The Firing Line Forums

Go Back   The Firing Line Forums > Hogan's Alley > Handguns: The Revolver Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old December 22, 2008, 04:04 PM   #1
RocketRider
Member
 
Join Date: December 6, 2008
Location: Sugar Valley, GA.
Posts: 36
S&w Model 66

Got a chance to buy a S&W model 66 for $400.00,,,its in great shape, appears to have been taken care of,,4 inch barrel,,,also is this a pre-lock gun?,,,,,,,,is it worth the price?
__________________
Shhhh,,,,,,Do you hear that?,,,,,,,,,,,,,Join The NRA
RocketRider is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 04:09 PM   #2
Webleymkv
Senior Member
 
Join Date: July 20, 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 10,435
Depends on your area, In my area that price is a high normal for a 4" gun (the most common barrel length).
Webleymkv is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 04:49 PM   #3
Smaug
Senior Member
 
Join Date: June 4, 2004
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 3,210
Quote:
Originally Posted by RocketRider
its in great shape, appears to have been taken care of
Appears to have been taken care of?

Buy a set of automotive feeler gauges, bring your flashlight, and find out for sure if it has been taken care of before buying it.

Refer to the revolver check-out thread stickied at the top of this forum.

Also, $400 seems a bit high for a used S&W that is not particularly in demand. I'd offer $350 tops and be ready to walk.
__________________
-Jeremy

"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength."
- Eric Hoffer
Smaug is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 05:00 PM   #4
laytonj1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: June 1, 2005
Posts: 4,443
$400 is a good price in excellent condition. Model 66's in 2.5" and 4" are always in demand, especially the earlier models. I would need to know the dash number (66-1, 66-2, etc.) or better yet the serial number to tell you more about it. Look on the left side of the frame directly above the thumb latch (cylinder release). If you see a key hole then you got the lock.
I paid $460 for my used 2.5" 66-1 and was happy to get it.

Jim
laytonj1 is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 05:18 PM   #5
stevieboy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 14, 2008
Posts: 1,695
Last month I paid substantially more than $400 for a 4" 66 no-dash in more or less new condition that was manufactured back in '72. I may have paid a bit more than market but I don't regret it a bit. The gun is a fine shooter, very accurate, and it balances beautifully in my hand. I've come to believe that K-frames are the epitome of Smith design and the gun assumes more value (not necessarily market, but personal) for me because Smith no longer makes K-frame magnums. Personally, I think that $400 is an excellent price if the gun is in good condition. I'm certain that you'll enjoy shooting it

Smith manufactured 66's for almost 25 years and there were a number of design changes that Smith implemented during that period. The very first 66s, like mine, came with wooden target grips, forged parts, pinned barrels, and recessed cylinders. Some folks consider those features to be pluses and draw invidious comparisons with later models which came with rubber Hogue grips, MIM parts, screwed in barrels, and non-recessed cylinders, and of course, locks. Personally, none of those changes make any difference to me, I'd be just as happy with a newer model than with an old one.

The only change that I find to be significant between newer 66s and the original model is the sights. The very first 66s, such as mine, came with all stainless front and rear sights. After a few months Smith switched to a red insert front sight and, eventually, to a black rear sight. I find the all stainless front sight to be a minor drawback because, in some light it just sort of disappears into the distance. I suppose I could change mine but I won't because I like to keep my gun authentic. Aside from that, I'd say that the 66 is the perfect revolver!
stevieboy is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 05:21 PM   #6
BigJimP
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 23, 2005
Posts: 13,195
I've seen a 66-1 in virtually unfired condition - in its original box as high as $ 600 - but that is a pretty unusual find.

$ 400 - $450 is probably a good average price around here for a good 4" / a -1 or -2 might be $ 500 / -3 is a little lower / -4 had has a MIM trigger in 1997 / it went to -5 in 1998 ( and those will have the belly button or internal frame lock ).

Personally I would not buy a -4 or -5 unless it was $ 100 or less.

I do have a -1 that I bought a year or so ago / its a nice gun.
BigJimP is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 08:58 PM   #7
Luis
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 22, 2007
Location: Dollard des Ormeaux ,Qc,Canada
Posts: 128
S&W Mod 66 357 mag 4"

If you are happy with it .It is a good price
Mine is Model 66-2 ..I paid $400 for it.

[IMG]http:[/IMG]
[IMG]http:[/IMG]

Last edited by Luis; December 22, 2008 at 09:03 PM. Reason: no finish
Luis is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 09:36 PM   #8
Tom2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: June 23, 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5,676
I got this 66-3 NIB in 92 for 330$. Probably not a bargain price at the time though. Smooth as silk and DA is better a slight bit than the 64-3 in the picture, but maybe partly due to the wide trigger. The 64 has a lighter SA though, about almost hair trigger, but the Magnum is no slouch. The magnum is just a slight bit better in fit and finish too. It is staying in the collection here. Last handgun I would part with, I think. Runner ups are the 64 and the Colt 1911. I guess I can imagine them selling for 400 or more all these years later, but I would choke at the price just because I have seen the day when K frame revolvers were dirt cheap and everyone wanted to dump them for a cool autoblaster of some sort.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Smiths.jpg (87.4 KB, 116 views)
__________________
Your gun is like your nose, it is just wrong for someone else to pick it for you!
Tom2 is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 09:39 PM   #9
redlevel42
Senior Member
 
Join Date: July 27, 2007
Location: South Georgia
Posts: 310
Four hundred dollars is a fair price for a 66. More than likely you are not going to find a real bargain on a gun like that unless you happen to be in the right place at the right time--people know what those guns are worth.

If the gun you are looking at is pinned and recessed, it is worth a little more. I did not say it is necessarily better, but there are people like me who refuse to buy a S&W unless it has a pinned barrel, and recessed chambers if a magnum. Why? Just 'cause.

I need a good 66, and I would pay $400 for one that was in good shape. Look for flame cutting on the top-strap and general looseness, both indications that someone has gotten carried away and shot too many hot magnum reloads.

Just look around and see what a new gun of this quality (if one is available) would cost.
__________________
Georgia on My Mind
redlevel42 is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 09:51 PM   #10
RocketRider
Member
 
Join Date: December 6, 2008
Location: Sugar Valley, GA.
Posts: 36
it is a 66-2,,pinned and recessed,,,he's even throwing in a 100 rds,
__________________
Shhhh,,,,,,Do you hear that?,,,,,,,,,,,,,Join The NRA
RocketRider is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 10:22 PM   #11
223 shooter
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 26, 2008
Posts: 557
The older Smith revolvers keep going up in price , even those that were somewhat common. I bought my 66-1 last year for $400 and am very pleased with it.
223 shooter is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 10:27 PM   #12
orionengnr
Senior Member
 
Join Date: July 9, 2004
Posts: 5,172
Okay, I will go ahead and say it. Any unmolested pinned and recessed S&W revolver with original grips in any kind of half-decent shape is worth $400.

I'm not a big fan of stainless, but defects in blued finishes are nearly impossible to hide or fix. The stainless finish, on the other hand, is far more durable and forgiving.

I have an M-66 and it's one of my favorites. If it's in decent shape it's hard to go wrong with and it's hard not to love.
orionengnr is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 10:40 PM   #13
laytonj1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: June 1, 2005
Posts: 4,443
Quote:
it is a 66-2,,pinned and recessed,,,he's even throwing in a 100 rds,
???? On the model 66, the -2 means elimination of the pinned barrel and counterbored cylinder. You might want to double check that.

Jim
laytonj1 is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 11:03 PM   #14
RocketRider
Member
 
Join Date: December 6, 2008
Location: Sugar Valley, GA.
Posts: 36
he was wrong,,,and so was i,,,about the pinned and recessed cylinder,,neither of us no nothing about revolvers,,,thats why I'm here with all the questions,,and I appreciate everyone's help,,,its just a beautiful gun,,,,,,bottom line,,should I buy?
__________________
Shhhh,,,,,,Do you hear that?,,,,,,,,,,,,,Join The NRA
RocketRider is offline  
Old December 22, 2008, 11:10 PM   #15
laytonj1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: June 1, 2005
Posts: 4,443
If you like it, then yes, buy it.

Jim
laytonj1 is offline  
Old December 23, 2008, 12:32 AM   #16
Prince55
Senior Member
 
Join Date: June 22, 2007
Posts: 472
Yes, mine is just like it---Great Shooter-Very Accurate.
Prince55 is offline  
Old December 23, 2008, 12:06 PM   #17
BigJimP
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 23, 2005
Posts: 13,195
Yes, I would probably buy it if its as clean as you say.

The 100 rounds are only valuable if they're factory loads / not reloads. If they are reloads - tell him to keep them - and ask for a $ 25 - $50 discount on the gun. I would not recommend you shoot anyone else's reloads - no way to tell what he has in them / whether he was careful or not.

66-2 was made from 1982 - 86. The -2 eliminated cyclinder counterbore and pinned barrel and there was a slight change in cyclinder length to 1.62"

But there is no reason not to buy a -2 / only pure collectors are really concerned with whether barrels are pinned or not. Not having a pinned barrel does not mean its a weaker gun. I'm a collector and shooter / shoot everything I own / so the "- number" is not more important to me than the condition at least until you get into later dash numbers where you might have MIM parts, internal frame locks, etc.

From my S&W book - model 66 introduced in 1970 / its called the " .357 Combat Magnum Stainless". Stainless K frame, 3 screws - its the stainless version of the model 19. The 2 1/2" barrel had a round butt, 4 and 6" barrels had square butt frames, 1/8" serrated red ramp front sight, adjustable micrometer click white outline rear sight. Some of the 1st production guns had a stainless rear target sight rather than black. Guns had Target stocks, originally fitted with counter bored cyclinders of 1.67" . 10 groove serrated backstrap and forestrap. Stocks or grips were K target frame Goncalvo Alves wood with S&W medallions.

There were a lot of guns made for various police depts / Highway Patrol, etc.

Introduced in 1970
1974 introduced 2 1/2" round butt

66-1 1977 changed gas ring from yoke to cyclinder
1978 introduced 6 " barrel

66-2 1982 ( see note above )
1985 special production of 3" barrel for Ashland Arms, 5000 made

66-3 1986

66-4 1994 changed rear sight, went to Hogue grips
1995 - 1996 deleted sq butt
1997 changed to MIM trigger

66-5 1998 change to MIM hammer with floating pin, internal frame locks

etc

My source is the S&W - hardcover book 2nd edition / Standard Catalog of S&W.

let me know if you need anything else...
BigJimP is offline  
Old December 23, 2008, 12:44 PM   #18
madcratebuilder
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 2, 2007
Location: Northern Orygun
Posts: 4,923
That's a good price, I just bought a 66-1 with very nice Zebra wood grips for a little more than that. They well never go down in price.
madcratebuilder is offline  
Old December 23, 2008, 08:04 PM   #19
RocketRider
Member
 
Join Date: December 6, 2008
Location: Sugar Valley, GA.
Posts: 36
WELL I bought,,feel great about my purchase!!!! thanks to everyone for their help,,it all was very,very useful,,,range report and pictures will be coming after xmas,,,thanks again
__________________
Shhhh,,,,,,Do you hear that?,,,,,,,,,,,,,Join The NRA
RocketRider is offline  
Old December 23, 2008, 09:36 PM   #20
Deaf Smith
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 31, 2000
Location: Texican!
Posts: 4,453
Many years ago, I can't even remember who I bought it from, I picked up a M66-1 2 1/2. Added secret service grips and that's that. It's zero-zero in tolerance. That is it's rock tight when the cylinder is shut. Shoots dead on with 145 gr Silvertips. That and my CS-1 M686 3 incher are my favorite wheelguns, even better than my Speed Six. Both unfortunatly are safe queens now. My shooter is a M625 3 inch .45 ACP.

And yes, the prices just go up and up. I picked up a Smith M10, virtualy mint, made in 1949-1950, for $300. Now the books pretty much say $400 or more. I remember when five screw M10s, like most other M10s, were $200 buck guns, but only if in real good condition. Same goes for 30/30s.

And Rocket, you will just love the M66, at least with .38 spl. ammo. Full magnums can be a handfull though!
__________________
“To you who call yourselves ‘men of peace,’ I say, you are not safe without men of action by your side” Thucydides
Deaf Smith is offline  
Old December 24, 2008, 05:26 AM   #21
skeeter1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 11, 2006
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 3,403
Like the Nike ad says, "Just to it!"

Quote:
"If you like it, then yes, buy it.

Jim"
Well put. I had a 2.5" barrel M66 but sold it a couple of years ago. It was too much for me. I sold it to a young friend of mine who's a Captain in the US Army, currently in Iraq, and much stronger than I am. I sold it to him for $300. We were both happy with the deal.

I've bought and sold a few over the years. If it strikes your fancy, then buy it. You can always sell/trade it if it doesn't work out. If it's in good shape, $400 sounds like a reasonable price.
skeeter1 is offline  
Old December 24, 2008, 10:59 AM   #22
Tom2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: June 23, 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5,676
I remember in the late 90's maybe, people walking around gun shows with K frames, usually 38, blued, asking 150$. You could turn up your nose at anything with less than 98% finish and still walk out with them at or near that price. Guess I should have bought them all, oiled them up, put them in a big box, and now resell them for a tidy profit. But at that time wheelguns were "on the way out" and in the minds of some, about to become undesireable paperweights and a bad investment!
__________________
Your gun is like your nose, it is just wrong for someone else to pick it for you!
Tom2 is offline  
Old December 24, 2008, 05:59 PM   #23
Elvishead
Junior member
 
Join Date: August 8, 2007
Location: Las vegas, NV
Posts: 3,397
I think that's about right. I wouldn't pay more.

I know the 3" barrels are more in demand do to carryability. So the 4" are less desirable by some.
Elvishead is offline  
Old December 25, 2008, 12:21 AM   #24
jpsshack
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 18, 2008
Location: Northern New England
Posts: 169
I just paid $400 for a model 66-1 in great shape–couldn't be happier.
Having read this thread, I see I made a good buy.
It's got almost a hair trigger, though, and I can push the hammer down with 5 to 10 pounds of pressure (hard to tell exactly how much). Is that typical of this model?
jpsshack is offline  
Old December 25, 2008, 06:51 AM   #25
Rob96
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 31, 1999
Location: Allentown,PA
Posts: 1,969
Last December I bought a Model 67 no dash without the books or papers for $350. It was made in 1970 and was the only year from I can tell that S&W used a stainless adjustable rear sight.
Rob96 is offline  
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:40 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
This site and contents, including all posts, Copyright © 1998-2021 S.W.A.T. Magazine
Copyright Complaints: Please direct DMCA Takedown Notices to the registered agent: thefiringline.com
Page generated in 0.14426 seconds with 8 queries