few model 66 questions

[sixstringer14]

hello everyone @ S&W forum, great site with tons of info.

so i just picked up my first wheelgun, i have a few sig sauers and i really wanted to add a 357 revolver to my collection. i was lucky enough to be able to trade one of my sigs (p229r) for an earl 80's (i think) model 66, in addition to some cash to make up for the difference....he gave me an incredible deal on it.

anyways, i am trying to learn as much as i can about this gun.

its a model 66 .357 with a 2.5" barrel. the SN is 6k89xxx and has the numbers 74182 --cant really make out the 2nd to last #

then on the handle under the grips its stamped with a bunch of different things...

there is a B2 B6 315 74182 it also has an s, plus another s half inch away, almost stamped off the gun.

so do these numbers make any sense? like i said, i am trying to find out all i can on this model 66, thanks for any help you guys can give! thanks!

 

[snw19_357]

Welcome to the forum!

Your Model 66 is most likely a 1976.

The 74182 found on the yoke and the grip frame is an assembly number used to keep the fit parts together. The same number will also be on the inside of the side plate.
The other numbers are fitter and inspector stamps.

Does your revolver have this ampersand on it?

 

[sixstringer14]

thanks for the reply, and yes it does have the ampersand on the barrel. i also noticed what looks like a C in a box on the other side of the frame by the handle.

thanks again for the info!

also, i want to get a new set of stocks for it. came with a set of pachmyers and the original small wood grips.

i really like the look of the factory hogue grip on the 686 2.5" is it a hogue bantam grip, just with the s&w logo? would that same grip fit on a model 66?

 

[P&R Fan]

Welcome to the forum.
The 2 1/2" M66 is one of the great carry revolvers. Mine is probably my most carried K-Frame, plus it shoots way better than it has a right to.
As to the grip question, L-Frame and K-Frame grips (Stocks in S&W parlance) are the same size, so they should interchange.
Jim

 

[C Islander]

Congratulations on your 66. I've got a 66 no dash 2.5 that has been one of my favorite revolvers for a long time. Enjoy yours.

 

[sixstringer14]

thanks for the replies everyone. i cant wait to get to the range and shoot this thing again! how could i tell if this is a combat model? im guessing its a no dash 66 since i dont see any other numbers next to the 66.

what makes the no dash more desirable than say a 66-4?

 

[P&R Fan]

The M66, and actually before that the blued M19 were both called the Combat Magnum. Used to be S&W named all their revolvers. Then in 1957 they all got numbers. The Military and Police became the M10, the Combat Masterpiece the M15, and so forth. Somehow the numbers don't have the same draw, but that's what they did.
The no-dash model, and in this case the -1 would be more desirable because they had pinned barrels and recessed cylinders. S&W collectors value those features. The no-dash also had stainless sights. As the engineering changes happened certain features were deleted. Change is not always good IMO.
Jim

 

[glock_556]

What is the significance of the ampersand on the barrel?

 

[snw19_357]

Nothing. Just another interesting thing about S&Ws.

 

[Nevadadvx]

A question I've been wanting to ask and this seems like a good time. Would the original posters 66 be a round butt like my 66-1? Did they make 2 1/2's in square butt?

 

[akviper]

Almost all 2 1/2 inch guns are round butt for the Model 66 and 19. Some folks put the short barrel on square butt guns as the 2 1/2 inch was hard to find back in the 60s, 70s and 80s. If you see a square butt 2 1/2 inch it probably had a barrel change.

 

[sixstringer14]

Thanks for the info so far, i didnt know how favored the 66 was till i started looking around, makes sense though because it feels nicely balanced in my hand. I just cant wait to get a set of nice wood stocks. Any suggestions?

Also, I noticed there is a J stamped on the logo side of the gun, right at the bottom on the frame. is that another inspector mark or something?

And finally, when i bought the gun, i was given 100rds of semi wadcutter 158gr ammo reloaded by my father in-law. Its a powerful load from what he tells me, i read that some magnum loads are rough on the gun, anything i should stay away from? I have always used speer in my sig sauers so i i was thinking about getting some 357mag gold dots.

I have seen some 180gr rounds but i think those are mainly for hunting correct?

 

[rburg]

The round butt 4" and the square 2 1/2" were interesting oddities. We saw some of each about 10 or so years ago. Because there were more than one or two, we assume they were factory guns, just put together with parts they had on hand. I can see a use for either.

 

[P&R Fan]

The 180 Grn loads are a hunting load. You don't mention what you intend to use this revolver for. If it's a personal defense or carry gun, I'd use factory ammo. The 125 Grn loads are the best according to many experts on the subject. However, a high volume of them is not a good idea in a K-Frame gun. Cracked forcing cones have been the result in many cases. That said, my 2 1/2" M66 is always loaded with these when I carry it. I've fired enough of them to know where they hit, but for extended practice sessions I use 158 Grn loads.
Hope this helps.
Jim

 

[sheepdawg]

Shoot as many 38+Ps as you want to, 158 grain 357 loads if you want to shoot magnums. The 125 grain fast loads are to be shot sparingly due to forcing cone and flame cutting issuses.
I have a 1972 4" no dash 66 and since I value it and don't want to push any issues, fact or fiction, 90% of what I shoot are 38s or 38+Ps.
It's similar to the low serial number 1903 rifle heat treatment deal. Though you may find many people decry it as bunk, I'd hate shoot one and find out it was true.

 

[kahu]

SW 66 no dash

Hi Guys. Just picked up a SW 66 4" at Ricks Bait and Tackle Shop..a consignment piece,for $375. I bought one new in the 70s for $184 ...This ones SN is 4K63485. Any one know when it was produced? mahalo (Thanks)

 

[P&R Fan]

Hi Guys. Just picked up a SW 66 4" at Ricks Bait and Tackle Shop..a consignment piece,for $375. I bought one new in the 70s for $184 ...This ones SN is 4K63485. Any one know when it was produced? mahalo (Thanks)

Catalog says 1974. That was a smokin' deal if you ask me.
Jim

 

[kahu]

Thanks Jim for a quick reply & answer. I figured close to the date. Always regreted having to sell the first one..Been looking awhile.
Too Cool. Kahu.