Opinions on the 66 w/2 1/2 in barrel?

[AveragEd]

I've posted this before, but perhaps eight years ago, I saw a 2-1/2" Model 66-4 on GunBroker. It was advertised as being in what the seller termed "average condition" and had a minimum bid of $416. I thought that sounded low so I downloaded his two photos and enlargened them on my 27" monitor. The gun looked new - no buggered screw slots, very slight turn line and no scuffs or marks on the metal so I entered the minimum bid, fully expecting to start a bidding war.

A few days later, I received a "You won..." email from GunBroker. No one else bid! I can only assume the "average condition" descriptive scared off potential bidders. Sometimes you just get lucky.

Ed

 

[Jdavis]

I purchased this one sometime in the 80's. IMO, it was one of S&W's best offerings. The K-frame is arguably the ideal combination of size and power.
Not to mention the sleek attractive design. This is one gun I will never part with.

 

[gnystrom]

A guy comes into our range on a regular basis and shoots a 66 2-1/2" offhand at 75'. I have shot that gun and the balance makes it very easy to control even at that distance.

 

[viceunit]

I bought a 19-3 2.5" new in Feb 1978. Was a long time off-duty piece and is still my favorite S&W of all I own. Picked up a 66-1 snub about 20 years ago, and it is very nice also, but I prefer a blued handgun. The proportions are near perfect. But, they do not get carried anymore for social work, a G43 has taken their place. I would not be too upset if my G43 got wet, scratched up or sat on a shelf in an evidence room. I'd lose sleep if any of that happened to one of my Smith's.

 

[demkofour]

The Gauntlet, with Clint Eastwood... once again, he was responsible for an uptick in S&W sales- this time the 2 1/2 66!

 

[one eye joe]

What is there to opine on.....the gun speaks for itself.

THIS GUN DOES INDEED, SPEAK FOR ITSELF--AS MOST GUNS DO.....

WHETHER THE LISTENER LIKES THE MESSAGE, OR NOT, REMAINS A MATTER OF PERSONAL OPINION.....

I HAPPEN TO LIKE THIS ONE, BUT THERE MAY BE THOSE AMONG US, THAT DO NOT........

 

[WCCPHD]

My first issued firearm with my state agency was a 2.5 inch Model 66-1. It was a great carry gun (in the issued Roy Baker Pancake Holster) but a bit snappy with .357 ammo. I had no problem qualifying, but others did. We finally went to .38 +P and the qualification problems ceased. In those days basically all ammo was the same and the 2.5 inch barrel with full bore magnum loads put out a flash that would temporarily blind you at night. I know they now have short barrel loads that fixed that problem.

I did not buy my issued gun when I had the chance. I got a used one that was out of time and I did not have $150 at the time. I was able to find an exact replacement years later. The gun, below, was the issued gun of a North Carolina elected Sheriff who did not carry it. It has been fired but very little. I got it, in the box with original grips, all tools and the grips on it for $400 in 2008.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

My opinion on the 2.5" model 66 guns is high

no-dash

 

[damienph]

I can't really add anything except....

 

[Capt. F.]

My main carry. Conceals well, especially in a pancake holster, all the horsepower you need in an accurate package and just plain looks all business. Did I miss anything?

 

[M29since14]

To me, they're impractical, loud, mean to shoot with .357s and magnas, and tough to shoot well, in general, compared to a 4-inch gun... but they have a certain charm about them! Everybody should have one!

 

[BAM-BAM]

The 2 1/2" with the nice wood grips is going to be handed to my grandson the day he graduates from High School. Good Lord willing I will be there to hand it to him. I bought it for him on the day he was born, Dec. 31 2010........

Sorry to hear he's already been held back 3 years in pre-school, Kindergarten and 1st grade........not graduating from High School til you're 21 can be tough on a kid!




LOL...... it is strange a 18 year old can in many states ''currently" own a handgun...... may not be able to "possess" it or buy it ..... but can own it.


Not to start a back and forth ; but with 20,000 or so State, and Federal gun laws on the books.... it's a minefield out there..... in the past few years I've attended about 20 hours of Continuing Legal Ed. Courses on Pa./Fed Gun laws....... last one I attended ...... about 80% of Lawyers present had "admitted" to breaking federal or state laws when handling estates.

 

[sigp220.45]

After a long dry spell, I finally got the shiny cousin of the 66, this 19-3.

I have both a 4" 19 and 66, but there is something just right about the 2 1/2" round butt version. I think I was imprinted at age 15 by watching Jim Rockford shoot down a plane with his.

 

[BB57]

I carry this one. It's as close to ideal as it gets for a concealed carry .357.

 

[BikerTrash58]

Sorry to hear he's already been held back 3 years in pre-school, Kindergarten and 1st grade........not graduating from High School til you're 21 can be tough on a kid!




LOL...... it is strange a 18 year old can in many states ''currently" own a handgun...... may not be able to "possess" it or buy it ..... but can own it.


Not to start a back and forth ; but with 20,000 or so State, and Federal gun laws on the books.... it's a minefield out there..... in the past few years I've attended about 20 hours of Continuing Legal Ed. Courses on Pa./Fed Gun laws....... last one I attended ...... about 80% of Lawyers present had "admitted" to breaking federal or state laws when handling estates.

Sorry I didn't realize I was opening you or anyone else up to trouble with breaking federal law. It and I are gone.....

 

[D Brown]

What?

Sorry to hear he's already been held back 3 years in pre-school, Kindergarten and 1st grade........not graduating from High School til you're 21 can be tough on a kid!




LOL...... it is strange a 18 year old can in many states ''currently" own a handgun...... may not be able to "possess" it or buy it ..... but can own it.


Not to start a back and forth ; but with 20,000 or so State, and Federal gun laws on the books.... it's a minefield out there..... in the past few years I've attended about 20 hours of Continuing Legal Ed. Courses on Pa./Fed Gun laws....... last one I attended ...... about 80% of Lawyers present had "admitted" to breaking federal or state laws when handling estates.

What did this post contribute to this thread other than causing a new member to withdraw from the conversation?

 

[M29since14]

Nothing much that a friendly PM wouldn't have handled much better!

 

[llowry61]

After a long dry spell, I finally got the shiny cousin of the 66, this 19-3.

I have both a 4" 19 and 66, but there is something just right about the 2 1/2" round butt version. I think I was imprinted at age 15 by watching Jim Rockford shoot down a plane with his.

I always loved the wrist grab to steady the snubby,

 

[bananaman]

I love the 66's. I had two 2.5" ones, a dash 1 and not long ago got a dash 2 in trade. Listed both for sale and planned on keeping the one that didn't sell first.

The dash 1 sold fast at a lot more than the dash 2.

Got two dash 2's now, one has an extra 1/2 inch thou.

Love the round targets! Wish I had some for mine! (reasonably priced though) Bob

 

[bananaman]

Bought this 1 a year ago at local gun show. Came with Goodyears. Took those off. A few stock sets later (Herrett) They feel great, and it is super fun to shoot! Bob

 

[Teddy Trump]

Just bought a 66-4, Excellent condition,2.5 inch barrel original rubber grips plus a older pair of stag grips, box and all paperwork for $550. I would add a picture but don't know how.

 

[ExRanger714]

Got two (well a 66-1 and a 19-2). Love "em both.

 

[vrichard]

They are nice.
Dick