S&W model 66

[9200]

Not sure where this belongs in the forums so If I am in the wrong one please inform me.
I have a chance to purchase a S&W model 66 it has 4 inch barrel and is pinned and recessed. It is also has a ported barrel.
I haven't seen the gun yet. The owner said he will get it cleaned up and make sure it is in sale able condition. Said it was an police patrol mans gun. Said it was a low round gun. Had no holster markings or wear.
Do I have to worry about the porting on it for value?
And was Porting of the barrels ever done at S&W factory?
What would be a fair price for it or ballpark price.
Any help would be appreciated. I am fairly new to handguns and learning, Thanks Jerry

 

[6GUNSONLY]

The porting would definitely reduce the value to a collector, but it doesn't sound like a collector-grade gun. Of course, a good condition 66 isn't usually exactly cheap, even ignoring collector-grade specimens.

If you want it for a shooter and don't mind the porting, it's not a huge deal. I personally don't like ported handguns, but some do.

I do not know of S&W ever porting any revolvers in that time period. More recently they have produced some "comped" revolvers, a different type of porting. I'm assuming from the vintage of the gun this one is probably Magnaported or something similar.

 

[SilentKnight]

I have owned S&W Model 66 firearms in 2.5 inch and 4 inch with pinned barrels. They are about as good as a defensive firearm gets. Having said that, I am not a fan of ported barrels whether it is factory or customized later. The blast is blinding in low light conditions and it is uncomfortable to fire from the waist due to the blast felt on your face... not to mention the amazing deafening report. If you are purchasing it for the range and target shooting great. If for carry, I do not recommend a ported firearm. A new un-ported barrel can be purchased for a pinned 66. I had a round butt 66 that had a second barrel in 4 inch and loved the interchangeable option. Model 66 S&W is a fantastic choice. Good luck.

 

[19leben]

I don't appreciate the barrel porting either. Although it would mitigate recoil somewhat, it's definitely too loud for much range time.
As to value, the porting would diminish value regardless of collector or every day shooter.
Were I to think about buying it, I wouldn't want to pay more than about $500.

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[bigmoneylewis]

I'd say a nice pinned & recessed model 66 4 "with little wear would have been a $ 750 gun .
However ,The porting makes it now a $ 575 gun .

Lewis

 

[sodacan]

$450 to $500, tops. Too many ifs. You have to check the mechanical and cosmetic condition in person. Was it the cop's duty weapon? If so, how could it have no holster wear. Round count? Who knows? Check the lockup and timing. Also check for endshake and push off. It could be a gem, even with the porting. Collector value is greatly diminished, but it be could a great shooter. A no dash with stainless steel sights would make it worth a little more, as would the original stocks. Good luck.

 

[9200]

Purchased the 66 tod

Not sure if i did ok or not, I paid $450 for it just the way it is. I haven't shot it yet. But The trigger is really awesome. I hope it isn't to load.
Can someone give me the year made of this S&W

I also want to thank everyone for the help and information. I really appreciate it. You people are so helpful.
Thanks 9200

 

[toad67]

You did very well. Go out and enjoy it.

 

[silversnake]

I think you did well, porting is not the end of the world and it's hard to get any 66 for $450.

 

[torizus]

DOM should be 1978/79
S&W did some magnaporting in the 90's,usually for RSR on 3" barrels. I have a factory ported 629 RSR.

 

[MikeLeitner]

I think $450 was a good deal, but I don't know much.
1979 would be the year.

 

[19leben]

The gun looks pretty good for $450. Except for the rubber grips.

Magna Port was a popular feature in the 80s if I'm not mistaken. They always had cool ads in alot of gun rags. Usually showed a Ruger Super Blackhawk I think.
If you use really good hearing protection the porting shouldn't bother you too much.


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[vigil617]

A Model 66-1 in that kind of cosmetic condition, assuming it's in good shape internally, for what you paid is an excellent value. The rubber grips aren't original, of course, but many owners exchanged the wood target grips for rubber as a personal preference for comfort. Shoot the heck out of that gun and enjoy one of S&W's finest combat magnums!