Inherited a 66-2

[Double-O-Dave]

TTUChris:

My condolences on your loss. Welcome to the Forum. I echo what others have advised you about keeping, and shooting your Model 66. I have a Model 66-2 that was my first S&W revolver. This is an iconic handgun - think Clint Eastwood in "The Gauntlet".

One thing I don't know if you are considering is that they no longer make this particular handgun. That, and the facts that it's "pre-lock" (actually, no lock), and NIB make it highly desirable to a collector. I think if you were to try and buy a similar handgun it would be both costly, as well as very time consuming to finally find one. What's on your "grail gun" list? If you don't think you'll actually use it, it could serve as excellent trade fodder for the gun(s) on your "grail gun" list.

By the way, when I was younger, I used to love to shoot 125 gr. .357 Magnum loads out of my Model 66. I loved the blast, the recoil, and the HUGE basketball sized flame that unleashed with every shot. Now, I stick with 125 gr. +P loads, or with standard velocity 158 gr. LSWC rounds.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[perfectcircle1]

Keep it. (Period)

 

[kozmic]

I say shoot it, care for it, think of your aunt often and when the time is right, pass it down to the next generation in your family.

It's a beauty. I can't think of too many circumstances where I would part with it.

 

[Jdavis]

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!

Since your revolver has been sitting in a drawer for 30 plus years, it is going to need a good cleaning and lubrication in order to function as smoothly as it should. The fact that it is essentially new will add to it's stiffness.
Have you checked the serial number on the box with the number on the gun to verify that it has the correct box?

 

[TTUChris]

Wow, thanks to everyone contributing. Lots of great info all around. After all I've learned the past few days, I've absolutely decided to keep the pistol and use it. I briefly considered packing it back up for a few more decades, but I just don't have the discipline, and would rather enjoy it than wait around for my special pistol to become my very special pistol.

TTUChris:

My condolences on your loss. Welcome to the Forum. I echo what others have advised you about keeping, and shooting your Model 66. I have a Model 66-2 that was my first S&W revolver. This is an iconic handgun - think Clint Eastwood in "The Gauntlet".

One thing I don't know if you are considering is that they no longer make this particular handgun. That, and the facts that it's "pre-lock" (actually, no lock), and NIB make it highly desirable to a collector. I think if you were to try and buy a similar handgun it would be both costly, as well as very time consuming to finally find one. What's on your "grail gun" list? If you don't think you'll actually use it, it could serve as excellent trade fodder for the gun(s) on your "grail gun" list.

You know, I don't really have any "grail guns." There's never really been that unicorn I've been chasing. The ones I've taken a liking to over the years have all been readily attainable. And I went and attained them.

Jdavis - no, I never did match up the box with the gun; never occurred to me, but definitely will do. And 10-4 on the cleaning.

now to select some grips!

 

[BAM-BAM]

Grips; take a look a Spegel Boot Grips.......... can be a bit of a wait but ...... buy once or often ....LOL I've got a box of bad choices!

 

[qballwill]

Great gun, I am glad you have decided to keep it. It is the right choice. I also have a 66-2 with a 2.5" barrel. Mine was a pawn shop rescue though, and not nearly as nice as yours. When you do find grips that you want to put on it, be sure to put the factory grips in the box and keep them. Dont just toss them in a drawer or get rid of them. Even though they are easily removed and replaced, I feel factory grips belong with the gun, whether they are on it or not. Keep them for the next generation to have with the gun.