educate me on s&w model 66-3

[armstrongz]

Let me just start of by saying that i am more of a rifle person and my knowledge on handguns is very limited. Anyway, my mom gave me a cheap rossi snub nose 357 mag a while back that i shot once. however, she recently wanted it back and offered me this 66-3 357 mag that was given to her.
Can anyone educate me on this gun?
I was considering bringing it along deer hunting nest season. How would i go about putting a a scope on it?
About how much is it worth?
Any help will be appreciated.

 

[chud333]

Don't scope that up my friend. The model 66 is S&W's stainless steel
version of the Model 19 .357 combat magnum. They are a very sought
after gun that was made starting in 1970. The 66-3 was introduced in
1986. It is a K-frame which is Smiths midrange frame size. Chambers
either .38 special or .357 magnum.
I personally would'nt alter that one. You have the 4" barrel.
Hope this helps.


chuck

 

[armstrongz]

what exactly classifies it as a K frame?

 

[chud333]

what exactly classifies it as a K frame?

K-frames are just a style/size frame that S&W uses. The
Bigger framed guns from Smith of that era we're N frames and L frames. The smaller framed guns we're J frames. Some people like the k-frames better because they claim they fit their hand better than a J frame and vise versa. Some other models that used the k-frame are: 10, 11, 12 ,13 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 53, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 617.
Search S&W and model number on wikipedia and you can find
out what frame size gun it is or next time you are in a gunshop ask to see a J-frame or an N, L frame and you'll
see the difference.


chuck

 

[Timbo22]

The 4" barreled model 66 is as close to perfect as you can get, my opinion. It is not too small to handle the 357 and not to large as to be "overbuilt". I bought my first one in 1979 (a 4" 66-1) and just bought my latest one (my fifth) this past weekend (a 4" 66 no dash). Don't worry about the various "dashes" as they are minor engineering changes. Your "dash 3" is as good as it gets. You could put a scope on it using a no-drill mount, but that would compromise its handling for other uses. I would leave it as is, and use it to finish off wounded game if need be. Additionally, if the target grips don't fit your hand, you have unlimited options in aftermarket grips, from fancy wood to recoil absorbing rubber. Keep those original grips, they sell for $100 and up, depending on condition and beauty of the wood.
Enjoy that wonderful revolver,
Tim

 

[armstrongz]

I am not wanting to sell it but I am just curious to know about what its worth.

 

[nipster]

You are ripping your mom off and you dont even know it!

Rossi are ***.

 

[lhump1961]

I am not wanting to sell it but I am just curious to know about what its worth.

Depending on condition I would say $400 to $550...maybe more in some markets. Great gun and they don't make them any more! Stick with the 158gr .357 loads and avoid the light stuff like the 125gr. It shoots real sweet with 38+P's. I would take it over the Rossi all day long!

 

[flgolfer29]

It's not worth much at all, sell it to me for $300. LOL, jus kiddin'..

joe

 

[armstrongz]

This is my only handgun but i have several rifles and i knew when she showed it to me that it was worth a good bit more than the rossi. Would it be considered blasphemy to put a scope on this one?

 

[Franciscomv]

This is my only handgun but i have several rifles and i knew when she showed it to me that it was worth a good bit more than the rossi. Would it be considered blasphemy to put a scope on this one?

It's a beautiful gun that's out of production. And one of the best things about K frames is that they are comfortable to pack around, as well as comfortable to shoot. So I personally wouldn't scope it.

If you're looking for a handgun to put a scope on, I think you'd be better served by a larger N frame gun with a longer barrel (either in .44 or .357).

 

[chud333]

Again, Don't scope that one. As stated above invest in a 6"
barreled .357 or .44 mag to deer hunt with. Maybe a ruger
or even a taurus. You made out like a bandit when you got
the Smith for the Rossi. Your Smith is a Solid 500 dollar gun
maybe more. If you get something else with a 6" bbl to hunt
with you'll be much happier. More velocity and longer sight
radius with a longer barrel. Even an beater model 28 smith
or 19 would be a good hunting handgun.



chuck

 

[old bear]

Would it be considered blasphemy to put a scope on this one?

YES it would be..

 

[chud333]

YES it would be..

Listen to the WISE oldbear. He knows......



chuck

 

[blujax01]

$500 and up in Ohio.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Don't scope it. If you can keep your shots close that 4" barrel will do the job with a heavy .357 bullet. I like keeping my shots at 50 yards and closer, especially with my eyes going slightly south. One day will have to slap a red dot on my 57, but not now. Great revolver you have that should bring you $500.00.

 

[joe1946]

How about a model 66 with a 2.5 inch barrel? Has anyone seen one?

 

[THAWK66]

Please be careful of the hot 125gr. Loads as the forcing come on k-frames have a "flat" spot on the bottom. I would stick with 158gr loads. I have a 66-4 and I still have yet to run into problems with the heavier bullets


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[pawngal]

How about a model 66 with a 2.5 inch barrel? Has anyone seen one?

Sure, most of us own one (or more!)

 

[boatboy]

This is a great forum I think the questions were answered honestly and with tons of wisdom. Others forums may have ripped on the OP and sarcastic (for no good reason I add)
Good honest info here
Hank