Has anyone ever seen this cylinder release before?

[Senor Chisme]

I just acquired a 4" Model 66, pinned, recessed, and made about 74 or 75. I have seen flat latches, I have an old Model 10, a Model 17, 21-4, 28, 58, 60, 632, 65, and a 696 with (what I consider) the second type (most common?) of release. I have a 686 with the current slanted latch. I have also seen the extended Hogue competition latch. But I have never seen a latch like this. I can't tell if it has been modified from a factory latch, or a factory-made option. Just for clarification, this gun has been fired but is very clean. I have not pulled the side plate but it appears that it has been done sometime in the past. The action is very smooth, with SA pull about 2 ½ to 2 ¾, and the DA pull 7 ½ to 8 (measured with a Lyman digital scale). Any help identifying this latch will be appreciated.

 

[H Richard]

I do not believe that latch is a factory S&W latch, but an aftermarket latch.

 

[Senor Chisme]

Actually I did a google search and came up with this. I think it is an SDM "Improved" Thumb Latch.

Thumb_Latch.htm

 

[armaliter]

Nice latch. I have never seen a S&W logo on the left side of a 66 in that time period before. I have a two 66 from 1971 and 1976 and the logo is on the other side. Both being 4" also.

 

[borntoraisehogs]

Nice latch. I have never seen a S&W logo on the left side of a 66 in that time period before. I have a two 66 from 1971 and 1976 and the logo is on the other side. Both being 4" also.

That is a good looking latch . Looks like something when I was even dumber I might have bought to replace the original and throw away the valuable part like I did with Magazine stops and saftey on some 1911s .Without the side view , I would have not notice the difference without putting my thumb on it .
The dish and checker process must add to the price .

This is going to drive me nuts till I get in my brothers safe to look at his satin nickel mod 19 . Wouldn't you know I only have a photo of the right side and I can't remember when it was made . Now I can't remember why I wanted to know . Sometimes I can't remember all the strategic dispersement and deployment of all my guns since the time Birch Bayh was trying to get em and give them to Cuber or something .

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I have a Model 686-1 with a 2 1/2" barrel that has the same type cylinder release. The Serial Number is #AWT51--.
I have not changed anything on this Revolver.
Jimmy

 

[Senor Chisme]

They didn't put the logo on the side plate because it had another logo on it.

 

[armaliter]

Senor thanks for the clarification

 

[valkyriekl]

This is going to drive me nuts till I get in my brothers safe to look at his satin nickel mod 19 . Wouldn't you know I only have a photo of the right side and I can't remember when it was made . Now I can't remember why I wanted to know . Sometimes I can't remember all the strategic dispersement and deployment of all my guns since the time Birch Bayh was trying to get em and give them to Cuber or something .

That wouldn't be a Model 19-4, would it? (I'm guessing because it's P&Red, and I think I can see the gas-ring on the cylinder)