Why choose a model 67 over a 66?

[therealsmithfan]

Is the 64 and 67 essentially the same gun, only having fixed rear sight on 64 and adjustable on the 67?

 

[therealsmithfan]

Jay
You're not kidding on prices for 64's! I've been adding some to my watch list from some of the auction sites over the last month or so...looking to add a .38 on a budget so when I'm shooting my 625 (45acp) my wife and daughter can have some wheel gun fun too (petite hands and N frames don't work well together). I was actually shocked to see these handsome S&W revolvers under $400 (given the prices on 66, 686, etc)! I know it's fixed sights, and can't shoot .357...but still great guns I think. Could even carry with +P. When I'm ready to pony up for .357 (my revolver collection is just starting) I'll be looking for a model 27 N frame. Can be had for close to same price as pre lock 686, but I'll get the pinned barrel and recessed chambers in that pretty blue finish...and can have my fave barrel length of 5" (as opposed to only 4" or 6").

 

[wood714]

I have a 2.5" and 3" 66. Would like to someday add a 4" 66, but I'd never trade my 67 for one.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

That's a beautiful looking no dash 67 with stainless sights. Am I correct in thinking that is the most collectable version of the Model 67?

 

[hdtwice]

I don't think anyone said it was perfect, but between .38 and .357 there's the penetration through walls aspect to consider. Even a snub nose shooting .357 puts out around 500 ft/lbs of muzzle energy, compared to roughly 200 ft/lbs for non +P .38 special.

Ballistics by the Inch doesn't have figures for .38+P.

FWIW Remington shows 38 +p at 248. (I was just looking at that chart a couple of hours ago, then I came across this thread.)

 

[creekman]

I have 66-8 revolver....is that the gun being discussed on this thread-thanks

 

[therealsmithfan]

Probably said before; Buy a 67 over a 66 if you plan on shooting only .38 and not .357 ammo, and want to save some money. You can get nice shape 67 under $500 regularly. A good shape 66 will cost you more like $600-800+ depending on year/configuration/condition. Basing this on many auctions completed sales or buy it now over the last 3 months, for earlier pre-lock versions in 4" barrel. Shorter barrels usually a $200-300+ more due to scarcity.

Given the price isn't that much more for a decent 66, if you can wait for the right deal to come along, that's a good way to go if you will shoot mainly .38, but may want to load .357 rounds for woods carry, etc. from time to time.

Another way to go, if you're leaning towards 67 and on a budget, is a model 10 or 64 (stainless version of 10) with the fixed rear site. Tons of LE turn ins and such, and these can literally be had in decent shape around $300-400 all the time. Maybe not at LGS, but online. I'm watching these currently, and want to buy a great shape 64 for at or under $350, that I plan slick up trigger, mirror polish and add aftermarket wood grips. Need a wheel gun the wife and daughter will want to shoot. EXAMPLE (not mine) IMAGE attached to show what one like that would look like. Pretty little smith for such small money, if you ask me.

 

[wood714]

That's a beautiful looking no dash 67 with stainless sights. Am I correct in thinking that is the most collectable version of the Model 67?

I would think so.

They also made a 66 with all stainless sights.

 

[Triggernosis]

I have 66-8 revolver....is that the gun being discussed on this thread-thanks

One of them, yes.