Is this model 66 worth it?

[NicVerAZ]

I did not pay attention to see if it was pinned, it looks fairly recent to me.

It was machined for moon clips and it was done right and has a rail on top.

It says it needs a screw, it is only the thumbpiece missing the assembly screw, a $ part, basically.

I am looking for a revolver for IDPA, USPSA and ICORE (maybe all or one of the above), therefore something which allows 38 special along with .357 is a good deal.

The fact that is has been pre-drilled for moon clips is great. The double action pull is smooth but it could obviously pay a visit to the smith, unless it is just a matter of disassembly and cleanup for me. Single action is super light, as expected.

They want $429 and that is a well-know shop in way-East Mesa, Arizona, where they have an attitude, except for the owner. I don't mind the sales guy's attitude, but if the price is right, I may go for it.

What do you think? See photo below. What model 66 do you think it is? It has a 4-inch barrel, by the way.

Thanks in advance!

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! I think I see the barrel pin, so it is a 66 or -1. If it is mechanically sound and you don't consider the modifications to be a negative (and it is still legal for competition) it is a good price. It is not a collectible gun, however. Hope this is helpful.

 

[srgvaz]

I did not pay attention to see if it was pinned, it looks fairly recent to me.

It was machined for moon clips and it was done right and has a rail on top.

Are you certain your looking at a moon clip modification, and NOT recessed chambers?

If it's pinned and has wood stocks it's not fairly recent. Disassembly and cleanup will help.

 

[smith 29-2]

smith 66

Go for it, if it is tight and in good condition, I purchased my smith 66 with a 4 inch barrel in Nashville Tn. paid $600.00 at a local dealer after looking for a long time and attending a lot of gun shows.
Be Safe

 

[C Islander]

My guess is that it's a P&R 66 and not cut for moonclips. If that's the case, $429 is a good deal!

 

[clang444]

It's pinned and recessed - looks like they put a well worn blued cylinder release on it, but the picture is not great.

 

[Nightowl]

It appears to be a regular sight on the rear. If so, what is the rib for, and does it have an original front sight? How is the rib attached to the barrel? If it is drilled and screwed on, the gun will not look too good with the rib removed. The price is not out of line, if you are ok with the rib.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

The rib may make it illegal for IDPA. I believe having the cylinder cut for moonclips will put you in ESR, where you need to meet a 165 power factor. A 165 power factor load will put you in .357 mag territory and won't be competitive due to the .357 recoil. The rib may also put you into the open catagory in ICORE, so again you probably won't be competitive. A 4" model 625 is one of the few guns that comes to mind, that will allow you to shoot IDPA, USPSA, and ICORE, while remaining competitive. I would pass on that particular gun, and look for an unmodified 4" model 66. The 4" 66 is a good choice for the SSR division in IDPA and classic division in ICORE.

 

[NicVerAZ]

Thanks for the replies.

Pardon my ignorance, I guess in this case this is the wrong forum, since it would be pre-80. An admin can probably move it to the right forum?

Not a big deal otherwise.

If someone can show me a photo of a recessed barrel, that would help me find out.

If it is recessed, does it mean it can accept moon clips as is?

What should I also look at to determine if it is still in shooting shape?

Thanks again!

 

[VTXS]

I may be wrong, but it is probably a 66-1 or later. I remember the model 66 no dash had stainless sights, front and rear, but discontinued that type due to the hardness of the metal dulling the bits used to machine them. The other members here who are more knowledgeable on these things than me will be able to give you a better answer. I believe that $429.00 would be a good price regardless.

 

[NicVerAZ]

The rib may make it illegal for IDPA. I believe having the cylinder cut for moonclips will put you in ESR, where you need to meet a 165 power factor. A 165 power factor load will put you in .357 mag territory and won't be competitive due to the .357 recoil. The rib may also put you into the open catagory in ICORE, so again you probably won't be competitive. A 4" model 625 is one of the few guns that comes to mind, that will allow you to shoot IDPA, USPSA, and ICORE, while remaining competitive. I would pass on that particular gun, and look for an unmodified 4" model 66. The 4" 66 is a good choice for the SSR division in IDPA and classic division in ICORE.

Do you believe the rib could be removed?

It still has the original rear and front sights.

From what I read about SSR, moon clips are not allowed, only speedloaders, which is closer to the real life philosophy behind IDPA (no rule debate necessary). Not sure about the rib. I am going to rear the rules again. I shoot SSP otherwise.

 

[Srigs]

For $429 I would buy every one they had!

 

[NicVerAZ]

By the way the frame said "Model 66" no dash.

Yeah, I guess I will buy it... I need to see if it is IDPA legal for SSR.

 

[peyton]

Buy it anyway, that is a great price for a 66 no dash!!

 

[M3Stuart]

I would try to cut a deal - agree to buy it, have them hold onto it, order that screw, and make sure that it 'only needs a screw'. I would be afraid that the 'missing screw' was just window dressing on some larger problem. Especially given that you said they never have good deals at that store. If it looks too good to be true...

 

[NicVerAZ]

I would try to cut a deal - agree to buy it, have them hold onto it, order that screw, and make sure that it 'only needs a screw'. I would be afraid that the 'missing screw' was just window dressing on some larger problem. Especially given that you said they never have good deals at that store. If it looks too good to be true...

The thumbpiece was held in place by a piece of tape but it was still functional and allowed to open the chamber.

The revolver functioned properly as far as double and single action, and I could detect no big issue at first check.

This shop is run by a bunch of ignoramuses (ignorami?). Lots of Russian milsurps, police guns and your usual Hi Points. I am pretty sure they don't know what they have.

 

[sodacan]

Needs a screw? No big deal. We all do. If the gun is mechanically sound and the alterations suit you, buy it. The price seems right. Good luck.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I'd walk in there with 4 benjamins and lay them out of the counter and point. (course I'd have the other 29 in my pocket just in case )

 

[minconrevo]

Lots of IDPA shooters prefer the 66-3 variant. Others prefer the -5. I like -3's personally. In 19's that's equivalent is a 19-5.

If it has an added aftermarket rib on top, its no longer a SSR but a ESR instead.