S&W 66

[KP-Skagit]

Family friend wants to sell me a S&W 66. Stainless, 4" barrel walnut grips. I know really nothing about them. Curious to hear what to look for, and also high level picture of cost. From what I see online it's pretty dang variable which tells me there is a little more to it.

They gave me the SN but it doesn't make much sense with what I have seen published for Model 66 SNs... Might need to look at it myself and make sure its written down right. I suspect this is from the 80s or 90s.

[Wingin it]

They are a nice wheel gun.

[Ridgeratt]

This might give you some information.

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,285341.msg3883173.html#msg3883173

[EnglishSetter]

Dash number would help narrow it down.  66-*

[30.06]

The Model 66 without a dash came out in 1970; seven years later the Model 66-1 appeared with the gas ring attached to the cylinder rather than the yoke. The year 1982 gave us the Model 66-2 which eliminated pinned barrels and recessed cylinders. In 1986 the Model 66-3 with a new yoke retention system/radius stud package/hammer nose bushing and floating hand came to the marketplace. Eight years later in 1994 the Model 66-4 had a slightly different rear sight leaf, a relocated drilling and taping of the frame for the rear sight, along with optional Hogue grips and a change in the extractor.

The older K-frames had a cut at the bottom of the forcing cone and was notorious for splitting with prolonged use of magnum ammo.

They may have looked at the assembly number in the crane recess. The serial is on the bottom face of the grip frame under the grips.

[KP-Skagit]

Very informative and thanks for the other link. Some stuff to look into for sure.

[71Shovelhead]

KP-Skagit,
PM me if you would like to discuss your model 66. I have lots of information on S&Ws, especially older ones.

Terry

[Ghost Hunter]

This made me look into my 29-2 a little more. 1973 serial number.  Don't think I'll ever get rid of it.  Original grips and wood box. 

[MADMAX]

Me to
I have a small frame 5 shot 38 spc CTG
Nice little gun
I’m thinking it’s 70s vintage