some pretty good deals too.

 

[flpickupman]

Been away for a while. Still in the midst of a rifle phase but thought I'd post an updated photo.

Still need to pick up a Tyler T for it.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Anyone have a model name or photos of the correct grips for this revolver? Or would the Service grips on S&W's website be close?

The M66 isn't pristine by any stretch and I'm just looking for close enough. I figure I'll throw a T-grip on as well.

No school like the old school eh?

The four inch Model 66 was usually supplied with the S&W oversize target grip. Early ones had the "football" cutout. Later ones were further relieved to expose a semi-circular area of the frame itself.