My first .357 Magnum: Model 66-1 North Carolina State Highway Patrol

[vigil617]

It was time to dip my toe into the Combat Magnum pool, and as luck would have it, a special 66-1 with 4" barrel passed my way and I snagged it. This one is engraved with the emblem of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol -- our "state police" agency -- and is not a commemorative. It must have been a retirement gift or perhaps was issued to a trooper who didn't carry it, though these were the sidearms used by the NCHSP in the late 70s and early 80s.

It came in an S&W marked, dark-finished wooden presentation box lined with royal blue velvet-like material, and the revolver appears to have been shot either just a few times or perhaps not at all. It is in great condition, and in fact created some issues in getting good photos because it's just so doggone shiny.

The relieved target stocks are period correct and would, I'm sure, have come from the factory. Can't wait to get to the range with this one, and like the idea of my first .357 Magnum having been from my own state's Highway Patrol.

 

[imakmst]

P&R goodness in K-frame greatness

shoot it......a lot

 

[Ashlander]

In most of the small towns around where I live, most of the cops have to buy their own guns (though they get a good discount). A lot of the cops from the old revolver days retired years and years ago and many of their old service guns are now hitting the local gun stores. Often it's their kids or wives selling them off, but some of these old officers and patrolmen put together little collections, which they are now parting with piece by piece. None of these guns have any markings. It's almost a shame to lose the history.

 

[Bastogne71]

Beautiful revolver - you did good. May I ask how much you paid? There is a Virginia State Police 50th anniversary model 66-1 at an estate auction next week and I'd appreciate the information for my bidding strategy.

 

[flagman1776]

Frankly I think this was likely a commemorative or Trooper Assn gun... agencies did not pay to have engravings done on the side plate... but that doesn't matter one bit. It's a fine Stainless Combat Magnum. Pinned & recessed. I carred my 66-1 as a duy weapon as soon as I could snag one... yes, I had to purchase my sidearm.

 

[WCCPHD]

Frankly I think this was likely a commemorative or Trooper Assn gun... agencies did not pay to have engravings done on the side plate... but that doesn't matter one bit. It's a fine Stainless Combat Magnum. Pinned & recessed. I carred my 66-1 as a duy weapon as soon as I could snag one... yes, I had to purchase my sidearm.

In this case they did. The NC State Highway Patrol had their Model 66-1's, and their 686's engraved with their badge from the factory. (As they did with subsequent Beretta, Sig Sauer and S&W's) I worked for another state agency (North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division) in the same department, Crime Control and Public Safety and was required to attend the NC State Highway Patrol Basic School. I graduated on November 30, 1979 along with the Troopers of the 66th SHP Basic School. At that time they were issued four inch, nickel, model 19 S&W revolvers. When they changed guns they got the Model 66's as the one here. This was sometime around 1980 or 1981. We were carrying Model 66-1's, with 2.5 inch barrels, which were purchased in 1978. These guns were not marked, but our replacement guns, which we got in 1982 were rolled marked with our agency seal. These were Model 66-2. These were replaced with Model 13's which also had the seal applied.

 

[Cooter Brown]

A very nice gun and excellent personal history about the markings from this gentleman, WCCPHD.

Yet another example of why this place is so valuable.

 

[sw44spl]

yes NCHP marks all guns.earlier this year i had a chance to buy a S&W m&p in 357sig that they turned in to lawmans most troopers got their gun. the badge was engraved on top in front of the rear sight. years ago I had a chance to buy a NCHP marked 686 but passed on it.

 

[paragain]

Beautiful 66 that you snatched from under my nose, enjoy and congratulations.

 

[vigil617]

Beautiful revolver - you did good. May I ask how much you paid? There is a Virginia State Police 50th anniversary model 66-1 at an estate auction next week and I'd appreciate the information for my bidding strategy.

I've sent you a PM, Bastogne.

 

[vigil617]

In this case they did. The NC State Highway Patrol had their Model 66-1's, and their 686's engraved with their badge from the factory. (As they did with subsequent Beretta, Sig Sauer and S&W's) I worked for another state agency (North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division) in the same department, Crime Control and Public Safety and was required to attend the NC State Highway Patrol Basic School. I graduated on November 30, 1979 along with the Troopers of the 66th SHP Basic School. At that time they were issued four inch, nickel, model 19 S&W revolvers. When they changed guns they got the Model 66's as the one here. This was sometime around 1980 or 1981. We were carrying Model 66-1's, with 2.5 inch barrels, which were purchased in 1978. These guns were not marked, but our replacement guns, which we got in 1982 were rolled marked with our agency seal. These were Model 66-2. These were replaced with Model 13's which also had the seal applied.

I appreciate this information very much, sir! I've admired the agency-marked revolvers you've posted in other threads, and I'm glad you chimed in on this one. Many thanks.