S&W Model 66-1, couple of questions

animalfilter · January 12, 2010, 09:22 PM

I came across this gun in very good condition today for $200 and jumped on it. I spent an hour at the range and the accuracy and action of the gun is fantastic.

I'm wondering if any of you S&W experts might could give me a little input on a few things. Around when was SN# 57K-XXXX manufactured? What's the average price you'd see for these at a gun shop? (It does not have the custom engraving) Does it have any known issues or problems I should be aware of?

I've been reading up on how it is an offspring of the M-19 Combat Magnum. Any of tidbits of history you can tell about this firearm? So far I am thrilled and feel I came across a gem and a great deal...

Thanks in advance!

rdmallory · January 12, 2010, 09:35 PM

I have a 66-2 4" and would not take $600 for it.

What length is it?

1.5-2" I have seen them for $350-$450 range
4" $400-$550 range

3" are very rare and I have seen them around $700 or so.

These older pre locks are going up in price.

There was an issue with .357 rounds etching the top and breaking the frame but I have not seen it.

Doug

animalfilter · January 12, 2010, 10:23 PM

It's a 6" barrel, silver, walnut (i think) grips

oneounceload · January 12, 2010, 10:24 PM

My 66-2 does not like a lot of full-power 357 loads fired at one time. These are the stainless steel versions of the 19. The infamous 125 grain 357 loads have been reported to have a deleterious effect on the top strap due to flame cutting. Mine has a little. Watch the forcing cone area as well. While many might say that it is much ado about nothing, remember that Bill Jordan envisioned this gun to be shot with 38 and 38+P most of the time and carried with 357 on duty. One of the reasons S&W brought out the L frame guns

laytonj1 · January 12, 2010, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Around when was SN# 57K-XXXX manufactured?

1980.

Jim

Webleymkv · January 13, 2010, 12:17 AM

A gun like yours would fetch $400-600 in my area though prices may vary by region.

As far as known problems with the M66: The earliest guns had issues with the gas ring swelling as the revolver heated up and binding the action. I'm pretty sure, however, that this was endemic to the no-dash guns and that the problem was solved by the time your 66-1 was produced. Also, all K-Frame .357 Magnums (Models 13, 19, 65, and 66) have been known to have issues with both flame cutting of the topstrap and cracked forcing cones. These issues, however, are much more prevalent when full power 125grn or lighter Magnums are shot in large numbers. Fed a diet of either .38 Specials or 140grn or heavier Magnums, these issues are relatively rare.

BillCA · January 13, 2010, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Also, all K-Frame .357 Magnums (Models 13, 19, 65, and 66) have been known to have issues with both flame cutting of the topstrap and cracked forcing cones.

Well, sort of.

Flame cutting of the top strap occurs in almost all magnum guns when the right combination of powder charges and short bullets are used. In the K-Frame, the short length of the 125gr coupled with the powder charges typically used do cause erosion just above the forcing cone.

The whole cracking issue tended to concentrate in the carbon steel K-Frames as a rule. For some reason the stainless K-frames exhibited much less tendency to fail.

The K-Frame failures were induced not only by the use of the very high velocity (1500 fps+ 6") 125gr loads, but also by lack of proper hygiene by the user. Almost every failed gun exhibited either lead build-up near the forcing cone or serious throat erosion from using fast, jacketed bullets.

This indicates that .357 Magnum K-frame owners should pay attention to periodic cleaning of the forcing cone area with a Lewis Lead Remover or similar product.

The K-Frame can withstand considerable use of .357 ammo in other weights without failing under the barrel. Keeping them clean and limiting ammo selection to heavier bullets for the bulk of your shooting is probably the best idea.

madcratebuilder · January 13, 2010, 12:38 PM

A 200 dollar M66-2 sounds to good to be true. I would be concerned about it's back ground. Hopefully you got a legitimate good deal.

The whole forcing cone internet rumor is way over blown. Keep your revolver clean and enjoy it.

moccassins · January 13, 2010, 12:43 PM

Quote:

This indicates that .357 Magnum K-frame owners should pay attention to periodic cleaning of the forcing cone area with a Lewis Lead Remover or similar product.

don't forget copper fouling

mikehoncho · January 13, 2010, 02:22 PM

Although the 2.5 inch - 4 inch revolvers are typically more sought than the 6" with the 19's that I've seen, I believe the 6" in a 66 is harder to find so may bring a bit more with that in mind.

BigJimP · January 13, 2010, 02:26 PM

Any model 66 ( its stainless / not silver - by the way ) ... is a steal at $200 if its in good shape.

Model 66's in my area / are all running $ 500 - $700 these days depending on condition ( espececially a no dash, or a dash 1 - or even a dash 2 ).

I have a pair of 66's in 4" - and I don't shoot them every week / but I've never been overly cautious about shooting .357 mag loads in them ( or the older model 19's for that matter either ). I probably put 15 boxes a year thru each of my model 66's and 19's ... so 750 rounds a year maybe ...and all of them were purchased used / but I've had many of them for 5 - 10 yrs...

old bear · January 13, 2010, 04:56 PM

When I bought my first S&W M-66, no dash, I asked about Flame cutting. The gunsmith who owned the shop advised me to use a graphite pencil and cover the underside of the top strap in the area around the top of the forcing cone with pencil lines; he swore that this would limit if not eliminate the flame cutting. I now do this to all my handguns and thousands of rounds later no flame cutting on any of my pistols. I’m also anal about keeping all of my handguns as clean as possible.

Safe Shooting All.

Hedge313 · January 13, 2010, 04:58 PM

NC/SC areas are the same price at $500-$600 for any model 66 in decent shape. I am scooping up 65s and 66s if they are in the $350-450 range. I have a nice collection of them and would not mind adding a few more.

liviussteven · January 13, 2010, 05:36 PM

i got a 66-2 4" and it is a pure joy to shoot... i love mine
you got a great deal...

flusher · January 13, 2010, 07:43 PM

66-1 2.5 "
Recesssed cylinder

Duke City Six · January 13, 2010, 08:11 PM

I agree. Smokin' deal!

I'm unemployed and I'm pretty sure I would have taken that deal.

My only gun is a 4" model 64, and that magnum would make the perfect mate.

Enjoy.

animalfilter · January 13, 2010, 10:34 PM

Here's a snapshot, its got some use on it, but it feels like a new gun. I'm loving me some S&W!

540mope · January 14, 2010, 07:22 AM

$200???...if it wasn't stolen before, it is now.

fess up....you must have gotten it from some sweet little old lady that just didn't know what she had.
that's a sweet looking 6 incher. some will pay a premium for pinned and recessed 66s/66-1s like yours. the problem now is that you will want more and more of them.
my meager collection...

rdmallory · January 15, 2010, 04:56 PM

Nice gun,

And the 6" is legal for deer hunting in KY.

Doug

jpsshack · January 15, 2010, 05:17 PM

Yeah, that's frickin' crazy. I paid $400 for my 4" 66-1 a year ago, put $100 into it for a new trigger and still feel like I got a great deal!

Harry Callahan · January 15, 2010, 10:54 PM

Beautiful Smiths, 540mope. That 3 inch is to die for.

540mope · January 16, 2010, 11:12 AM

thanks Harry. the 3" was bought last month at a gun show from a private seller (the original owner). i about soiled my pants when i caught glimpse of it. i'm too embarrassed to say what little i paid. and what's most amazing is that a dealer didn't snag on it first. luck was on my side that day
it's a sweet shooter too

January 12, 2010, 09:22 PM	#1
animalfilter Junior Member Join Date: January 12, 2010 Posts: 6	S&W Model 66-1, couple of questions I came across this gun in very good condition today for $200 and jumped on it. I spent an hour at the range and the accuracy and action of the gun is fantastic. I'm wondering if any of you S&W experts might could give me a little input on a few things. Around when was SN# 57K-XXXX manufactured? What's the average price you'd see for these at a gun shop? (It does not have the custom engraving) Does it have any known issues or problems I should be aware of? I've been reading up on how it is an offspring of the M-19 Combat Magnum. Any of tidbits of history you can tell about this firearm? So far I am thrilled and feel I came across a gem and a great deal... Thanks in advance!

January 13, 2010, 04:56 PM	#12
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	“Flame cutting on top strap of magnum handguns” When I bought my first S&W M-66, no dash, I asked about Flame cutting. The gunsmith who owned the shop advised me to use a graphite pencil and cover the underside of the top strap in the area around the top of the forcing cone with pencil lines; he swore that this would limit if not eliminate the flame cutting. I now do this to all my handguns and thousands of rounds later no flame cutting on any of my pistols. I’m also anal about keeping all of my handguns as clean as possible. Safe Shooting All.

January 14, 2010, 07:22 AM	#18
540mope Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2008 Location: yonder Posts: 359	$200???...if it wasn't stolen before, it is now. fess up....you must have gotten it from some sweet little old lady that just didn't know what she had. that's a sweet looking 6 incher. some will pay a premium for pinned and recessed 66s/66-1s like yours. the problem now is that you will want more and more of them. my meager collection... Last edited by 540mope; January 14, 2010 at 07:28 AM.

January 15, 2010, 10:54 PM	#21
Harry Callahan Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2006 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 832	Beautiful Smiths, 540mope. That 3 inch is to die for. __________________ "Ah ah. I know what you're thinkin'. Did he fire 6 shots or only 5? To tell you the truth in all this excitement I've kind of lost track myself. But with this being a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off... you've got to ask yourself a question. Do I feel lucky? WELL DO YA, PUNK?!!!"- Harry Callahan(Dirty Harry)

January 16, 2010, 11:12 AM	#22
540mope Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2008 Location: yonder Posts: 359	thanks Harry. the 3" was bought last month at a gun show from a private seller (the original owner). i about soiled my pants when i caught glimpse of it. i'm too embarrassed to say what little i paid. and what's most amazing is that a dealer didn't snag on it first. luck was on my side that day it's a sweet shooter too Last edited by 540mope; January 16, 2010 at 11:32 AM.

January 12, 2010, 09:35 PM	#2
rdmallory Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2009 Location: Deltona FL Posts: 953	I have a 66-2 4" and would not take $600 for it. What length is it? 1.5-2" I have seen them for $350-$450 range 4" $400-$550 range 3" are very rare and I have seen them around $700 or so. These older pre locks are going up in price. There was an issue with .357 rounds etching the top and breaking the frame but I have not seen it. Doug

January 12, 2010, 10:23 PM	#3
animalfilter Junior Member Join Date: January 12, 2010 Posts: 6	It's a 6" barrel, silver, walnut (i think) grips

January 12, 2010, 10:24 PM	#4
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	My 66-2 does not like a lot of full-power 357 loads fired at one time. These are the stainless steel versions of the 19. The infamous 125 grain 357 loads have been reported to have a deleterious effect on the top strap due to flame cutting. Mine has a little. Watch the forcing cone area as well. While many might say that it is much ado about nothing, remember that Bill Jordan envisioned this gun to be shot with 38 and 38+P most of the time and carried with 357 on duty. One of the reasons S&W brought out the L frame guns

January 13, 2010, 12:17 AM	#6
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	A gun like yours would fetch $400-600 in my area though prices may vary by region. As far as known problems with the M66: The earliest guns had issues with the gas ring swelling as the revolver heated up and binding the action. I'm pretty sure, however, that this was endemic to the no-dash guns and that the problem was solved by the time your 66-1 was produced. Also, all K-Frame .357 Magnums (Models 13, 19, 65, and 66) have been known to have issues with both flame cutting of the topstrap and cracked forcing cones. These issues, however, are much more prevalent when full power 125grn or lighter Magnums are shot in large numbers. Fed a diet of either .38 Specials or 140grn or heavier Magnums, these issues are relatively rare.

January 13, 2010, 12:38 PM	#8
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 4,923	A 200 dollar M66-2 sounds to good to be true. I would be concerned about it's back ground. Hopefully you got a legitimate good deal. The whole forcing cone internet rumor is way over blown. Keep your revolver clean and enjoy it.

January 13, 2010, 02:22 PM	#10
mikehoncho Member Join Date: December 4, 2009 Posts: 17	Although the 2.5 inch - 4 inch revolvers are typically more sought than the 6" with the 19's that I've seen, I believe the 6" in a 66 is harder to find so may bring a bit more with that in mind.

January 13, 2010, 02:26 PM	#11
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Any model 66 ( its stainless / not silver - by the way ) ... is a steal at $200 if its in good shape. Model 66's in my area / are all running $ 500 - $700 these days depending on condition ( espececially a no dash, or a dash 1 - or even a dash 2 ). I have a pair of 66's in 4" - and I don't shoot them every week / but I've never been overly cautious about shooting .357 mag loads in them ( or the older model 19's for that matter either ). I probably put 15 boxes a year thru each of my model 66's and 19's ... so 750 rounds a year maybe ...and all of them were purchased used / but I've had many of them for 5 - 10 yrs...

January 13, 2010, 04:58 PM	#13
Hedge313 Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 185	NC/SC areas are the same price at $500-$600 for any model 66 in decent shape. I am scooping up 65s and 66s if they are in the $350-450 range. I have a nice collection of them and would not mind adding a few more.

January 13, 2010, 05:36 PM	#14
liviussteven Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2008 Location: goldsboro n.c. Posts: 184	i got a 66-2 4" and it is a pure joy to shoot... i love mine you got a great deal...

January 13, 2010, 07:43 PM	#15
flusher Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2001 Location: Connecticut Posts: 219	66-1 2.5 " Recesssed cylinder

January 13, 2010, 08:11 PM	#16
Duke City Six Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2010 Posts: 304	I agree. Smokin' deal! I'm unemployed and I'm pretty sure I would have taken that deal. My only gun is a 4" model 64, and that magnum would make the perfect mate. Enjoy.

January 15, 2010, 04:56 PM	#19
rdmallory Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2009 Location: Deltona FL Posts: 953	Nice gun, And the 6" is legal for deer hunting in KY. Doug

January 15, 2010, 05:17 PM	#20
jpsshack Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2008 Location: Northern New England Posts: 169	Yeah, that's frickin' crazy. I paid $400 for my 4" 66-1 a year ago, put $100 into it for a new trigger and still feel like I got a great deal!