Thoughts on a 66-2

[HuntForLife2]

Hey Guys and Gals,

I did some searching but nothing resent so I'm asking the forum for some info on a 66-2 round butt 2.5 inch barrel in exc condition with original grips, box (a little rough), and papers in the box. A local LGS is asking $895. Is that at the top in today's market and is it worth it. Would this be one to consider or wait for another?

Are the -2 versions known to hold up to magnum rounds?

Thanks!

 

[bamabiker]

$895, Ouch. That does sound like top dollar to me but with today's prices nothing surprises me anymore.
Just my opinion but I don't want one that bad.

 

[lamarw]

I acquired a very nice one in the same configuration just over a month ago for $450.00. It was an auction, and I did have to pay a 10% buyer's premium. There was no box or papers.

If you look at the forcing cone in my last picture, one might surmise there have been very few rounds fired from it.

 

[Ashlander]

I just bought a 66-5 for $650 (with box and papers) and I thought I paid way too much -- and it doesn't handle magnums any better or worse than the 66-2 (the 66-5 has a frame mounted firing pin and other minor changes).

 

[Texas Star]

Hey Guys and Gals,

I did some searching but nothing resent so I'm asking the forum for some info on a 66-2 round butt 2.5 inch barrel in exc condition with original grips, box (a little rough), and papers in the box. A local LGS is asking $895. Is that at the top in today's market and is it worth it. Would this be one to consider or wait for another?

Are the -2 versions known to hold up to magnum rounds?

Thanks!

NO M-19 or M-66 is intended for frequent use with .357 ammo! That 's why they introduced the L-frame .357's. Bill Jordan told me personally that he envisioned firing Magnum ammo about 15-20% of the time. No .357 will last as long as it can, if you fire a lot of .357 ammo at paper targets. The .357 is not a target gun. It is a killing gun. Limit your use of .357 ammo even in N-frame guns and in Rugers. They 'll last a LOT longer that way. Ditto for .41 and .44 Magnums.

 

[DD357]

They are going up but I think I'd wait and see if I couldn't do a little better.

 

[old bear]

I'm asking the forum for some info on a 66-2 round butt 2.5 inch barrel in exc condition with original grips, box (a little rough), and papers in the box. A local LGS is asking $895. Is that at the top in today's market and is it worth it. Would this be one to consider or wait for another?

Right now $895.00 is past the high end of pricing. But it may not be in 12 or so months. Remember they are not making any more of them. How long do you think it would take to find another package like the one you are looking at?

Texas Star is totally correct with his information about .357 Magnum ammo in the K frames. Shoot Hot 38 special through it, both you and your revolver will be much better off.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

For my area, it'd be on the high end of the scale. If I could wait, I'd think I could do a little better, maybe quite a bit better; but you never know. One thing for sure - overall, they're going no where but up in price, so it's kind of a stock market type bet- buy now, or hope to do better in the near future; knowing you might have missed what later on will appear to be a good deal... Ain't it fun???

 

[KEN L]

More realistically that's a $750 - $775 gun at this moment in time. That would however be a pretty good price for a 66-1.

 

[HuntForLife2]

Thank you to everyone. More information shared than I hoped for. And, I really appreciated staying on topic too!!!!!!

I think I'll wait (maybe, gezzzz) since I really wan't looking but stumbled into it. I always wanted a 4" 686 so maybe that would be a better route to pursue at this time.

Are the 66 2.5 inch desired by many or would a 686 4" be more desirable? the real answer is probably all of the above and buy one of each. LOL

 

[Joed49]

I see them around here in the $700 to $800 range, I wouldn't pay it. I paid a lot less for my 66-5 a few years ago.

 

[Ashlander]

The snubbies are highly desired. There always have been a ton of service length guns out there, while there seemed to be far fewer snubbies (I'm not saying they are rare -- just not as many). And now that most states allow concealed carry -- there's a new market for them.

And K-frame snubbies are a lot lighter than the new L-frame versions.

 

[collim1]

I bought a 66-1 4" last week for $600 looks as though it had less than 250 rounds through it.

I would say the price is too high.

And like said above limit the use of magnums. That gun looks like it has a lot of life in it, but I would shoot mostly .38's out of it to be safe.

 

[raljr1]

"currently a LGS has 66-1 for $499. Decent shape, and I'm going to see if i can get it out the door for $500

 

[HuntForLife2]

Sounds like you guys are finding some really good deals. If the price here would be what your seeing I would not have hesitated either.

 

[Tom_R]

It is high, keep looking. They are out there, especially -2s and -3s.

$895 is pinned and recessed territory.