Model 66-2 Serial Number Question

[markyboy57]

Gentlemen, I thank you in advance for your expertise and patience, as this has been hashed over before. I have searched and read many threads but cannot seem find a sure answer. Last
week I visited a gun shop while out of town on business. In their consignment case they had a model 66 snubby for $499. A fair price but not a super deal. Looking closer, I realized that it was a 3" barrel gun. I purchased it and it is in excellent condition, showing no bumps or scratches and only 3 chamber faces show burned powder stains. Unfortunately no box or papers. The serial number is AFZ40XX. My question is this, is this from the Ashland series of guns or another run? The SCSW book says ALU is the correct prefix. Searching this forum shows letters with various other prefixes, but AFZ guns some say yes, some say no. Does anyone here have a factory letter on an AFZ prefix gun?

[/IMG]Thanks,
Mark

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! I think you can be reasonably certain this is an original 3" model 66. The factory didn't (and doesn't) assemble guns in frame alphabetical or numerical order, and the two prefixes you mentioned are both pretty close to each other and in the -2 time frame.

As you noted, someone else here may have a letter on a 3" gun with the same prefix, but you may need to spring for one of your own if you want to be 100% sure. You'll need RB Magna stocks to make it factory original. Nice find!

 

[markyboy57]

Thanks murphydog,

I know this is original from the factory, just trying to nail down whether
the AFZ prefix was from the Ashland run or another batch. I'll look in my parts,
I believe some magna round butts are in there! Also too cheap to spring for a
letter if I don't have to!