Variations of the 3" Model 66

[Dwaine]

I own a -2 and -3 and previously owned a -4. I understand the -2's were made for Ashland, app. 5,000. App. 700 -3's were made for RSR Group. Were any -1's produced with a 3" barrel?

 

[norsemanhp]

66

I don't know if they made any -1s. I've got a -2, a-3, and a-4.

 

[haywood]

I have a 36-1 heavy barrel square butt. I have the wood grips but carry and shoot it with the Pachmayr's . Th finish is near perfect. The smudges are from holster carry with a fresh oil wipe down this morning.

 

[boykinlp]

I own a -2 and -3 and previously owned a -4. I understand the -2's were made for Ashland, app. 5,000. App. 700 -3's were made for RSR Group. Were any -1's produced with a 3" barrel?

The 3" Model 66's look to be really nice. Probably easier to shoot than a 2 1/2" one with magnum cartridges, but still very concealable.
Larry

 

[Marshal Tom]

I purchased a NIB 2.5" 66-2 and had it for many years. I sold it to purchase a 3" 66-2 NIB also many years ago. I wanted the slightly longer ejector rod for extraction of .357rds and the slightly longer sight radius. I have a 3" 686 CS-1 and a 3" 696 ND. I would not sell any of them.

 

[Dino44]

I have never seen a 66-1 with 3" barrel. The first mention of 3" in the 4th edition is in 1985, so I would say no. I have a 3" -2, -3, -4 and had a -5, but sold it when a gun show dealer offered me $750 more than I paid for it.

 

[Dwaine]

I had a S&W 66-4 3" Magna Port one of 518 with Roy Jinks Letter and sold it last year. I do know where several 3" 66's are at ridiculous prices...

 

[murphydog]

Someone here posted a photo of a pinned/recessed 3" model 66 a few years back, with no explanation. That said, it was not a cataloged item until 1985 and the 66-2.

 

[CHARLIE699]

A -2 & -3 for the mix. A factory 3" P&R'd,,, that would be pretty neat!.

Possible 3" P&R 66?? Model 66's started in 1970?. But went non-P&R in 1982 with model 66-2.
Model 19's also went non-P&R in 1982 (19-5). BUT,, some model 19's were made with 3" barrels as early as 1965 (19-2). So the tooling was there and the material was there,,,,,,???
As I will always admit,,, "I'm a student, teach me". One of my first lessons, " with S&W, anything is possible". Ten+ years of model 66 production before SOMEONE put together a 3"??
Photos of one would be great.
Just my rambling thoughts. Your mileage may vary,,,