Two Early Model 66s Photo of 629 added 5/5

[Doc44]

Each made in 1970 as part of a run of 100 revolvers to test the tooling for the new model in stainless steel. The Model 629 (big brother of the Model 66) is a prototype with serial number N629193. It was kept in the factory collection until sold at auction in 1996. Click on each photo for a better look.

Bill

 

[KalamazooKid]

Each made in 1970 as part of a run of 100 revolvers to test the tooling for the new model in stainless steel. Click on each photo for a better look.

Bill

Wow - super cool! Excited as I have 4" no dash en route to me now!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mod29]

Real nice, Bill!
Thanks for posting the photos.
You sure have some interesting revolvers in your collection.

 

[69HEMI-R/T]

A great example of an early Model 66 with the SS sights. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Doc44]

The first 100 are unique in a couple of ways. They each have a target hammer, were shipped in a silver box, and because the Parts & Instruction Sheet had not been developed for the Model 66, these revolvers were shipped with a P&I sheet for the Model 19.

Bill

 

[H Richard]

How soon after the 66 was introduced did they discover the heating up of the cylinder caused it to stretch and bind? I'm thinking it took 3 - 4 cylinderfuls of mag loads to heat it up to that point. I recall being at the range when an acquaintance had one lock up. They waited about 20-30 minutes and it functioned properly. I believe the fix was a slightly different grade of Stainless that resisted the heat stretching better.

 

[sandspur6]

I've got an early one (2K639XX) that belonged to the Florida Highway Patrol. They only used them for a year or so for that very reason. They replaced them with 5" Nickel M27's. These were in addition to the assortment of 5" M19's and various 5" Colts that they were using at the time.

 

[MC57]

Beautiful - thanks for sharing

 

[llowry61]

What a set of guns. Really enjoy the pics. Been looking for the stainless sight example, but have either been to slow or priced out. Thanks for sharing.

 

[153]

Like the target hammer! As a young patrolman I really wanted the target hammer and smooth "combat" trigger. They didn't become available until the early to mid '80's (in the flash chrome finish) by the time they did come out I didn't really see the need. Got a set though and had them fitted, but removed them for the originals ...

The early revolvers with the "silver" stainless rear sights were the best of the bunch. I managed to swap another officer for his "stainless" sight as by the time mine came in they were blackened.

Real nice early examples!

 

[GF]

"...I've got an early one (2K639XX) ..." I'm right behind you with 2K655XX.

The K serial number chart in the S&W Catalog 3rd Ed. has these revolvers at around 1972. Doc's guns are from 1970.

I'm surprised the stainless sights lasted that long.

GF

 

[ma96782]

Here is mine. A younger brother (sort of) S&W 66-4 .357 Mag 4"

Aloha, Mark

 

[Texas Star]

How soon after the 66 was introduced did they discover the heating up of the cylinder caused it to stretch and bind? I'm thinking it took 3 - 4 cylinderfuls of mag loads to heat it up to that point. I recall being at the range when an acquaintance had one lock up. They waited about 20-30 minutes and it functioned properly. I believe the fix was a slightly different grade of Stainless that resisted the heat stretching better.

Massad AYOOB BLEW THE WHISTLE ON THIS IN GUN MAGAZINES, NOT MAKING HIM TOO POPULAR WITH s&w'S pr PEOPLE.


hE SAID THE FIX WAS MOVING THE GAS RING LOCATION.


mY m-66-3 HAS NEVER GIVEN PROBLEMS.


tHE ISSUE SEEMS NOT TO OCCUR WITH .38 AMMO, JUST THE HOT-BURNING .357 LOADS, WHICH OVERHEAT AND EXPAND SOME PARTS.

 

[TDC]

Doc's posts always have me salivating profusely in my easy chair... This Mod. 66 no-dash is no exception.....

For info, I have Ser. No. 2K636XX, a bit lower than the other two early guns mentioned on this thread
which I purchased new in 1973. I have a Jinks' letter indicating mine was shipped in Oct. 1973 so it would
be interesting to know exactly when the first production guns began being shipped for other than law
enforcement consumption.

Trade ya, Doc.......

 

[iskra]

Just to tack on... My Model 66 (no dash), SN 4K99xx, below.
Blue box, yet with stainless sights. Bought it new in mid seventies at significant "agency discount". Decent gun. Personally not into Stainless, but in 357 Mag chambering, a $$$ & hard to get commodity, yet in its youth!

My take