"splain" it to me Model 66 3"

[1aafan]

Got two! Super K, the ultimate K frame, Paid 1200 and don't regret it for a second...

Lew Horton limited, 1 of 300...both came with boxes, paperwork,etc.

 

[Nedroe]

Once More.....

So what if it says "Lady Smith" on the side of it?

They usually see the front view anyway

Ned

 

[BobR1]

If you conceal carry a K, L or N frame revolver, and also shoot it in Defensive Pistol Matches for practice, you will quickly figure out what the Big Deal is.
I carry a 2.5" 66 No Dash, a 3" 625, a 2.5" 310NG, as well as a few 4" revolvers. I carry them all in Lobo Pancake holsters.

I have found that the 4" guns are harder to conceal due to the longer barrel length, as well as larger grips. I have wood round butt finger groove combats on all my 2.5 an 3 inch guns. I have the larger size finger grooves on my 4" guns.

With the 3" 66 the additional 1/2 inch of barrel probably does not add enough sight radius over the 2.5 inch to make a big difference. The longer ejector stroke however is a really big deal doing a reload.
The 2.5" and 3" K Frames are a very handy size for concealed carry, as well as being a very shootable size platform. The 3" guns are the Top Choice because they have the full length ejector of the longer barrel revolvers.

Bob

 

[UDR2]

Damn! (Am I allowed to say "damn" on this forum?) There was a 66-3 with a 3" barrel just listed on GB last night. But this morning it has already sold.

Hey. Wait a minute! I'm the guy that just bought it.

 

[gumpys]

No offense, but I think you just bought a rebarreled one. If you go on the classified section under the member 41steve I am pretty sure it is his, and several people including me told him we thought it was a rebarreled 3 inch. If it is him, that is pretty bad on his part trying to scam another member unless he can prove getting a letter from SMith and Wesson that it is legit, but he mentioned he did not want to do that.
Eric

 

[jughed440]

No offense, but I think you just bought a rebarreled one. If you go on the classified section under the member 41steve I am pretty sure it is his, and several people including me told him we thought it was a rebarreled 3 inch. If it is him, that is pretty bad on his part trying to scam another member unless he can prove getting a letter from SMith and Wesson that it is legit, but he mentioned he did not want to do that.
Eric

i agree. the seller's claim that the box was marked with the wrong barrel length throws up one huge red flag

 

[WardenRoss]

I have one of the original Ashland model 66's. I will state here, without a doubt, she is my favorite revolver. I've carried this ole girl more than any other pistol. I shot her for years in LEO pistol matches and local steel challenges, compact carry class. She has THE perfect balance. I can understand why they are so popular.

 

[UDR2]

No offense, but I think you just bought a rebarreled one. If you go on the classified section under the member 41steve I am pretty sure it is his, and several people including me told him we thought it was a rebarreled 3 inch. If it is him, that is pretty bad on his part trying to scam another member unless he can prove getting a letter from SMith and Wesson that it is legit, but he mentioned he did not want to do that.
Eric

Thanks, man. I truly appreciate that info. I thought about that possibility before I bought it. So I looked up what 66-3s with a 2.5" barrel were selling for, and what the 66-3s with the original 3" barrel was selling for. - Keep in mind, I'm not a collector and plan on using and carrying the gun.

In excellent condition (and this one appears to be pristine) the 2.5" barreled guns go for around $550. The cost of a new 3" genuine S&W K-frame barrel goes for in excess of $250; and the cost to have S&W fit the barrel to the frame is about $60. Tack on another $50 to ship the gun to S&W and I'm close to a $1,000.

A 66-3 with original 3" barrel has been selling for $1,200-$1,400 or more.

So I thought I'd wind up with the carry gun I want, at a reasonable, if not great, price. What do you think?

BTW, now that my curiosity has been raised, I will check with S&W and I will let you guys know what they say.

 

[Pointblank2U]

I think it's a very nice gun, but for a 3" carry gun I'd prefer fixed sights so I don't have to worry about snagging during an emergency draw. At self-defense distances I doubt the adjustable sights makes any difference.

 

[lhump1961]

I was following the posts on the 3" 66 in question and it got me thinking about mine! I don't have a box and never questioned it's originality. Soooo...I shot an email off to Smith with the serial# and asked oh so nicely if they would tell me how that serial# left the factory. As always got the reply within a day confirming my 66 is an original 3". I suggest the same to settle the issue with this 66. It was free and set my mind at ease.

 

[KJM]

I think it's a very nice gun, but for a 3" carry gun I'd prefer fixed sights so I don't have to worry about snagging during an emergency draw. At self-defense distances I doubt the adjustable sights makes any difference.

That's it right there. A model 65 is much more practical.

Everyone will want THOSE when they sell for 1k+.

Target sights on the 66 3 inch are about as useful as the target sights on my Model 50 Chiefs target 2 inch. THERE was a REAL stroke of genius! And people pay a HUGE premium for one of those. Go figure.

 

[ladder13]

Since I don't have a 3 inch 66 I'll have to live with the 65.

 

[WardenRoss]

I think it's a very nice gun, but for a 3" carry gun I'd prefer fixed sights so I don't have to worry about snagging during an emergency draw. At self-defense distances I doubt the adjustable sights makes any difference.

Some of us prefer the adjustable sights, over the fixed S&W sights, not just for the adjustability, but because they offer a better sight picture. The S&W adjustable sight is a really premium quality sight. In reality, the hammer is more of a snag concern than the sight.

 

[jmoln]

I posted this earlier and on other threads but it bears repeating - if you get a 66-4 or later you have an option of adding a C&S smooth combat sight. It does not work with the earlier sight style with the square blade. This gives you the better sight picture without the snag.

 

[WardenRoss]

...you have an option of adding a C&S smooth combat sight...

 

[UDR2]

I was following the posts on the 3" 66 in question and it got me thinking about mine! I don't have a box and never questioned it's originality. Soooo...I shot an email off to Smith with the serial# and asked oh so nicely if they would tell me how that serial# left the factory. As always got the reply within a day confirming my 66 is an original 3". I suggest the same to settle the issue with this 66. It was free and set my mind at ease.

I'm happy it worked out that way for you. But I'm curious. Suppose they said your gun was re-barreled? Would that info change the fit, the feel, and the gun's balance? And would you enjoy shooting it less? - Although, if you thought you bought an original, and it turned out otherwise, I could understand your disappointment.

For those of us who shoot our guns, rather than collect them, a reasonable purchase price is the only issue; and given the insane(?) prices for some pre-lock S&W's... especially guns that are over 20 years old... I think I did well with my purchase. I suppose I could have the gun lettered, but for me, it would be a waste of $50.

 

[lhump1961]

I'm happy it worked out that way for you. But I'm curious. Suppose they said your gun was re-barreled? Would that info change the fit, the feel, and the gun's balance? And would you enjoy shooting it less? - Although, if you thought you bought an original, and it turned out otherwise, I could understand your disappointment.

For those of us who shoot our guns, rather than collect them, a reasonable purchase price is the only issue; and given the insane(?) prices for some pre-lock S&W's... especially guns that are over 20 years old... I think I did well with my purchase. I suppose I could have the gun lettered, but for me, it would be a waste of $50.

Yes, I would have enjoyed it less...not because it looked or shot any different...but because I bought it for what it is and did not want a clone. If you bought and paid for an SS Chevelle and it turned out to be just painted like one...??

As for "those of us who shoot our guns, rather than collect them" I do mostly the former and a little of the latter...I buy what appeals to me when my gun money allows. Insane prices on pre-locks? Most are still less expensive than an a new gun! I'm glad you're happy with your purchase and am sure you will take your gun collection in the direction that suits you...as do we all!

 

[UDR2]

Yes, I would have enjoyed it less...not because it looked or shot any different...but because I bought it for what it is and did not want a clone....

...Insane prices on pre-locks? Most are still less expensive than an a new gun!

Hey buddy... I hear you and I understand. As I already stated:

if you thought you bought an original, and it turned out otherwise, I could understand your disappointment.

I would have felt the same disappointment, but I would not have enjoyed the gun any less. That's just me, and it is not meant to be a judgement on the way anyone else would feel under similar circumstances.

As for the cost of pre-locks being less expensive than new guns, I clearly stated that

insane(?) prices for some pre-lock S&W's...

I was not referring to all pre-locks. And specific to this thread, the prices for 3" pre-locks, especially the model 66 guns, do carry insane prices. as did the pre-lock UDR that I bought. -- However, if you know where I can get 'em cheaper than new guns, please let me know. But don't tell the other guys who are reading this thread. -- Which begs the question of why I would pay insane prices. Well, in the first place, I never claimed I was sane; and second, sometimes "retail therapy" is the only way to hold on to one's sanity.

 

[lhump1961]

Hey buddy... I hear you and I understand. As I already stated:
I would have felt the same disappointment, but I would not have enjoyed the gun any less. That's just me, and it is not meant to be a judgement on the way anyone else would feel under similar circumstances.

As for the cost of pre-locks being less expensive than new guns, I clearly stated that I was not referring to all pre-locks. And specific to this thread, the prices for 3" pre-locks, especially the model 66 guns, do carry insane prices. as did the pre-lock UDR that I bought. -- However, if you know where I can get 'em cheaper than new guns, please let me know. But don't tell the other guys who are reading this thread. -- Which begs the question of why I would pay insane prices. Well, in the first place, I never claimed I was sane; and second, sometimes "retail therapy" is the only way to hold on to one's sanity.

I hear ya...excellent points throughout! I still don't have a 29-2 Dirty Harry 44mag because they bring such a premium! One day the right one at the right price will show up if I'm lucky! If not...there are other guns.