The model 66 round butt 1975 to 2002 a chronology.

Allen-frame

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With the addition of a 66 2.5", and a 66-1 My collection now
spans a 27 year period.
From the earliest inception of the model 66 snubby, October 1975,
to the final no lock 66-5 3.25in. produced in February 2002 complete with
m.i.m. parts already having the cut outs for the lock assembly.

I like these little guys. They are consummately cool.

I thought I would flash the bunch again,all lined up together.

The no dash is 6K615xx and shipped October 1975.
The dash 1 is 89K07xx and shipped in 1980.
The no dash has the funky little ampersand that looks like a backwards #3.

Themodel66roundbutt1975to2002003.jpg



Themodel66roundbutt1975to2002004.jpg



Themodel66roundbutt1975to2002008.jpg



Themodel66roundbutt1975to2002009.jpg



Themodel66roundbutt1975to2002010.jpg


The -1 almost an identical twin to the no dash. Aside from the funny ampersand and the trademark
position on the sideplate.

Themodel66roundbutt1975to2002013.jpg



The 66-2 3" is an Ashland gun AFK88xx ser# and shipped April 1985.

The 66-3 is BBT00xx and the julian date on the box places production
at October 1988.
The only way to tell a -2 from a -3 on sight is the larger head on the yoke retaining
screw. The -3 went to the spring loaded screw.

Note; many of the earlier model 66s had the front right portion of the barrel lug
polished down or 'melted'if you will.
It shows up on all the earlier guns up through -2.
It is evident here side by side with the -3.

3inchSmithsasof12202010018.jpg




The next 66-3 is the performance Center Power Port, Ser # PCP01xx and was made in a run in 1993.

The only 66-4 I have is the special for R.S.R. magnaported,bead blast finish ser# CAT61xx made in 1996

These both have the new rear sight assembly with the rounded front edge and are drilled and tapped
for a mount under the rear sight.

3inchSmithsasof12202010021.jpg



3inchSmithsasof12202010022.jpg



The two 66-5s are both 3.2in. heavy barrels and were 'stocking dealer specials'

The roll stamped example is CEL97xx and was made in early 2001.

The laser etched -5 is CFB62xx and was born (test fired) February 1st.2002.
the hammer is cut for the lock parts,



3inchSmithsasof12202010023.jpg



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Themodel66roundbutt1975to2002014.jpg



Themodel66roundbutt1975to2002018.jpg



Themodel66roundbutt1975to2002019.jpg



Regards
Allen Frame
 
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DOB ?

Well, I am a very long way behind you ... I have just the one and am hoping you may be able to tell me the DOB of my 66-4
Serial #CAJ 85XX
I was told 'early 90's" but do not know if that is at all correct ?
thanks
Ken

PS: I'm definitely going to find one or more of those custom grips ... i think some of those wood colors are just great.
 
Ken, a Smith revolver with a CAJ serial prefix would have been manufactured in 1995. Probably late in the year.

Regards
Allen
 
My first thought on the line-up shots was PHOTOSHOP!

Well they each have their own personality grain in the grips, sights etc.

I love the old deep blue, but you really have to like how sharp all these look.
 
Stiab, the 4" round butt was only catalogued as a 66-5. I had one,
but that is another story. If I find one at a reasonable price you
can bet I'll be adding it to the bunch.

Regards
Allen Frame
 
66_5.jpg

No 3" round butt chronology would be complete without showing Allen's handywork. He had his 4" 66-5 cut down to 3" and slab sided the barrel. Allen's work on this gun's internals has made it the smoothest K frame that I have ever handled. It is a good thing that I was able to buy this gun from Allen before he decided to collect every 3" M66 in South Florida.
Mark
 
Allen-frame - thanks for sharing your collection. It's obvious you know your 66s. I picked up a 66-5 with a 3.25" barrel, a high viz green front site and a round butt just a couple of months ago. It sure handles well and the trigger pull is smooth as silk. I like it a lot! Where would I look for some stag grips?
 
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Stiab, the 4" round butt was only catalogued as a 66-5. I had one,
but that is another story. If I find one at a reasonable price you
can bet I'll be adding it to the bunch.

Regards
Allen Frame

Allen Frame, I have a 66-4 RB 4" that I acquired about a year ago. The only reason I wanted it was because of the RB. About 3 years ago there were two 66-3 4" RBs sold consecutively by the same seller on GB. They were used but came with original boxes, which indicated they were factory RB. I suspect they were police trade ins. I like for my S&W revolvers to be a little different from the norm, that's why I traded heavy for the 66-4 RB. Again, you have a wonderful collection.
 
thanks for sharing those great pics!!!

Stiab, the 4" round butt was only catalogued as a 66-5. I had one,
but that is another story. If I find one at a reasonable price you
can bet I'll be adding it to the bunch.

Regards
Allen Frame

66-4, CBL75XX....

00134e5r65utfyk.JPG
 
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Allen

I have a 66-3 #BDE65XX

i noticed the logo on your -3 was on the right side; the logo on mine is on the left side

why would the logos be on different sides of the gun?

approx when was mine made? i dont have a catalog yet
 
66 (No dash) 3Inch P&R With Keith Brown Grips

I had to drag this out again so he could join the party.
Allen-Frame, you have an outstanding collection. I enjoy looking at your photos very much.
keithbrown001.jpg
 
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