How Rare is the 3" Model 66?

[Dwaine]

I own a -2 and -3 model model 66 with 3" barrel. Should I ever decide to part with one I was wondering which of the two is the rarest model? Are any production numbers available?

 

[murphydog]

The factory letter/of authenticity quotes the production number of 3" model 66s. As I recall, there were about 5500 -2s (first ordered by Ashland Distributor in OH) and somewhere around 1500 of all other engineering changes. They were not very popular until they went out of production, as usual.

I would not part with either!

 

[Dwaine]

I heard that the -3 had the lowest production numbers. I did part with my lettered -4 last year and have no plans to part with these two 3" models . I have four 66's left a 2.5"-1, 3"-2, 3"-3, and no dash 4" that are keepers.....

 

[jughed440]

This letter mentions how many -2s were made for Ashland, but for some reason it doesn't mention how many -3s, or -4s were made (the number i had requested), and no actual total number.

 

[chief38]

From the Chronograph testing I did years ago the 3" bbl. makes a lot more sense when intending on carrying Magnums. Magnums do not perform to anywheres near their potential in 2-2.5" barrels. The 3" is IMHO the minimum length that makes sense to load Magnums in.

PLUS...... it just looks great!

 

[BAM-BAM]

These came out about the same time as Die Hard and Lethal Weapon, If it didn't have 15rd up it's butt no one wanted one!

I have 2 -3s I got new in 1987/88 and a used -4 around 2000.

The numbers above are what has been reported over the years. Overall about the same number of guns as the Registered Magnums.

The proportions of barrel to butt on these 3" K-frames are about the same as a 3 1/2" N-frame...... great looking, handling and shooting guns. The 3" barrel gives you a full length ejector rod!

My -4 is an EDC with Spegel Boot Grips and Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB holster.

 

[murphydog]

This letter mentions how many -2s were made for Ashland, but for some reason it doesn't mention how many -3s, or -4s were made (the number i had requested), and no actual total number.

Thanks for posting, that is the letter I’ve seen. So the Ashland total was about 4200 and the “total” (probably meaning there was not a full accurate count) was at least 1000 more.

 

[jughed440]

Thanks for posting, that is the letter I’ve seen. So the Ashland total was about 4200 and the “total” (probably meaning there was not a full accurate count) was at least 1000 more.

Going by memory….I had read that -4s were made in small batches, as ordered. The batch count for the lettered one is 150. I have yet to see another with the same serial prefix.

 

[BAM-BAM]

MY -4 is BRRxxxx Looks like 1994 per SCS&W4th

 

[Dwaine]

Here is the Jinks letter for the -4 that I sold.....CAU0159 one of special order of 518.

 

[Mark104]

Smith & Wesson Model 66-2 3" barrel

I was hoping someone could tell me what this gun might be worth if I decide to sell?
I understand that Ashland Shooting Supplies did a limited run of this model 66 with a 3" barrel.
NIB with all paperwork, accessories, etc.
Appreciate any comments

 

[Yendor357]

Mark, would you sell it if the price was right?

 

[Mark104]

I paid $3000 for it in 2017...... looks silly now because from what I see, the market has not been kind to this model. It might be best to just hold it until I can break even.

 

[Jeep 1]

I paid $3000 for it in 2017...... looks silly now because from what I see, the market has not been kind to this model. It might be best to just hold it until I can break even.

Wow, that’s the highest price I’ve seen on one. I have seen them in the $1750-$2250 range, I picked up a same as new in the box 66-4 in late fall of last year for $1250 and thought it was a smoking good deal.

 

[Eddietruett]

The Market seems to be way down compared to the Covid days when everything went crazy. I’ve seen several 3” 66’s sell at gun shows in the $1k range. Same with the other popular 3” K frames like the 10,13,64 & 65. Those aren’t selling as high either