Should I care between Models 66, 66-1, 66-2 and 66-3

[bushmaster1313]

Been surfing the auctions

As long as the gun has the barrel and grips I want should I care between a 66, 66-1, 66-2 and a 66-3?

 

[silversnake]

Here were the changes between dash numbers:

1970 - Model 66 introduced
1977 - 66-1, gas ring moved from yoke to cylinder
1982 - 66-2, eliminate pinned barrel and cylinder counterbore (cylinder shortened by 0.05")
1986 - 66-3, new yoke retention system, radius stud package, hammer nose bushing, floating hand

I'm not convinced that the -3 changes were improvements, all things being equal I'd take one of the earlier guns. But I own a 66-3 and it works fine.

In my opinion you would be well served with any of the above.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Here were the changes between dash numbers:

1970 - Model 66 introduced
1977 - 66-1, gas ring moved from yoke to cylinder
1982 - 66-2, eliminate pinned barrel and cylinder counterbore (cylinder shortened by 0.05")
1986 - 66-3, new yoke retention system, radius stud package, hammer nose bushing, floating hand

I'm not convinced that the -3 changes were improvements, all things being equal I'd take one of the earlier guns. But I own a 66-3 and it works fine.

In my opinion you would be well served with any of the above.

^^^ This is very helpful

 

[epj]

I have a 2-1/2" dash 2. The trigger on the earlier guns was usually thin and ribbed. The -2 and I assume later has a wider, smooth "combat trigger". Certainly better for DA use. Also, I can tell if the gun is loaded without having to pick it up. I see both these changes as pluses.

 

[colt_saa]

Usually I do not care what engineering revision a specific model is as long as I like the configuration.

However in regards to the model 66, my preference is the -7 (and later) engineering revisions of the model 66.

The -7 design improvement eliminated the flat spot on the bottom of the barrel that so many people worry about cracking on the previous engineering revisions of the model 66.

 

[lamarw]

I have a 66-2 with a 2 & 1/2" barrel. I really like it. All being the same condition and appearance wise, I would probably choose the more desirable no dash or -1. I would not swamp mine for one of those in a lesser condition or with a longer barrel.

 

[TAROMAN]

If you want a 6 barrel, -1 and later is where you must go.
Interesting, my 6" -1 came with a HC .400" smooth target trigger and a .500" target hammer.
Can find no mention in SCSW #4 of that setup being offered.

 

[StakeOut]

I have a 66-2 with a 2 & 1/2" barrel. I really like it. All being the same condition and appearance wise, I would probably choose the more desirable no dash or -1. I would not swamp mine for one of those in a lesser condition or with a longer barrel.

Please don't swamp it,use a light synthetic oil.

I'm a fan of the 66-1 but will still prefer a blued Model 19-2 or -3 over it

 

[rburg]

Much just depends on what you like or can find at a decent price. In my opinion, most of the engineering changes were done for cost reduction, not to make the gun better. There was nothing wrong with the M19 it came from, they just gave in to save money. Yes, I have a no dash. And a 19-3 that is from the same period. Good solid guns with a traditional barrel that screws in . I don't shoot overloads in my K frame guns. N frames handle that better.

 

[MetalMan]

I have a 66-4 and 19-5, both 2-1/2" snubbies...

While the aesthetic changes to the top strap on the 66-4 were a plus for me, my only preferences when seeking out these models were for non-MIM and no IL. I will say that my 66 has one of the best triggers out-of-the-box and the 19-5 is not far behind.

Happy hunting!!!!

 

[Mblhopo]

I have a 66-1 2.5 inch pinned/recessed,,and been told it's the one to have. It's in perfect shape and I like it a lot. every time I show it to someone they want to buy it on the spot.....................................M*

 

[John Fugate]

66 no dash through 66-5"s are all great guns. I am partial to the no dash and dash 1 P/R guns.

John

 

[sheepdawg]

I like pinned and recessed so it's 66s and 66-1s for me.

 

[bglz42]

I love my 66-1 2.5". But it is a weird one... recessed but not pinned.

 

[Ranger514]

I don't have the experience with the different models to give anyone an educated opinion, but I have a 66-3 snubby7 I bought new in 1990 for backcountry duty carry and off-duty cc. It's served me well, with no mechanical issues. Because of the history it's shared with me, I'd have to say it's my favorite among the revolvers I own.