new retired member

[rrzielin]

Model 66 questions. A bit of a handgun newb, been looking at 22 and 357 revolvers. Learning S&W are the premier revolvers. Looking mostly at used guns. Found a 357 Model 66 no dash, serial # 9K51405. Can anyone offer me advice or history on this gun. Appears to be a good tight, Worn but not beat up. Comfortable and good balance for me - 4" barrel. Considering going back to deal tomorrow. Any thing I should be aware of? How old is this revolver?
Thanks
RZ
Michigan

 

[brick]

I can tell you the year it was made was 1976. I'll let the more informed answer your other questions.

 

[gruntdeputy]

We can also tell you that the Model 66 4" is one of the best of the best. It was the sidearm of many, many law enforcement agencies. I carried one for about half of my career.

I cannot speak to prices in Mich., but in SoCal,in reasonable condition (not drop-kicked down Morena Blvd.) from a retail shop, a 4" Model 66 is priced at $650++, maybe up to $800.

Welcome aboard!

Frank

 

[rrzielin]

Thanks guy, I sure like it for just the look and feel, but is is a little dirty and worn which ?s my value standards. New to handguns and spinning in circles about what upper grade revolver to buy at a good value. Any suggestion welcome. Can't shoot just anytime /anywhere, so its gotta look and feel good.

 

[LoadEmUp]

We can also tell you that the Model 66 4" is one of the best of the best. It was the sidearm of many, many law enforcement agencies. I carried one for about half of my career.

I cannot speak to prices in Mich., but in SoCal,in reasonable condition (not drop-kicked down Morena Blvd.) from a retail shop, a 4" Model 66 is priced at $650++, maybe up to $800.

Welcome aboard!

Frank

I also like the 4" model 66. I have recently seen 5 of them here in SE PA ( I picked up one of them) go for $449.00 at the LGS. These were all in good condition, no boxes or papers.

A warm welcome to the forum.

 

[holo]

if you can get it anywhere below $600.00 I'd say you did well

 

[gk2410]

I have the same gun and have purchased them for each of my sons, but the only thing to be aware of is that so many were issued to PD's that you have to look at condition. Not all are marked by PD's so if it seems dirty and well worn, chances are... Some PD's take better care and there are a lot of nice trade-ins.

That still doesn't mean it's not a good buy. Check for tightness and lock up of the cylinder and (not sure what term the fellows use around here) but look at the end of the barrel where it meets the cylinder for wear / corrosion from a diaet of hot or magnum loads. You can always pretty up the outside...

 

[rrzielin]

I appreciate the info. Is this 66 a better gun to have for hobby /sport shooting use than say a 10 HB or a 19? I dont see me needing to shoot the more powerful 357 loads. My retired wrists may only be able to handle 38 special, before much longer. I have already picked up a ruger 22 pistol. Picking up shotguns and rifles over the years was pretty easy. This larger sized pistol hunt is challenging, but one that's fun. please keep the info coming. hope u all have a happy holiday

 

[gruntdeputy]

The Model 10, the Model 19 and the Model 66 are all he same gun on the inside. The stainless steel of the Model 66 gives you more protection from the elements or from sweet if you are carrying it against your body, but it is not rust proof! All of them are great guns, but if something goes bump in the night I reach for my Model 19 4"... I've had it so long that we share DNA.

Frank

 

[rrzielin]

Cool... yep dont need bling or target sites in that setting. How about the vintage year of a mod 10-6 .. s/n D8218xx?

 

[finesse_r]

Possible Alternative....

I appreciate the info. Is this 66 a better gun to have for hobby /sport shooting use than say a 10 HB or a 19? I dont see me needing to shoot the more powerful 357 loads. My retired wrists may only be able to handle 38 special, before much longer. I have already picked up a ruger 22 pistol. Picking up shotguns and rifles over the years was pretty easy. This larger sized pistol hunt is challenging, but one that's fun. please keep the info coming. hope u all have a happy holiday

If you don't need the adjustable sights, a Model 64 would be much less expensive and handle any .38 or 38 +P rounds you want to shoot. 4 inch Model 64's can be picked up much easier than the Model 66. I just bought one a couple of months ago on Gun broker for $335 including shipping and transfer fees. It was a police trade in, but is in very good condition and will last many decades longer than I will live. Admittedly, that is well below what most are selling for, but these buys do show up from time to time on the Model 64 four inch revolvers.

The Model 64 is built on the same K-Frame as the Model 66 and is chambered for .38 which is what it appears you want to shoot.

The Model 19 is the same as the Model 66 only in blued steel and is equally a fine revolver.

 

[rrzielin]

No plans for bullseyes, just need to be on the paper. I am also thinking a good blue would be cheaper... and with wood grips do just fine for looks. The more I dig around the more a S/W 38 sounds like my gun. Learning that Ruger factory trigger pull is not always friendly or smooth as the older S/W
thx guy
RZ

 

[Feez357]

Did he say DNA ?

I've had it so long that we share DNA.Frank

I'm going to try to rember that line, can I use it with your permission?

 

[rrzielin]

Thanks, spiked my DNA today

We can also tell you that the Model 66 4" is one of the best of the best. It was the sidearm of many, many law enforcement agencies. I carried one for about half of my career.

I cannot speak to prices in Mich., but in SoCal,in reasonable condition (not drop-kicked down Morena Blvd.) from a retail shop, a 4" Model 66 is priced at $650++, maybe up to $800.

Welcome aboard!

Frank

Went for it. And man o man, do I like the fit and feel. Same mod 66 no dash as mentioned. Got Pontiac MI pawn shop down $130 and bought @ $500. Almost love it already... sick puppy! Thanks for the coaching guys. Can hardly wait to clean up, spec check, and do some shots. Gunsmith liked it!

RZ