Inherited a 66-2

[TTUChris]

Greetings, everyone. Newbie here. My aunt recently passed and I was told that she had given me "an old pistol." This weekend I took possession of it and it is a 66-2 2.5" barrel in all the original packaging. Every piece of original paperwork is there, including the receipt from 1982. There is also a cleaning kit that hasn't been opened. I'd be willing to bet it wasn't fired, and probably sat in its box for 32 years. I'm thrilled to add a revolver to my collection, but I'm wondering if being basically NIB adds any value. I know I'm not sitting on a super rare and expensive piece or anything, but if it were worth enough to buy a new model and some ammo I'd be interested, as I'm not big on nostalgia or sentiment.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[jinx]

You have a highly desirable gun there. Especially new in box with all the paperwork. Matter of fact, these are some peoples grail guns. I wouldn't sell it to make a different purchase because they don't get much better.

 

[ILTim]

Definitely. Its a rather common model of fairly recent manufacture, but if its survived over thirty years new-in-box, it can make it another couple decades. At which point it will be quite unusual. I don't know quite how much premium is associated with your example but certainly some, its a desirable piece in any condition - there is a good market for them.

Pictures? How does the front of the cylinder look? Don't clean anything or fire it until you know what you have for sure.

 

[TTUChris]

I only have a couple of quick photos I took on my phone (that takes horrible pics); I'll snap a few more tonight. Everything seems clean and in good working order. The cylinder rotates freely, but I did notice that it takes a little extra push to put it back into place. Not sure if that's just because it hasn't been used enough to break in or what. I went into it thinking I'd get a fun little wheelgun to plink with, and in a weird way I was almost disappointed that it's nicer than I anticipated, because I want to get out there and use her!

 

[TenTea]

Shoot it, care for it properly, enjoy it with family and friends and remember your aunt fondly when you do.

 

[M&P Freak]

What you have there is a very nice revolver. Selling it would be a mistake.

 

[WNC Seabee]

If you want to sell it, I want to buy it.

 

[Chukar60]

Honor your aunt's memory, keep the gun, shoot it, appreciate the gift that it is. Take good care of it and pass it on to the next generation. This what the traditional intent of passing guns onto family members is all about.
my family has some guns that have belonged to 4 generations.

 

[TTUChris]

My reasoning was basically that I don't derive much enjoyment from the fact that it's an older model, and if there is enough value in it that I could buy a new revolver and some ammo/accessories, somebody else could enjoy the 66 for what it is and it'd be win-win. My aunt was not a gun person at all, so it wasn't part of my connection with her. I've received other items of hers that I definitely AM sentimental about. Like some vintage beer/liquor signage that my wife hates but can't tell me to get rid of

But I'm finding that it may not be worth enough to make it a good sell for me, so I'm leaning toward hanging on to it. Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

 

[Bigman]

Just my two cents here. You would have a hard time trying to find a new revolver as nice as the one you just got from your Aunt. What you have already is a new gun, and if you compare it to a new model well there is not much of a comparison. Hope you enjoy your new revolver! Ray

 

[GerSan69]

The problem is that the older ones are generally the better ones. Many folks don't think the quality of newer revolvers is up to the standards of old. Part of it is the difference between when they used to hand-fit parts vs. today's taking whatever part is next on the assembly line and throwing it together. Your choice, but if you appreciate fine craftsmanship, IMHO keep it.

 

[sophie]

Congratulations on that nice gun you inherited. I would keep it and shoot it.

 

[BAM-BAM]

My reasoning was basically that I don't derive much enjoyment from the fact that it's an older model, and if there is enough value in it that I could buy a new revolver and some ammo/accessories, somebody else could enjoy the 66 for what it is and it'd be win-win. .

I'm with Bigman on this; if you want a revolver you are going to be hard pressed to find a better "new revolver" than a S&W Model 66. "Newer" will be newer ........ but most here will debate if they are "better" or just cheaper to manufacture!!!!!!

Would you rather have a 64 Corvette ( LOL.... I would have used the 82 model but I didn't like them) or a new 2014.

Most consider the 64-66 Vette's the best of the breed just like the 2 1/2 inch 66 is at the top of most concealed carry revolver lists......... will except for the fairly rare/hard to find 3 incher 66....... LOL

 

[TTUChris]

I'm with Bigman on this; if you want a revolver you are going to be hard pressed to find a better "new revolver" than a S&W Model 66. "Newer" will be newer ........ but most here will debate if they are "better" or just cheaper to manufacture!!!!!!

Would you rather have a 64 Corvette ( LOL.... I would have used the 82 model but I didn't like them) or a new 2014.

Most consider the 64-66 Vette's the best of the breed just like the 2 1/2 inch 66 is at the top of most concealed carry revolver lists......... will except for the fairly rare/hard to find 3 incher 66....... LOL

Valid points. I hadn't considered the quality aspect of it, and if it's that hotly debated, I'll keep that can of worms closed!

 

[federali]

TTUChris...

This is a really fine revolver. Congrats. Regarding the hard closing, the most overlooked cause is unburned powder or a thread of cleaning patch under the extractor star. But, if this gun has never been fired, you may have to look elsewhere.

Another cause of hard closing is that little spring loaded plunger (don't remember the correct name) that sits under the barrel and engages the extractor rod. Improper adjustment or finishing results in hard closing.

The third place to look is the cylinder yoke, or the hinge that swings the cylinder in and out. The yoke may have to be removed, cleaned and re-lubed. A gun that has sat idle for three decades under unknown storage conditions might allow lubricants to evaporate, leaving a tacky residue.

 

[S&W Fan]

In today's market that gun would probably sell for approx. $750 possibly more to right buyer. What is out there that would be it's equal? Nothing.

If you don't care for the configuration or stainless construction than for you it would be worth selling, not because you'd get anything "better". Just my opinion.

 

[Vividia]

I am not one to "keep it the original packaging and let it add value" so I can sell it later. If I want to flip an investment I will buy stocks.

I collect firearms because I enjoy firing them. My oldest ones were made in the 1890s and the newest one a few weeks ago LOL. If I own it, it works for a living, and I enjoy preserving them for the next generation (my nephews are already deciding "who gets what" from my collection after I am gone LOL)

One thing to consider is the heirloom value to the generation after you. You might not have any sentimental attachment to this wonderful revolver, but the generations after you might think it a treasure that your aunt had it, you had it, and now it's passed on to them. Multigenerational heirlooms are wonderful things, and keep all our memories alive.

If it were me, I would shoot it and enjoy it (immensely) and pass it on to the next generation to treasure.

 

[jdlii]

If you decide to keep the Model 66 and shoot it (and you should) you will never let it go! These are fantastic revolvers for plinking with .38 specials or for concealed carry/home defense with .357 rounds.

Don't let that short barrel make you believe that it won't be accurate. The snub nose M66 can hold it's own in any situation. True, it is not a "target" revolver but, it will not disappoint!

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

I don't think it adds value, but it is interesting to note you have the new style one-piece box with a handwritten end label. That's not very common. I suspect S&W only did that for a few months in 1982, while they were working the bugs out of their new computer printer label machine. Normally, when I see a handwritten label on a 1-pc box I think "fake". Your's I think is legit, and the old style s/n and original receipt adds provenance.

The only thing that bugs me a little is I don't recall seeing that script before. It's very particular and unlike the common script you see on end labels. Believe it not, after you've seen enough end labels you start to recognize patterns and styles in the handwriting that repeat. I don't claim to be an expert but I don't recognize that handwriting. Probably doesn't mean anything.

Regarding keep or sell. A 2.5" .357 Magnum isn't everyone's cup of tea. In it's possibility unfired condition, I think you have a highly desirable revolver that could easily finance something that suits you better. Take a bunch of in-focus close-up pictures, put it on Gun Broker, set a high reserve, and see what happens. Or sell it here. I would not be surprised if you're already getting PM's from interested parties.

 

[imakmst]

and you should hold it, fondle it, admire it, but most of all, shoot it.

but don't sell it