[dhoomonyou]

I want to get a Smith & Wesson Model 66.

Does anyone have any info on the build quality of a NEW or USED gun.

New $450, Used approx $350

I know the new ones have the built in SAFETY lock ( I will not be using it)

and please keep POLITICS out of the discussion.

thanks for any and all input.

[Johnny Guest]

I'd personally prefer the ones from several years back, for various reasons, politics aside.

The older ones are almost always smoother, and I think the primer ignition tool should be located on the hammer nose.:D

Also, if you shop around, you can probably find a good used one for even less than the $350 you mention. See the excellent article by Jim March, "Revolver checkout: how to tell if a particular specimen is any good," floated at the top of this forum. Follow his tips and you can make a very good choice. I've seen very decent M66s go for well below $300 in this area.

One of the nicest things about the stainless handguns is that they are the same color all the way through. Even though scratched up on the exterior, if in good mechanical shape, you can buff out the scratches at home, or even have the exterior bead-blasted for a nice custom finish.

Johnny

[valnar]

Assuming excellent condition, I'd look for a model 66-3 or 66-4
(dash = revision, not barrel length).

I may be wrong, but I think -5 has MIM parts and -6 adds the lock.


Corrections welcome.

-Robert

[BowStreetRunner]

http://www.impactguns.com/store/smith_m66_used.html

[Ala Dan]

The -5 does have MIM hammer and trigger; but that
does not necessarily mean they are bad. Some members
from the metallurgical world will argue that MIM part's are
just as durable as case hardened part's. I've owned lots
of revolver's with both types; and quite honestly, I
can see NO difference in their performance !:D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Mike Irwin]

Gee, I wonder what my answer would be...

[Old Fuff]

You didn't mention barrel length. As a rule used 2 1/2 and 6 inch guns command a higher price then those with 4 inch barrels. This is simply because there are more 4 incher's around. Many are police trade-in's that may be finish worn but were well maintained. These usually go for $275.00 or less - sometimes much less.

Used guns are often "hardly used." I make a point of looking for good ones because buying used will allow one to buy more guns vs. new ones. Use Jim March's check list and you aren't likely to go wrong.

Never forget, that new gun becomes used as soon as you carry it out the shop door .....

[C.R.Sam]

Not real keen on the 66.
But would look for a dash 3 or dash 4.
And expect to pay tween 200 and 225 in 95 percent finish. Perfect mechanicals.

I just not into stainless.

If equivelant in blue....Model 19; would take any pre 1982 and expect to pay tween 200 and 250 for 95 percent finish and perfect mechanicals.

Sam

[Stainz]

I just bought a new 6" M66-6, with Redfield scope rail, rings, and rear sights, for $350 + $10 shipping to my range's FFL. A call to S&W revealed that it was shipped from them in January - and it has the hammer lock. I have launched only .38's thus far - it, and it's sibling 2" M10-11 I bought at the same time, are my first ever .38's. It is quite smooth - but thusfar I have spent more time shooting the M10 snubbie! I did add the scope rail - and a Tasco PDP6 red dot - quite ungainly looking - I quickly replaced the adjustable rear sights - and put a HiViz fiber optic front sight - great improvement. Including the scope rail was a great incentive to me - at least on paper.

Stainz

[bartp40]

http://www.southernohiogun.com/surplus_hand.html
:D