Which Model 66?
- Thread starter JimWest
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I suppose I would want to find a 4 inch version made after they got the gas ring situation sorted out and while they were still flash chroming the hammers and triggers. Pinned and recessed is not important to me, but the P&R version will be worth a little more. If possible, I would prefer an original round butt 4 inch version.
Flint Ridge
Member
The very early no dash comes to mind, with the all stainless sights. Here's my pawn shop find.
In terms of current demand/values, the 3" guns are by far the most popular and expensive. After these, the earlier shorter barreled guns (2.5 and 4") seem to be next. After this consider condition and the original box/contents.
kwselke
Member
My personal preference would be 4" pinned barrel. I would not worry the other details.
gruntdeputy
Member
Any one that you can find! Just in front of the dash-number it still says "Mod 66."
Frank
Frank
Sir, what was the issue with gas ring and do you recall what year it was?
Thank you all for the information.
They never made a 4" in a round butt. It would have been a nice one though!
357-RevolverGuy
Member
The gas ring changed from the yoke to the cylinder with the 66-1 (1977). These are highly sought after for also still having the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder (since the 66-2 did away with that.)
If you'd like to learn more about the gas ring change there are many threads here that discuss it in further detail. One reason for the change was so that the cylinder would be kept cleaner from residue that would work it's way in there when it use to be on the yoke.
If you'd like to learn more about the gas ring change there are many threads here that discuss it in further detail. One reason for the change was so that the cylinder would be kept cleaner from residue that would work it's way in there when it use to be on the yoke.
If I wanted one for collecting, it would be a 4" with the stainless sights.
However, if I wanted one to shoot there are zero doubts that I would want the very last model 66. Dash 7 I think. It had the multi-piece barrel so there is no need to worry about the forcing cone flaw that terrifies so many folks about the earlier engineering revisions.
The very latest production (-6 or 7?) were RB only, I think, after the factory discontinued nearly all SB frames.
Cocked & Locked
Member
Cocked & Locked
Member
I like the standard non-stainless sights that came on the 2.5" no-dash model 66
66 no dash
Actually there are Model 66-4 RB's out there, I was holding one this weekend at a Flea Market and may be putting in my safe this coming weekend. The owner wants $450 but, after looking at my P&R M66-1 he was thinking his price was little high and I will see what he wants this weekend. I am will offer $350-375.00.
sheepdawg
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The early P & R 66s are the most sought after but any 66 is a gem.
How can you not want one of these? 1972 Model 66 with a Memphis Police Dept. history.
How can you not want one of these? 1972 Model 66 with a Memphis Police Dept. history.
Converting a 4" K frame to RB was considered pretty cutting edge back in the late 70s/early 80s. The other choice was to have a 4" barrel put on a 2.5" RB frame, but as I recall there was a small problem in making them look right due to some differences in the treatment of the top of the barrel and frame on the two variants. I have a 4" at home with no particular collector value (no longer original anyway, not that I care) and may some day have it converted to RB.
"Which One" depends on what you want it for. If you are looking for a CCW, try to find a 2.5" or 3". You'll pay a lot more for that extra .5", but it makes ejecting the spend cases much easier. If you are looking for a range gun or something to hunt with, look for a 4" or 6". For any of the above, I'd want a -1 or higher for the already mentioned gas ring change.
It you want a safe queen / collector, I'd look for a 4" no dash with the stainless rear sight.
I'm partial to snubbies, so these are my two favorite 66's
66-1
66-2 with Grashorn's
Good luck with your search!
It you want a safe queen / collector, I'd look for a 4" no dash with the stainless rear sight.
I'm partial to snubbies, so these are my two favorite 66's
66-1
66-2 with Grashorn's
Good luck with your search!
In the current market $450 is a good price, so don't be surprised if you come back with an offer of $350 and find it gone...
.JNewell
Member
It's hard to predict value, but to me the best is the -1. Ditched the stainless steel sights, a few tweaks made, but still P&R. Doesn't shoot better but it certainly is the last of a generation and a true classic.
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