The ultimate Model 19/66 Combat Magnum thread

[uncleted327]

Bad photo of my recent LGS find. 4" 19-3. Has a little holster wear on the muzzle and high points on the cylinder, but the trigger is wonderful. $499.00 was too good to pass up. Came with a Bianchi leather holster and a trigger shoe that I removed and these wooden grips which I'm not a fan of, will probably replace them with some traditional Smith grips. If anyone can ID what these grips may be I would appreciate the info however.

 

[vegasgunhand]

My 19-3 and 19-4, both in great shape.

 

[BobK]

I have a 99% M-66-1 with both the original rubber Combat grips, and a rosewood set of Altamont grips. I prefer the Altamonts for looks. BobK

 

[rubiranch]

I sold my 4" 1963 M19-2.




And I sold my 6" 1967 M19-2.




And I sold my 6" 1982 CHP M68-2.




And my 6" 1980 M66-1 is a keeper.
Its not going anywhere.

 

[Art66]

Model 68?

rubiranch
"And I sold my 6" 1982 CHP M68-2."
Did you mean M66-2?
No, you did not. My initial search on wikipedia had no result for Model 68. Later, a google search found a result.
If anyone else is unfamiliar with the CHP M68, here is a link with the full, very interesting story.
The Smith & Wesson Model 68 | RevolverGuy.com

 

[garddogg56]

I'll go to my grave with this 66-1

 

[lppd4]

What's not to like about a K frame .357?

 

[Hair Trigger]

What's not to like about a K frame .357?

I'm still working on an answer, but haven't come up with anything yet. M19-3 (1974), M66-1 (1980)

 

[snw19_357]

Good to see this thread again.

I...but haven't come up with anything yet.

I can't think of a single thing either.

I'll add this 3" fixed sight version that went to Germany in 1972.
and it still has its stocks.

 

[Bumpus13]

My P&R M19-4 from 1980:

My current (today) favorite of the collection.

So much for that hosting site. LOL

Anyway, I’ve added a 6” M66-5 to go with my 6” M19-4

 

[old pipefitter]

My 66-3 Lew Horton special one of 300 and the paper discribeing it. Mine has S&W wood grips instead of uncle mikes that the paper says. I seen one more, it also had grips like mine but with a diamound ivory inlay.

nice David Yellowhorse knife

 

[Art66]

Wow! That 66-3 Lew Horton Special is loaded with upgrades! I did not know they had a modified model 66.

 

[Model19man]

Pretty happy with my 19-5.

 

[spin132]

Here's a few more to add to all the beauties above! A couple 19-3's (the 4" shipped in early 69), a 66 no dash with stainless rears and a 66-1.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[Kreich64]

Ready to be seen

I just picked up this 66-2 (serial X15xx) today. After a thorough cleaning, she will be going to the range tomorrow. Looking forward to trying out this magnificent trigger.

 

[snw19_357]

Nice 2.5" 66-2!

Sounds like the assembly number on the yoke, not the serial number on the butt.
By the shape of the shroud, it should be between ALCxxxx and BBYxxxx.

 

[big50_1]

1977 Mod 66

Got this in ‘07 and decided to get it engraved by S&W in 2018. When I got it the trigger looked like it was reconfigured for double action shoot like maybe for a police department. It lettered being sent to Oceanside, CA government. Since I worked in Oceanside at one point, I thought I give it it’s due.

 

[Art66]

Re: 1977 M66 and my 1973 M66 trigger issue

Beautiful engraving!

When first obtained, my 1973 model 66 no dash was tuned for double action. However, the single action was downright dangerously light! I had to increase the tension on the hammer spring to correct that.

I also had to correct several mechanical issues due to wear.

I worked it over with Flitz metal polish to remove the small scratches.

I'm much happier now!

 

[big50_1]

Art66 - Very, very nice ‘73 mod 66. Over the years I’ve had two Mod 19s, a 6”and a 4”. I love the K frame .357s (I also love the mod 13s). But as I get older, I get and keep the stainless ones because for me the finish is just easier to keep looking decent. Had a 66-2 which I stupidly sold for what reason I have no idea except I wanted to buy another gun. Anyway I said darn it, I’m getting a 66 and I’m finally going to keep it! - So…I purchased the 66 in San Diego and the trigger had been reground to get rid of the width lower in the trigger. The sides were removed so that it was the same width all the way down to the trigger tip as it came out of the frame. Also the corners of the trigger were sharp but not cutting sharp. The upshot was once you got your finger into the trigger guard, the trigger “stuck” to your finger. That plus a great action job made it a great double action gun. The trigger plus the action made me think it was a LE gun. I was partially right, it lettered to being initially sent to the Oceanside, CA city government. - The mod 19/66 lugged barrel/K frame size is a favorite for me as is the heavy barrel/K frame format of the mod 13s. Had a mod 13-2 and 13-3 but just have the 13-3 at this time. N frames without the keyhole are high on my list.

 

[Art66]

You certainly have a unique Model 66! Thanks for giving more info on the trigger and original owning entity.

My 66 has a target trigger installed, and a yellow front sight insert. I'm guessing someone liked to target shoot in double action. The yellow insert is good in low light.

I also like the K frames. I tried a 586 L frame, but it was a bit heavier than a K frame. I also have a 4" 1978 Model 19-4 (nickel plated) in excellent shape. It is the last dash number to have a pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. (according to wikipedia)

Again, thanks for sharing your engraved '77 Model 66!