S & W MODEL 66 no DASH HELP

[spartan59]

Folks,

I'm brand new to this forum and I hope I'm posting in the proper section. Anyhow, I've come a cross a nice, Good condition, stainless Model 66 no dash. The shop that has it is asking $580 OTD. I'd say the firearm was manufactured circa 1974. Any feedback as to the price point and general comments would be greatly appreciated.

I own a Model 13-2 that is excellent but prefer the beefiness of the Model 66.

Thank You for your help in advance.

 

[sodacan]

If it has a stainless steel rear sight, an all stainless front sight (no red insert) and the condition is really good, buy it. $580 is a fair price, but it wouldn't hurt to try and get it for less. It would be an early 70's gun. Good luck.

 

[spartan59]

Thank you Sir. I tried to work them down but this was the best I can get to. I've had a heck of time finding Model 66s in my area. Also, hoping to get a manufacture time frame on this Model 66, serial number = 4K64xx

 

[JCS&W]

spartan59, looks like that M66 was shipped in 1973. I would buy it and enjoy it.

 

[P&R Fan]

What is the barrel length?
Jim

 

[spartan59]

it's a 4 inch barrel. Thanks for the help folks. the serial # on my model 13-2 is 8D14xxx, any idea of it's born on date ?

 

[Avery11]

it's a 4 inch barrel. Thanks for the help folks. the serial # on my model 13-2 is 8D14xxx, any idea of it's born on date ?

.................1981

 

[corgiS&W]

it's a 4 inch barrel. Thanks for the help folks.

Buy it, you'll like it.

 

[jmark1651]

I have never purchased a model 66 and regretted it. That is one model that i have never sold, after buying it. They are great revolvers and you cant find them on every street corner. Buy and enjoy.

 

[Avery11]

Sodacan nailed it. All SS sights, buy it now.

Black rear or red insert, ehhh, maybe if the stocks are very nice.

Either way, from a mechanical standpoint, you will find many empty seats on the naysayers' bus.



Why does this forum always get me talking like a fortune cookie?

 

[spartan59]

Avery11 thank you for the serial # verifications and thank you all for your input and help. I elected to purchase this S & W. Picking it up on Tuesday. Thanks Again

 

[Avery11]

Avery11 thank you for the serial # verifications and thank you all for your input and help. I elected to purchase this S & W. Picking it up on Tuesday. Thanks Again

My pleasure. Congrats on your new revolver. Personally, I consider the model 66 to be one of the foundational revolvers for any shooter/collector.

My favorite gun happens to be my model 15-3 which is a blued .38 that is essentially the same as your 66, save the blued finish and caliber (.38 special).

Your model 66 improves upon the already near perfect model 15 with its stainless construction and ability to deliver the capable .357 magnum.

Search to the end of the internet and back...if you find someone who doesn't like or at least respect the model 66, tell us where he is.

Enjoy and by all means, show off your firearm when you have the time.

Regards,

A.

P.S.

You can make a life out of collecting and shooting the many variations of the 66. If you need a good cry, go check out the postings of Allen-frame. His 3-inch model 66 "Smith-kabobs" are a must-see attraction...and he's a helluva guy to boot.

 

[jgreiner]

Folks,

I'm brand new to this forum and I hope I'm posting in the proper section. Anyhow, I've come a cross a nice, Good condition, stainless Model 66 no dash. The shop that has it is asking $580 OTD. I'd say the firearm was manufactured circa 1974. Any feedback as to the price point and general comments would be greatly appreciated.

I own a Model 13-2 that is excellent but prefer the beefiness of the Model 66.

Thank You for your help in advance.

Buy it, and don't look back. I had been shooting my brothers 66 for about 8 months now, and last week, my father gave me is 66 square butt. It's had a superb trigger job done on it, and is simply a great gun.

One word of advice. don't shoot a LOT of .357 magnum rounds through it, the 66's frame is jsut light enough that it will start to stretch a bit if you do. I only shoot them occasionally, but i do carry .357 magnum rounds as my defensive ammo choice. If you want to shoot a lot of .357, go buy a 686, it has a beefier frame.

the 66 is nearly a perfect wheel gun.

 

[spartan59]

Guys,

I opted to go for this S & W. It is a very nice pistol to say the least. Everything seems nice and tight. I'd say it's in 90% condition. Just wanted to thank you all for the helpful advice.

 

[spartan59]

Thought I'd post a pic or 2 of my new baby. I do like the feel of the 66.

 

[spartan59]

jgreiner,

I usually go to the indoor handgun range twice a week and split time between 1911 and .357. I shoot 25 rounds of .357 and 50 rounds of .38 sp. That translates into approx. 50 rounds of .357 per week. In your opinion, do you think it will do the 66 harm ?

I've been utilizing this regimen with my 13.

 

[Texas Star]

Be advsed that these early M-66's can heat up with .357 ammo and keep the cylinder from revolving. Massad Ayoob blew the whistle in gun magazines and S&W relocated the gas ring to prevent that.

Some also dislike the all stainess sights. Collectors want them, but shooters may want to use nail polish on the front sight, to make it easier to see.

I've not heard of frames stretching with extensive .357 use, but you WILL get endshake sooner than if you use mainly .38 ammo. Avoid 125 grain and lighter bullets in .357, as they erode the barrel throat sooner and may crack the throat/forcing cone at the thin portion at the bottom. This doesn't apply to the 125 grain medium velocity ammo, as far as I know, or to 125 grain .38 ammo.

Bill Jordan, whose idea the K-frame .357 was, told me that he envisioned carrying the gun with magnum ammo when needed, but to fire only about 10-20% full loads. Used that way, if you avoid 125 grain and lighter .357 ammo, the gun will last well.

 

[spartan59]

Gents, I feed my 357's 158gr ameagle .357 and 38sp. In your opinions should that be safe to prevent harm to my pistols ?

 

[Avery11]

158's should be fine.

Texas Star added a very thorough and meaningful post - you will do just fine if you follow his advice.

VERY nice revolver you have there, but don't you dare go messin with those sights!

 

[spartan59]

just got back from the indoor range a shortwhile ago. I ran 158 gr .357 through this 66 and it performed incredibly at 20 and 50 ft. Extremely tight groups at both distances ! I was amazed at the accuracy and relatively light recoil compared to the 13.

I was a bit surprised by the muzzle flash it generates though. Used fiochi ammo this evening as opposed to the ameagle. Bottom line is this is a great pistol. I'm glad I heeded everyone's suggestion to purchase this fine S & W.

Thanks, you guys really know your stuff !