Posted: 8/16/2007 6:44:04 AM EDT
| Stumbled across a very clean looking Model 66 for $280. As I recall they were pretty well thought of, and I wondered about any opinions, concerns or info on these. Also, is there a serial number registry were I can date this revolver's manufacture? This pistol would be an occaisional shooter, as I am more partial to auto loading pistols, but this is sort of a "classic" and I wouldn't mind some info (encouragement) on a decision to buy. |
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Probably one of the best general purpose revolvers ever made. In its day, it was one of the most prolific police duty weapons ever seen; sort of like Glocks are today. I have a pair of them, one with a four inch barrel and one with a 2.5" barrel and round butt, that were issued to me in 1978 when I began my LE career. I'm retired now, was allowed to purchase both, and they are not for sale at any price. As with many firearms, the older ones tend to be "better" than the newer ones. Production ceased a few years ago. Having worked on literally hundreds of them, it is my opinion that the ones made before the new serial numbering system are the most desirable; depending upon condition, of course. IOW, an M-66 with a "K" in the number (as in, 32K4556, 47K1234, etc.) would PROBABLY have been assembled a bit more carefully than one with a number like AAB 3901, etc. The late 70s marked the beginning of the end for old-line S&W quality; and I'm talking about the skill and attitude of the fitters who built the guns, not just the quality of the manufactured parts. The new serial numbering system began in the early 80s. And, of course, the last ones no doubt had that communist lock. All that said, even one with MIM parts will undoubtedly serve your needs well. There are indeed published lists of serial/date ranges. I suggest you visit the S&W Forum (the forum, NOT the company web site), and post a query with the number. There are all sorts of folks there with the Supica books who will be glad to look it up for you. BTW. if the revolver is in good shape, $280 is an excellent price. If it is an "early" one, and isn't shot loose (which can be fixed by a knowledgeable mechanic without too much expense), $280 is a steal, IMO. . . |
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For all around use a Model 66 is just about perfect. If I could only own one revolver, it would be a S&W Model 66 with a 4 inch barrel (with a slight preference toward a 66 no dash or a 66-1, since they are pinned and recessed). As they become newer, they become less desirable (though I have a 3 inch Model 66-5 made around 1999 or so, that I have to admit is functionally a great handgun). $280 is a good price for a clean 66. The top thing to watch for would a kitchen table trigger job. If one has been done poorly, it could probably be corrected with parts replacement, which might or might not be expensive depending on the parts involved. Also, I recall seeing one Model 19 (the blued version of a 66) being messed up when a guy put toothpaste in the action to smooth it out and threw it out of time – necessitating an expensive trip to the factory. That said, 66’s are easy to do a good trigger job also, so you might actually get lucky on that count and get a good one Secondly, while unlikely, 66’s fired with lots of full house .357 magnums will sometimes develop throat cracks (which is why S&W developed the L frame). That’s an easy check – just open the cylinder and look carefully at the inside of barrel where the bullet enters for cracks or excessive wear. |
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The K framed .357 magnums do not hold up well to constant use of .357 magnum ammunition. You need to check the cylinder timing and end shake before you buy it. The concept of the K framed .357 was to use .38specials for practice and qualification and to carry .357 magnum ammunition. When Police depts began using .357 magnum ammunition continuously the K frames started self destructing. That is why S&W came out with the L framed .357s like the 686 
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The new yoke screw VG refers to was yet another in a long line of manufacturing shortcuts the firm has taken over the years, in an effort to reduce costs and maintain profitability. This is why many of us feel no love for a "new" S&W revolver, while at the same time acknowledging that they do what they are supposed to do; shoot reliably. Since you stated you're looking for a shooter, and not particulary concerned about whether or not the revolver has any panache, that L-frame does sound like a good deal. I hear ya, VG... seven and eight shot cylinders just "ain't right"!!!!! . |