[Alex]

I just brought home a 21/2" model 66 from the gunstore yesterday. It's an older pistol, but still comes with the blue hardcase. The label on the case says the serial number, finish, stocks, caliber, etc. But there is also a catagory titled Features where it shows the letters RR-WO. What exactly does this mean? The gun has had some nice action work on it, but I'm wondering if it is possible that any of this was done at the factory though it doesn't show any signs of coming out of the custom shop. Any information would be appreciated.

[Brian Williams]

RR red ramp
WO white outline
post Serial # like ABC12XX
x out the last numbers for privacy
many around here will will give the born on date at least the year.

[Old Fuff]

"RR" stands for "Red Ramp" and refers to a red plastic insert in the front sight. "WO" stands for "White Outline" and refers to the white outline around the rear sight notch. These features were often standard on model 66's and some 19's.

I doubt that any action work was done at the factory when the gun was being build. If it had been they're would be a notation on the box label. Someone (including S&W) may have done something later, but it's most likely you were lucky to get an excellent action out-of-the-box.

[Alex]

Thanks for the information. This gun has both those features. The one thing that I don't understand about it is that the cylinder face is highly polished, much better finish than on my other stainless smiths. I thought at first that perhaps the cylinder had been altered for moon clips, but there isn't enough clearance. Also I believe the chambers were polished, in any event it's a nice pistol and should work well for IDPA. Once again thanks for the information.

[Pinned&Recessed]

The "moon-clip alteration" you are referring to is probably a counterbored cylinder. S&W stopped doing it in 1982. Why they stopped, I'll never know, but it lets the case heads go flush with the cylinder and adds some strength and support to the case head area.

Some people argue that with modern solid-head brass, the counterboring is unecessary. The counter bore originally appeared on the original .357 Magnum in 1935, during he era of balloon-head brass. The rimfire .22 revolvers are still "recessed" as the .22 has a rather weak case.

I don't care what anyone says about brass strength or what, but I'd like all the extra support and strength in my guns as I can get. After all, it is an explosion being controlled in your hand.

[mdsteele]

Hi Pinned! Glad to see you here.

Alex
I have an older M66 snubby myself. It is one great shooting gun. Congrats!

[Kahr carrier]

Congrats on your new S&W 66.:)

[10-Ring]

I had been pondering a 66 purchase for awhile, last week, I stumbled across a 19 at a good price I couldn't walk away from. Congrats on the new addition!

[Ala Dan]

the stainless steel counter-part to the famed S&W model
19. What more needs to be said!

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