Model 66-2 Info & Price Thoughts

[TheTinMan]

I had a 3" Model 66-4 bought new in the early '90s that I gave to my daughter. Still kind of regretting that …

I'm looking at a 3" Model 66-2. Was 66-2 the transition from pinned & recessed? This one is not pinned or recessed.

Any significant changes from 66-2 to 66-4?

Would any 3" 66-2 be considered a "Combat Magnum" or is that a specific roll mark on the barrel?

What would be a reasonable price range for a 3" Model 66-2 in 95% condition? (Buying, not selling) How much would matching box and accessories add? If "Combat Magnum" is a roll mark, does that add to value? Might just be on box?

(Please note I have looked at GunBroker completed auctions. $1,600 seems a common ballpark for 3" recently but final price for 66-2s is all over the place from $800 to $2,200.)

Thanks for reading and for any comments!

 

[turp_dog]

The 66-1 was the last of the P&R model 66 revolvers. As for value, the 66 is a very popular revolver, even more so with a 3" barrel. 800 would be a bargain, 2200 (IMHO) is way too much. Somewhere in the 1200-1400 is probably reasonable, although I may be off. Have you considered the newer 66-8 with the 3" barrel? It has the lock, but it is also a current production revolver that sells for around 800.

 

[S&W Fan]

Any model 66 is considered the Combat Magnum. I'd agree with turp dog for the prices. There's a shop not too far from me that has a 3" with all the goodies that's been sitting for $2500.

Good luck in your search.

 

[LPD256]

This one sold last week. I'd say for a nice 3" 66-2 you'd have to pay $1200-$1800. Depending on condition and accessories.

 

[stansdds]

Prices for the 3 inch K-frames are insane these days. You are not likely to find one for $1000 and if you do, grab it fast! $1200 to $1500, as crazy as that sounds, is probably what you will pay. If you found one that was NIB you will be in the $1800-$2000 range. This makes the current production, 2 3/4 inch barrel Model 66 Combat Magnum seem like a real bargain. The catch to that is finding one.

 

[SAFireman]

This one sold last week. I'd say for a nice 3" 66-2 you'd have to pay $1200-$1800. Depending on condition and accessories.

This is more in line with what I have been seeing. You aren't talking me out of mine for less than $2k (it took a loooooooong time to find it the first go-round).

The Ashland guns are sought after, just like the Camfour, Davidsons, Lew Horton, and other limited runs, each for their own reasons.

The 3" K frames seem to have a magic draw for a lot of folks....they sure do for me

Since this picture was taken, I have added the 4th gun. I have 66-2, 66-3, 66-4, 66-5 - the whole pre-lock 3" series of model 66's

 

[Sigma40sw]

The magic of a 3" barrel gun is that it has a full length Ejector Rod.
That is why I like 3" Model 65's

 

[TheTinMan]

This is more in line with what I have been seeing. You aren't talking me out of mine for less than $2k (it took a loooooooong time to find it the first go-round).

The Ashland guns are sought after, just like the Camfour, Davidsons, Lew Horton, and other limited runs, each for their own reasons.

The 3" K frames seem to have a magic draw for a lot of folks....they sure do for me

Since this picture was taken, I have added the 4th gun. I have 66-2, 66-3, 66-4, 66-5 - the whole pre-lock 3" series of model 66's

Love that trio pic!

How would I identify an Ashland Model 66? Would serial # start with AHL?

 

[snw19_357]

Any significant changes from 66-2 to 66-4?

-3 went to floating hand, changed the yoke and went to spring loaded yoke screw.
-4 got rid of floating hand but went to new extractor style, new style rear sight leaf.

Would any 3" 66-2 be considered a "Combat Magnum" or is that a specific roll mark on the barrel?

Any Model 66 would be a .357 Combat Magnum Stainless. The Combat Magnum is a Model 19.

If "Combat Magnum" is a roll mark, does that add to value?

Combat Magnum is a roll stamp on the Model 66-8 but none of the previous dash numbers.

How would I identify an Ashland Model 66? Would serial # start with AHL?

AHL is one of a few Ashland prefixes.

 

[Old cop]

A few years ago I paid $600 for a 1973 LNIB 4" Model 66 w/stainless sights, plus factory magna AND factory combat grips. It was the most I'd ever paid for a handgun.

 

[turp_dog]

A few years ago I paid $600 for a 1973 LNIB 4" Model 66 w/stainless sights, plus factory magna AND factory combat grips. It was the most I'd ever paid for a handgun.

Dang... just a year or so ago I paid ~1400 for one of those. Figure I paid the top end, but I wanted it for my collection.

 

[TheTinMan]

Thank you all for your help. I was successful in 2 of 4 S&W revolvers that I bid on.

The 3" Model 66-2 (Ashland) included the matching box, paperwork and tool kit still sealed in plastic bag. The left grip panel is slightly proud of the backstrap toward the top. Other than that the gun is close to perfect and appears unfired. Lockup and action are excellent. I paid $1,955 including auction premium. Yes, that was the absolute top of my range but I wanted it.

The 4" Model 66 is, if anything, in even better shape. Pinned barrel and recessed cylinder face. Everything, especially the bore, is so clean I don't think the hammer ever dropped on a live round. I was happy to get this one for $1,380.

My only regret is that these 2 are in such pristine condition I fear that I shouldn't shoot them. I don't usually buy safe queens - I shoot almost anything - but I don't want to reduce the value of either of these.

 

[WVSig]

Congrats on your new 66s. They are great guns. You need to shoot them. They are perfect working guns.

I got lucky on my 66-4 3" $879 + $14 FFL transfer earlier this year. I could not get the CC out of my wallet fast enough. No box or manual just the gun. Added a nice set of grips and called it a day. Mine is not pristine but it is in excellent shape. I love shooting it.

 

[Old cop]

Dang... just a year or so ago I paid ~1400 for one of those. Figure I paid the top end, but I wanted it for my collection.

I purchased it from another retired cop I worked with, but $600 was what they went for at the time. Lucky find for me!