S&W Model 66

I purchased a Smith and Wesson Model 66-1
(K-Frame) .357 Combat Magnum “stainless”
4″ revolver back in October 2008. Revolver is
perhaps 30 years old, yet in 98% condition
a beauty. Pinned barrel, counter shrunk chambers, Goncalo Alves grips. I shot it several
weeks ago. Not surprisingly highly accurate.
If limited to owning but one hangun this would
be hard to beat. Versatile, classic, useful for
not only self defense/house protection and
homeland security but likewise ideal for the
outdoorsman: fishing, camping, hunting, back-packing, venomous snakes (.38 Special
shot loads). Also, useful for hunting rabbit
and squirrel, dispatching vermin such as
raccoon, skunk, possum, and for butchering
livestock. .38 Special wadcutters for smallgame
and vermin. Also, an ideal sidearm to take along while picking wild berries, plums, etc.
A very versatile, classic, historical, and
venerable firearm.

I’m sure this same Smith and Wesson Model 66,
or any good handgun for that matter, would be
highly regarded by pilots, aviators, etc. as a
personal handgun in the case of terrorists,
hijackers, etc. I do know during World War II,
Korea, and Vietnam military pilots and aviators
were issued a .38 caliber revolver, usually
carried in a shoulder holster beneath their
flight jacket. The Smith and Wesson .38 Special
Victory Model was a parkerized version of the
latter S&W Model 10 Military and Police and
had a laynard ring on the grip butt. How much
better a stainless handgun would be in an
enviroment of salt water, high humidity, or
freezing cold, snow, or rain.

I just came across one of these at a local shop for $300… and I’m very interested, but too much of a novice to know what to inspect for to determine its true condition. Can you give me any tips or pointers on what to make sure *should* be right, or what to look our for?

Given that it passes inspection… is the price in the right ballpark?

Thank you!

James

That is a great prince if the revolver is in good condition.

Please read
https://dayattherange.com/?p=664

To determine if you have a good specimen or not.

anyone know where your can purchase rear sights for the model 66……..????

I just came across this website and had no idea that the model 66 had such a reputation. And so I thought I’d share my short story on how I came to own mine.

When my father was younger and about to leave for the academy to become a peace officer, an old Minnesota highway patrolmen, who was a family friend I’m told, gave it to him as a gift. I recently, about two years ago, became a firearms enthusiast and started purchasing a few of my own. One day my dad took me into his bedroom and pulled out an old toolbox and inside was a leather pistol case. Inside he had the mod66 combat magnum and a .38 chief special. He gave me the mod66 and kept the .38, the .38 is his CCW, and now its one of my most favorite guns to shoot. Mine has some very nice wooden grips with a metal S&W emblem on either side.

Time for me to take some updated pictures. The Old General did not deserve to be seen in rubber and I have since got some nice wood grips for it.

The Smith & Wesson model 66-2 has to be one of the best hand guns ever produced.
I began shooting pistols in bulls-eye competition in the mid ?70?s with a Ruger Standard MK I. I have not shot in competition in years, but still love going to the range shooting targets and still preferred auto loaders. I now own a fair collection of guns including the updated Ruger MK III 22/45 along with other semi-auto pistols ,which I have always preferred over revolvers, until now. I now own the Smith & Wesson 66-2 that my father carried for several years before he retired from my hometown Police Department, he carried a model 19 before that. He retired in ?96 and passed away suddenly last year. I also have a Smith & Wesson 38 S&W my grandfather carried as a Deputy Sheriff. Regretfully I moved away from home and never shot that much with my father, what few times I did shoot with him I would harass him for still caring a wheel gun on the force long after others had switched to auto loaders. My father also didn?t enjoy competition or recreation shooting as much as I, he shot just enough to pass the pistol range each year. My first trip to the gun range with his model 66 after he passed away made me regret ever teasing him about his wheel gun and that we hadn?t gotten together to shoot more often than we had. He had changed the trigger spring on the 66-2 to lighter pull spring and installed Pachmayr grips, I have his original spring and walnut grips. His 66-2 converted me after the first few rounds. It is as tight now as it was new and on target with every pull. I have became more consistent with this gun than any of my others from 22 to my 45 auto. I could never use this pistol for a defense weapon in case anything happened to it, too much sentimental value there now, but it is now one of my favorite guns ever. For now it remains in my vault, when not at the range. This gun will be passed on to my son one day, but I do plan on shooting it with him before I pass away also. I can easily say to anyone wanting a good quality hand gun, get yourself a Smith & Wesson model 66 or 19, even if you have to pay extra to find a good one, you want regret it!

Bill:
I ran across your comments when I was looking for Model 66-2 pricing. I’ve been offered $600 for my mint-condition gun and wanted to make sure it was priced right. I think it might be a good deal. I bought it new in 1982 and it only has about 20 rounds of 38 through it…no 357.

Bill the best way to determine the price of your Model 66 is by acquiring the blue book and also looking at sites like gun broker.com to see what others are looking for. Price is subject right meaning it all depends on if the buyer thinks he or she is getting a good deal and if the seller is getting out of it what he or she wants. I hope this helps I just really hate giving prices online as I do not wish to hurt yours or anyone else’s sale.

The model 66 is one of the best handguns ever made!

I just picked up a model 66 (no dash) this weekend for $425 at a pawn shop. It?s a little beat up on the outside but everything locks up tight and it?s in great working condition. Feels great on the hands and shoots like a dream. This and the model 67 (similar K frame but comes only in .38 spl & without the half lug barrel) are my two favorite Smith & Wesson revolvers. I always hear that a lot of people disliked the target grips, but I think one reason it balances so well is because of those grips. Plus the medallions on the grips give it a classic touch. 66 is definitely one to put into your collection, or get the blued version it?s based on, the model 19.

I currently own two model 66-2’s and if there has been a better revolver made I
haven’t found it. I also have two model 27-2’s in 5″ barrel and they are almost
as easy to shoot as my 66’s. It depends on the size of your hands whether “K”
frames or “N ” frame feel better and I also think that if, God forbid, I could own but
one handgun it would be a S&W model 66!

I bought a 66 a newer model and the first time on the range was a beautiful experience thank u for the forum it help make my mind up in pursuing to buy one thanks again

I see this is a older post but I purchased a 66 no dash , 1972 year model today. Haven’t shot it yet but I think in very good condition. Will have my gunsmith look it over, I shoot 22 benchrest and watch all your videos . Thank you

E you are going to love that model 66 do me a favor preserve that baby because you have something nice on your hands. When I say preserve it means shoot the snot out of it but with the right ammo. Please do not shoot these 110gr and 125gr light hot ammo they have been known to crack the forcing cone. If you stay with 130gr and above shoot it as much as you would like. I wish you were close by because I would check it for you. Good Luck