Question about Border Patrol Commemorative Pistol

[Bullheads1]

My grandfather passed away last year and I was given the guns he had. Now that I just retired I am looking to learn about them. I just heard him tell us about these but never saw these growing up. There were these two Smith & Wesson .357 magnums in the group. The others were shotguns and a .300 Savage rifle and stuff like that. I'm not familiar with alot of these older guns.

He retired from the Border Patrol in 1977. He bought the commemorative pistol Model 66 in 1974 or 1975 and he put his badge number on the order form and that is engraved on the side. He had never fired it. He still had the original gun box, commemorative box, patches, all paperwork and the invoice for it so its kind of cool. I'm trying to figure out if there is a way to see how many of these were produced? Sorry if this has been asked before. If anyone knows I'd appreciate it.

 

[1Celticfozzie]

Usbp - Album on Imgur

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum and I'm sorry about your loss.

Please post pictures of your grandfather's S&Ws. We here on the forum LOVE pictures!

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! Condolences on the loss of your grandfather, but it appears that he gifted you some fine firearms. I did some quick research in the "Standard Catalog of S&W 5th Ed." and found that the U.S. Border Patrol Model 66 was a 50th Anniversary commemorative, 1924-1974. There is a USBP badge etched on the frame and a USBP number marked above the triggerguard. These stainless steel Model 66s had 4" barrels. S&W manufactured 3,138 of these USBP revolvers and they were issued in 1976. Approx. current value for the package is $1200. The standard Model 66 is known as the .357 Combat Magnum Stainless, and were produced by S&W from 1970-2004. Commemorative revolver sets typically appeal more to personnel that were associated with the particular organization that the set represents than to collectors, however sets like yours are sought after. You have a very nice family heirloom to pass along. Enjoy!

 

[Bullheads1]

I just added the pictures. Thanks everyone.

 

[Gdogman]

I second Hawg Rider's comments. I collect Law Enforcement guns but usually stick to the ones that were carried on duty and are agency marked versus Commerative or retirement guns. That is a great gun to pass down through the family. Great looking package.

 

[USBP SW]

You should definitely keep something like that in the family, along with any first-hand stories that you can pass along. I am sorry to hear about your loss!

 

[Bullheads1]

Thanks. Unfortunately none of my daughters have any interest in guns at all.

 

[USBP SW]

Thanks. Unfortunately none of my daughters have any interest in guns at all.

Daughters tend to get married. Don't count them out too soon, husbands and grandchildren may be interested, especially, if there's family history involved.

 

[walkin' trails]

Those are beautiful heirlooms. I was in the Border Patrol in the early 90s in San Diego Sector. The 66 was a desirable issue sidearm for agents. Some would not even turn them in for repairs even when they were spitting chunks of lead because they might not get that gun back. The color guard carried 66s with factory target grips. There likely were some guys who carried the commeratives. S&W also produced a Model 686 commerative. I knew one senior agent who did carry his. Surprisingly San Diego law enforcement who would investigate agent-involved incidents got the guns back to agents within two or three days of the incidents. My regrets - not buying commeratives of either model when someone was offering them up for sale at prices far less than they’re asking today.

 

[larryofcc]

I have one in my closet. Belongs to my Step Son, who retired to Italy and could not take it. He retired as the Agent in Charge of Air Ops, El Centro Calif. It remains unfired. I also have his M19 duty gun and sawed off Winchester M1897. Big Larry