S&W 66 with 3,2" barrel

[helmsp]

Sometimes you just get lucky. Originally, I wanted to find a 19 or 66 with a 3" barrel (one of my holy grail), but then this piece crossed my path.

Quote from the SCSW:
Model 66-5, Stocking Dealer Special: Fitted with green hi-viz front sight and a V-notch rear sight black blade. Barrel length is 3.2". Manufactured in 2001. Product code 102720.

Sticker on the blue case says 3,25" length though.

Does anyone of you know how many pieces were produced?

 

[stansdds]

Stated barrel length is a nominal dimension, actual barrel length varies up to +/- 1/8" (0.125").

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun. I think this was intentionally produced and marketed as a 3.25" barrel - which means it varies between 3 and 3.5".

 

[helmsp]

I think this was intentionally produced and marketed as a 3.25" barrel - which means it varies between 3 and 3.5".

Ergo another person could have a 3" piece even though it's the same production run/edition? Interesting marketing, makes collecting more adventurous.

Since the pre-owner seem to have dropped it quite heavily on the sights it's not a safe queen anymore and shot it today. The round front sight and triangle rear cut-out makes sighting difficult.

 

[stansdds]

The barrel length variation depends on the fitting requirements of each barrel to its frame. Barrels will start out at or on the long side of the nominal dimension. During fitting, the barrel's shoulder will be milled in order to get adequate torque to retain the barrel in the frame with the front sight and rib in proper alignment with the top of the frame. Then the barrel shank has to be cut in order to have a few thousandths of an inch clearance with the face of the cylinder. Some barrels may require more fitting or a fitter might have an oops and have to re-mill the shoulder during fitting. The more milling, the shorter the finished barrel length.

 

[SmithNut]

Here the flyer for your Stocking Dealer Special......

 

[TheTinMan]

I like it a LOT!