Model 66-1 question

[JeffD607]

I recently obtained a model 66-1 that I previously owned and had to sell years ago due to a divorce. How's that for luck? It has a 4" barrel, recessed cylinder, logo on left side and does not have a pinned barrel. I took the Pachmayer grip off and was surprised to find a round butt. Did Smith & Wesson ever manufacture a model 66-1 in this configuration?

 

[Retired W4]

That is a fairly odd configuration. You should look at the SN on the butt to see if it's centered. What I'm getting at is someone may have round butted a SB gun. The non-pinned barrel on a -1 may have happened on the cusp of the -2 in 1982. A letter might solve the mystery.

It's always good to be reunited with an old friend.

 

[CH4]

4” -1s and -2s came with a square butt. Sounds you have a transition gun that someone either swapped out a 2.5” barrel or round butted it. If the latter, I hope they did a good job and didn’t alter the serial number.

 

[JeffD607]

The serial number starts at the forward edge of butt. I didn't know that you could change the butt configuration. I was suspecting a barrel change. I had read someplace that it may be possible that a department special ordered this model in that configuration. Will a letter state the original configuration?

 

[Vtgw938]

You should be able to tell if the grip frame has been altered. If not provide a couple pictures.

 

[CH4]

The serial number starts at the forward edge of butt. I didn't know that you could change the butt configuration. I was suspecting a barrel change. I had read someplace that it may be possible that a department special ordered this model in that configuration. Will a letter state the original configuration?

A fairly common modification. If done right, it’s nearly imperceivable; however, if done wrong…

 

[snw19_357]

The serial number starts at the forward edge of butt. I didn't know that you could change the butt configuration. I was suspecting a barrel change. I had read someplace that it may be possible that a department special ordered this model in that configuration. Will a letter state the original configuration?

S&W did on occasion make special 4" RB Models 66 and 19, especially for LEAs, have a few.
Pictures would really help us but if the serial number is in the 100K's it is a square butt that has been modified. If it starts with 98K or 99K, it started as a round butt frame and the barrel was swapped or came like that from the factory.
Yes, a letter would state how it shipped.