What makes you think it was shipped to a Sherrifs Department?
That's a good looking gun!
Another tip for cleaning a stainless gun is to use a Kleenbore Lead Away Gun Cloth to remove the carbon rings from the front of the cylinder after shooting. Takes 'em right off. (Will also remove bluing so DO NOT use on a blued gun.)
Nice 66-1. If you check with High Desert Cartridge Company I worked on a .357 Magnum load with them. It is basically a good .38 Special in a .357 Magnum case. This will completely fill the cylinders and not get a build up like you get shooting .38's. It is a 158 gr. Total Metal Jacket (makes cleaning easy). It was designed specifically to be able to shoot in these older guns at lower pressures and velocity so it is enjoyable and easy on the old guns. It was incredibly accurate in my 2.5" Model 66-1. Shoot it and enjoy it.
I have shot a 66 with a 4" barrel and agree 1 or 2 cylinders of 357 was fun but 38 was more enjoyable. Guessing I'm going to enjoy 38 out of this little guy way more than 357
Suprisewheeler, unfortunately you have contracted SRV (S&W Revolver Virus) and the prognosis is not good. Buying and shooting more S&W's is the only way to achieve relief. WARNING by participating in this forum the infection will only get worse. From contact tracing I see this started with genotype 58, which while rare, is one of the most virulent sub-types. Report to your local gun store or log onto an internet site immediately. Buy more ammo.
I have shot a 66 with a 4" barrel and agree 1 or 2 cylinders of 357 was fun but 38 was more enjoyable. Guessing I'm going to enjoy 38 out of this little guy way more than 357