New-to-Me 66-1 - Very Happy!

[OLD208X3A]

After looking over this forum for quite some time (great info BTW and real good people) I found a Model 66-1 for sale locally. The gun was surprisingly dirty and there was some "holster wear" on the cylinder which looked like the finish had been basically polished in some spots by holstering and re-holstering. Gun still had pretty good rifling and was in really good mechanical shape (I checked it based on information on this site for purchasing a used revolver). Gun came with a vintage (read: old) Triple "K" OWB holster and I probably paid $50-100 more than I should have, but he wouldn't budge and I wanted this gun so whatever. S/N is 86KXXXX.

Got it home and cleaned it real well and also used some Flitz on the finish and it shined up almost like nickle. Beautiful gun and I'm very happy with my purchase. Than I also ordered a better gun belt (Beltman), new grips (Ahrends), and a holster (Don Hume H-715 IWB) all based on recommendations from this site. You guys sure cost me a lot of money this weekend.

This will be my added to my CCW rotation with a flat-latch, pre-model 36 .38. I also carry the three- and four-inch versions of 1911's (Kimber). I previously had a Glock 26 which was a great weapon, but I just never warmed up to it. I absolutely LOVE this Model 66-1 and can't wait to carry it.

Paid about the same price for the Model 66-1 that I made from selling the Glock with some extras. The first two pictures are after I cleaned it and the third picture is the gun in the shape in which I purchased it . Thanks for all of the information on here and for helping me to appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage of this fine weapon. I would have posted this yesterday, but I knew I'd catch flack if I didn't include pics.

 

[Jeff45]

You now have a fine revolver made with quality parts, and nice job on the clean-up. The grips are not pretty, but I actually prefer the old Pachmayr Compacts on mine when I head to the range.

 

[WardenRoss]

congrats on a fine investment. you can pick-up a block anytime. not so with a classic k frame.

i use the pachmayr grips with back strap cover (decelerator?) on my k frame round butts when firing full-house .357's.

 

[66Park]

I would be very happy with that as well! A fine revolver for home defense or carry.

 

[perrazi]

have had one just like it including the grips for over 20 yrs. you will like it. full up mag ammo is ferocious though.

 

[rockman_nc]

Very nice and great job on the clean up. I also just picked up a 66-1 but the 6" version. It was not the barrel length I was looking for, but thought the gun was too nice to pass up. Enjoyed reading your post and hope you enjoy your new purchase.

 

[corgiS&W]

You will love it! I have a no-dash with a 4" barrel, a bit long for CC. Perhaps I'll find one like yours.

 

[OLD208X3A]

Thanks everyone for the good words about my new acquisition. Because everyone here is open about the current market value of these guns and because I know the guy who sold it to me isn't on this forum, I'll tell you I paid $700 for the gun and the holster. No box and no papers included. I tried, but he wouldn't go a penny lower and we were both happy with the deal. He also had no idea how old the gun was.

 

[Snake Plissken]

Congrats on your fine 66, I have it's brother

 

[JCS&W]

I have a M66-1, serial number in the 76K range. It is a real blast to shoot. Congrats on the find, and I am sure there will be more Smiths to keep it company in the near future.

 

[lhump1961]

Thanks everyone for the good words about my new acquisition. Because everyone here is open about the current market value of these guns and because I know the guy who sold it to me isn't on this forum, I'll tell you I paid $700 for the gun and the holster. No box and no papers included. I tried, but he wouldn't go a penny lower and we were both happy with the deal. He also had no idea how old the gun was.

Great gun...the $$ will not be missed but the gun would be. I will 2nd the comment that full .357 ammo will be brutal in that gun. Stick with 158g ammo in .357 or .38+P and shoot away!

My defense load for my 66's or 19's is 12.5g 2400 under 158JHP. That is a medium .357 load but PLENTY for a snubbie...my range load is even lighter. Factory .38+P works great too, but you have to clean the cylinder good after shooting 38's in a .357. JMHO

 

[Lorelei]

There sure are some beautiful guns in this thread. I love 19's and 66's.

 

[Diablo982]

Thanks everyone for the good words about my new acquisition. Because everyone here is open about the current market value of these guns and because I know the guy who sold it to me isn't on this forum, I'll tell you I paid $700 for the gun and the holster. No box and no papers included. I tried, but he wouldn't go a penny lower and we were both happy with the deal. He also had no idea how old the gun was.

You actually didn't overpay. These snubbies have soared in price the last few months. When you factor in shipping/ transfer fees you could not have done any better through the auction sites. If you posted it here in the "guns for sale" section for $700, it wouldn't last half a day. Congratulations on your purchase of a fine revolver!

 

[rwsmith]

Glad for you

And if YOU feel like it was a good deal, then it WAS a good deal.

 

[OLD208X3A]

Spent some more money

I finally got the stuff I ordered for my 66-1. The Don Hume holster works great. This is the first high-rise holster I've used and I like the way this thing wears and conceals. The price is right too. I also got a Beltman belt that works fantastic. Their customer service and products are outstanding. Actually ordered a second one after I got the first one. Both are the double bull hide and one has the stiffener insert. They make this heavy weapon feel like carrying nothing.

I ordered a set of service grips from Smith and a Tyler T-grip. I got the grips within a week and T-grip in about two weeks. I really like the old-school look of the T-grip. You can see all this in the pictures below.

Thanks again for all the recommendations and advice.