My money would already be on the table for that one.
Smooth Target Stocks on a 4" 66-1 - Questions (UPDATES)
- Thread starter MacA
- Start date
JCS&W
US Veteran
BUY IT AND BUY IT ASAP! Sorry about the caps, but I got excited!
Almost all 4" 66-1s were shipped with Goncalo Alves Target stocks as the 66 below shows. Smooth Gancalo Alves or Rosewood could be special ordered. The 66-1s were correct with either "footballs" or speed-loader cutouts.
I'm the original owner of many new 66 models from that period. The original boxes don't differentiate between smooth or checkered. A factory letter would be the only way to determine if it was shipped with smooth and/or Rosewood stocks, and then only if it was special ordered.
A typical 66-1 could have been delivered new with "football" Gancalo Alves grips. Most, however, had speed-loader cutouts. Again, no indication on the boxes other than a "T" for target show on my boxes.
A picture below was a special ordered 66 no-dash delivered with Rosewood grips. No 66 no-dash or 66-1s were ever delivered or available with Pachmayr grips from my experience.
As VM has stated your 66 appears to have Rosewood stocks. They would be a big bonus to those of us who see Rosewood as the top of the line wood. Rosewood from S&W during that manufacturing era would commonly be the dark Brazilian variety which is now listed as endangered and protected...
If the grips are Rosewood and the 66 is mechanically sound you have an excellent buy.....
I'm the original owner of many new 66 models from that period. The original boxes don't differentiate between smooth or checkered. A factory letter would be the only way to determine if it was shipped with smooth and/or Rosewood stocks, and then only if it was special ordered.
A typical 66-1 could have been delivered new with "football" Gancalo Alves grips. Most, however, had speed-loader cutouts. Again, no indication on the boxes other than a "T" for target show on my boxes.
A picture below was a special ordered 66 no-dash delivered with Rosewood grips. No 66 no-dash or 66-1s were ever delivered or available with Pachmayr grips from my experience.
As VM has stated your 66 appears to have Rosewood stocks. They would be a big bonus to those of us who see Rosewood as the top of the line wood. Rosewood from S&W during that manufacturing era would commonly be the dark Brazilian variety which is now listed as endangered and protected...
If the grips are Rosewood and the 66 is mechanically sound you have an excellent buy.....
I have never heard of Factory using Cocobola
Thanks for the kind words, MacA,
I've had the good fortune to complete most of my collection. Like many others members here, I enjoy seeing enthusiastic people like yourself pursuing S&W collecting and try to help when and where I can. On occasion I think I sometimes succeed... on others I discover how dumb I am. Thanks again for the kind words....they make it all worthwhile!
I've had the good fortune to complete most of my collection. Like many others members here, I enjoy seeing enthusiastic people like yourself pursuing S&W collecting and try to help when and where I can. On occasion I think I sometimes succeed... on others I discover how dumb I am. Thanks again for the kind words....they make it all worthwhile!
Made the transaction today. She is now mine. Excellent condition with box, docs and tools. This is one of those few GREAT deals you come across. Once I get a few minutes I will take some pictures. BTW, I REALLY like the rosewood smooth stocks. They look a lot better in person!
Another beautiful Combat Magnum for the collection!!
Another beautiful Combat Magnum for the collection!!
JCS&W
US Veteran
MacA, you are buying up the M66's! Congrats on a great Smith and a great deal. You should be happy. Enjoy!
Frank237
Absent Comrade
OP...You did very well. I agree that a factory letter should/may clear up if the smooth grips were from the factory.
Few years back I bought a pair of 29-2's with not only smooth targets, but YELLOW insert front sight inserts instead of the red. A letter to Mr. Jinks DID mention it had shipped with the smooth stocks. So they do keep track of such things.
FN in MT
Few years back I bought a pair of 29-2's with not only smooth targets, but YELLOW insert front sight inserts instead of the red. A letter to Mr. Jinks DID mention it had shipped with the smooth stocks. So they do keep track of such things.
FN in MT
Thanks guys! I am really pleased with this purchase. I have never owned a revolver with smooth stocks (that weren't aftermarket), so I wasn't too sure how I would like them. But after seeing these in person, I like them a lot! Whether these came original with this gun or not, I think I will keep it this way! Still deciding whether I want to submit for a letter or not!
BTW, the box came with what I believe to be ALL the docs, with the exception of the lower registration portion of the warranty card. The upper portion has the purchase date and location written on it. There is also a card that simply describes the slot behind the trigger as being for an optional trigger stop. I've never seen this card before.
I'll try to take some descent pictures this weekend!
GF
Member
I think the sights changed along with dash progression, special orders and whatever was next up on the workbench.
Some sights were unique to the model, such as the Mod 28 ( Mike, did you know that ) and some to the "package" ordered - Target Hammer, Trigger & Sights got you a white outline rear sight.
If you don't already own it, get the "Standard Catalog of S&W 3rd Ed." and you'll find it full of info and great pictures of guns I can't afford.
GF
Some sights were unique to the model, such as the Mod 28 ( Mike, did you know that
) and some to the "package" ordered - Target Hammer, Trigger & Sights got you a white outline rear sight.If you don't already own it, get the "Standard Catalog of S&W 3rd Ed." and you'll find it full of info and great pictures of guns I can't afford.
GF
Well.... I don't claim to be an "expert" in anything. S&W really is "expert" in making fools out of any of us with our assumptions that they followed predictable assembly and configuration patterns....
When S&W made black rear sights and red ramps the standard for 66 (and 67) no-dash guns, a white outline rear sight blade wasn't included. That same sight configuration commonly carried over to the 66 and 67 dash ones.
If a white outline was preferred it could be ordered or added later... many were.
Thanks guys! I am really pleased with this purchase. I have never owned a revolver with smooth stocks (that weren't aftermarket), so I wasn't too sure how I would like them. But after seeing these in person, I like them a lot! Whether these came original with this gun or not, I think I will keep it this way! Still deciding whether I want to submit for a letter or not!
BTW, the box came with what I believe to be ALL the docs, with the exception of the lower registration portion of the warranty card. The upper portion has the purchase date and location written on it. There is also a card that simply describes the slot behind the trigger as being for an optional trigger stop. I've never seen this card before.
I'll try to take some descent pictures this weekend!
Mike,
I happened to have picked up a 66-1 today myself. Not sure if my paperwork is complete, but I also have the trigger stop card in mine, with warranty card, ammo booklet, owners manual (one pamplet that is labelled "parts list , instructions for use, maintenance, and specifications") , list of service centers, original box, original tools (screw driver, 2 pcs aluminum cleaning rod with soft pad and brush) and a hardly fired 66-1! The tools are in the plastic sleeve unused, and the grips are squared target, as marked on the box. My serial number is 39k3742, which I am thinking is 1982. It has been fired, so I will not have a problem shooting it, as it is not an unfired gun!
Nice grab on your 66-1, the smooth grips sound awesome.
Can't believe my local shop had this come in two weeks ago. Went in after a vacation today, and it was still there. Bought it with an unfired Sig 220 in box 1988 from W Germany . Both guns, and many more, were part of an estate collection the gun shop just bought.
You should have trouble sleeping tonight knowing that you stole that beautiful 66-1. Just don't carry it with the rosewood stocks anywhere near a Gibson guitar factory.
Just don't carry it with the rosewood stocks anywhere near a Gibson guitar factory.
It is funny that you mentioned that. I was thinking the exact same thing yesterday!!
Congrats on your new purchase! Post up some pics if you get a chance!!
Here are a couple. Got this for well under $500. It sat for two weeks, in a high volume gun store. Another guy was asking about a sw 357mag, and the counter guy couldn't find it. I got my turn, asked for it on the bottom shelf, and bought it!
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