Mod 66 No Dash Stainless rear sight, red ramp front sight correct?

[Fenderskirt66]

Hey guys and gals! New to the forum here - name is Kelly from Wichita, KS. I am looking at potentially buying my first Model 66 which is a no dash serial'd 4K6xxxx. It sports the stainless rear sight and has the red ramp front sight. I have to admit, I haven't seen this combination as of yet and want to know if this seems "correct" for this revolver. Any guestimate when this 4K6 was born? Last question, the grips dont look original - anyone know what those are off of?
Many Thanks!
Kelly

 

[Doc44]

Welcome to the forum. Your (potential) 66 dates to 1974. If the box is original to the revolver, it will have an end label that says RR where the sight box is. The stocks are off another K-frame that may be one of many models (14, 15, 18).

Even if the RR isn't original, it is still a nice option to have on the 66.

Bill

 

[minconrevo]

It's a tad tough to tell from your pic, but your red ramp looks longer than a standard S&W factory job to first glance. Still if the box says RR, then its likely factory.

Those early all SS rear on all SS front sights were tough to use in the field, especially on a sunny day.

The stocks may be factory; if the original box does say TS they probably are not original. In that era of S&W, it was common to have the s/n stamped into the backside of the Magna grips.

I had one like yours set up with a Tyler-T grip adapter and the rounded-butt style Magna's; it concealed well and handled magnums comfortably in that configuration. A vintage Pachmayr grip adapter would give the same effect.

 

[fyimo]

Here's my 66 no dash with a red ramp front sight

 

[Fenderskirt66]

Appreciate the quick feedback gents! I have attached another close up of the red ramp front sight to see if you all think it's factory or not. Unfortunately the box isn't original to the gun, so no way of telling what this one's factory configuration was unless there's another way?

What's the consensus here on having the factory box to help confirm the pistol's origin? Is it a huge drawback of not having the original box for a collector pistol, or should I maybe wait for one that has the box so I know exactly what the factory intended?

Thanks Again Fellas,
Kelly

 

[TDC]

Quite a few early 66 4" no-dashes were modified by their owners with a RR installation to correct what was considered a poor sight picture, especially by many LE agencies. It was an easy modification for a good gunsmith and could be accomplished to look much like a factory original.

A tell-tale sign was a slightly different color red material than was commonly seen on original red ramps, or slightly different dimensions compared to the normal factory size cut on the blade.

I'm certainly no authority on the subject of what S&W has made, but when I see a configuration that differs significantly from the norm, like a red ramp on an early no-dash 66 without having a black rear sight included, I'm a bit skeptical about its factory originality... I would certainly suggest a factory letter to confirm its history if I felt it was important.

In any event, a Mod. 66, especially the P&R guns, are among the favorites in my collection. You're going to love this gun, Fenderskirt66. I believe you'll find a lot of people feel the same way about theirs.....

JMHO

 

[410bore]

fyimo, did you put the WO rear sight in the stainless sight assembly? somebody had to make that change....probably did it for better sight picture

 

[fyimo]

fyimo, did you put the WO rear sight in the stainless sight assembly? somebody had to make that change....probably did it for better sight picture

I bought it that way from a forum member here and it came that way and yes I like it better then the Model 67 no dash I had with the all stainless rear sight.

 

[sbcman]

I have never seen an all stainless sight 66 with a red ramp. But, this means nothing, s&w may have very well made some. I have one with all stainless sights and while I wouldn't cut out the front sight to put a red ramp in, I would be tempted to replace the rear sight with black and put a little removable paint on the front. The all stainless sights are a good idea as far as revolver maintenance, but a terrible idea for actual shooting. I need some color

 

[ken158]

The cut dovetail and red color do not look like factory to me.

 

[Fenderskirt66]

This response has been outstanding guys - I want to thank each one of you who provided valuable feedback which has greatly helped in my decision.

This example just doesn't feel right with the suspect red ramp not being factory. If this were going to be a shooter, and priced like one, I wouldn't mind. But the pricing is close to collector status @ $560 plus shipping and FFL fee's which would be well over $600. For that amount of money, I want a correct 66 no dash with the correct box to boot. I am going to continue my quest to find one of these fine revolvers and as I find them, I will likely be posting to get some more of this great feedback you all have provided.

Appreciate the warm welcoming here!

Kelly
Fenderskirt66

 

[TDC]

I should add here that fyimo's beautiful no-dash 66 is exactly how I believe all early 4" models should have been configured if their design had been better thought out. Love those smooth Goncalo stocks, too!

As was later incorporated into the Mod 66-1, a red ramp and black rear sights would have made the gun much more useful and appealing to both LE and shooters.

The uniqueness of the all stainless sight "mistake" on the early 66s and 67s, as well as the 66 being the first magnum handgun produced by S&W is what makes this early gun so interesting to many owners and collectors today, including me..

Many were produced but it seems, in reality, not nearly as many retained their original sight configuration....

JMHO