Model 66 Dash One

[Fredo Batali]

Went to my local gun shop this afternoon to purchase what I thought was a S&W 1917 Commercial .45 A.C.P. Turned out to be a 1917 Military so I took a look at several other offerings. I finally came away with a Model 66-1 (it won out over a Model 29-6). It's apparently a "transition" revolver as it's not pinned but it is recessed. The rear sight is not white outline but the front sight has a red ramp? It came with the Hogues in the photos but I'm looking for a set of target grips for it. I may have paid too much for it but what the heck. It locks up tight as bank vault with zero end shake. It couldn't have been shot much. Serial number (112K3XX) puts it at about 1981. That seems a little late for "transition'?

 

[TNDave]

Very nice gun.

 

[Person]

Very nice! I have a 4" 66 no dash and it is one of my favorite revolvers. I also have a 2.5" 66-1 and it is a transition gun just like yours. Enjoy it!

Later,

Person

 

[sheepdawg]

I also have a 66 no dash 4" barrel, welcome to the 66 club.

You now have one of S&Ws true masterpieces, enjoy it.

 

[Dennis The B]

My Model 66-1, serial no. 32k6xxx, has a 2.5" barrel and is pinned and recessed.

When was yours produced?

 

[snw19_357]

The rear sight is not white outline but the front sight has a red ramp?

Right. They went to the red ramp when they started using the blued rear sight instead of the all stainless sights but the white outline rear sight blade was not ‘standard’.

Serial number (112K3XX) puts it at about 1981. That seems a little late for "transition'?

No. You have to remember that the transitional ones didn’t show up until after the next engineering change was approved, they were using up ‘old stock’ still in inventory.
I do find it interesting that even though it has the unpinned barrel/frame of a 66-2 and the recessed cylinder of a 66-1, it is stamped a 66-1. It makes you wonder where in the manufacturing process they stamp the frame and when they drill the hole for the pin.

 

[Fredo Batali]

Dennis,

Mine was made in 1981.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[Fredo Batali]

snw19_357,

That's what interested me about the revolver. The M29-6 was very nice but the "transition" factor of this M66 and the physical condition plus the fact I've never owned one, are what sold me. Thanks everyone for the replys and information.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[C Islander]

Sweet revolver. You gotta love a nice 66.

 

[Flint Ridge]

Warning my friend these are addictive - very addictive.