S&W 66 2.5"

ApacheCoTodd said:

I got nothing to offer other than.... I want it.

I dig my 66 and I'd love a shorter one too.

I know it's the reflex action for some fellas to poo-pooh getting a *letter* from S&W but, I have yet to regret the cost spent in alleviating my curiosities for particular guns. So, for the guys who say it doesn't increase the value - I say: "So what?"

Todd.

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ApacheCoTodd said:

Actually; "A letter might only tell where it was shipped leaving the factory......"

I have received several that detailed greater than a distributor detail. If it had been back might be in there too. Also, a distribute might be known for solely supplying to a single agency.

It cracks me up that the anti-letter crowd almost takes it personal that no one ever seek one out.

Todd.

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I'm certainly not part of the anti-letter group. I have about 10-12 myself. I've just never seen one that had any details about which agency it went to in recent times. Years ago when Smith shipped directly to Police Departments the letters were very interesting. Modern guns are mostly boring information and include how they were shipped and to which distributor. Also, I have found a few that didn't give the correct information. I have a model 66 that was lettered. Ironic we are discussing the same gun. I know the dealer personally that received the gun new from the distributor. It is a 66 snub with a Target Trigger and Hammer and Smith Round butt target grips. I had several tell me that it was very rare to leave the factory in that configuration which I agree, so I lettered the gun and it mentions nothing about the target trigger, hammer and grips. I'd bet everything I own that nothing has been changed. Screws look to perfect and I can't see a distributor changing the gun and shipping to a dealer. While I put my faith in letters, I'm sure that on occasion there are details that don't show up, but for what the OP is looking for, it might be worth $100.

popeye said:

I actually used Scotch Brite to to remove some light scratches on the sideplate. I might try to remove the laser etched ser# as it barely breaks the surface.

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That would have been my guess. In earlier years, the factory stamped some Department numbers and these are deep, but the more recent laser numbers would probably scotchbrite right off. Even if you decided to use a little fine sandpaper, you can always go back over with the scotchbrite and blend it in. If I have one with bad scratches, I normally use the brown pad first and then go back over with the gray pad which is a little finer to get it looking more original. There is one other option, you could always send it back to S&W and have it glass bead finished again. If I didn't like the numbers, I'd just do it myself. Its a great gun and desired by many but I wouldn't call it collectable, so you can do most anything within reason and it will still hold its values. Even though the 3" K frames are my favorite, right behind are the 2.5" Model 66's. I have 4-5 of them right now and will buy everyone I run across that is priced within reason.

After years of wanting, and months of looking, I finally bought a 2.5" s&w 66 on gunbroker tonight. I cant wait to get my hands on it!

popeye said:

Bought this guy the udder day. 66-2 In pretty nice shape Made in '87. Came with orig grips which is getting pretty rare these days. No flame cutting. Has Dept. or Agency ser# rollmarked under sideplate. If anybody has a similarly marked gun (placement, font, ser# length) and has an idea of where it came from please post info. I know it's a stretch figuring it out. Probably was issued to Peruvian mounted Llama corps..
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I am curious about what holster you're planning to use?

Does anyone have a favorite iwb holster for a 2.5" 66?

Dave T said:

Don't knock those LLama Corps guns. They're quite rare!

On a more serious note, I'm not as big a fan of the 2.5" 66 or 19 as most people but I vastly prefer them to the 2" Model 10 or Model 64.

Dave

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Well, I guess that much unlike others I prefer a 2" M64. Don't need or want 357 in a snubby and I just like the looks of a bobbed hammer M64.

NMPOPS said:

Well, I guess that much unlike others I prefer a 2" M64. Don't need or want 357 in a snubby and I just like the looks of a bobbed hammer M64.

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Not a thing wrong with a Model 64. With the newer +P ammo that has been developed for the short barrel, it will actually perform as well and sometimes better than a .357 magnum. The Luckygunner.com test was an eye opener for me especially with the short barrel. I even carry +P ammo in my 3" .357 that is my carry gun. No need for extra blast and recoil if there is not a benefit.

“ As far as IWB holsters, there's barely enough room IWB for me much less a K Frame”

LOL! Popeye, I know exactly what you mean. I would have to buy new pants and belts a couple of sizes too big and then deal with the K-frame bulge. It just hasn’t worked for me with my body type. Might be OK in cold weather if you have a cover garment like a coat or heavy sweater.

I have your guns twin. Mine was traded in from the Puerto Rican police dept and was in the case at GT Distributors. Mine had an ID number pencil engraved below the cylinder on the side left of the frame. I sanded it off with 600 grit paper and then1000# to smooth it further. Can’t tell it was ever there.

No posts for eight days, I hope I dont ruffle any feathers by posting a picture of my new 66.

Thanks.
The grips are nice in the hand too.
Now the search is underway for a versatile holster.

My OLD friend with Fuzzy Farant Zebrawood that I have lived with for almost 40 years

No I didn't edc this gun, unless I was working the Sherrif's reserve posse



Photobucket SUCKS! I pay good money to retrieve my pictures! Those socktuckers lose them regularly then spend their time blocking my sharing ! If it would not take up so much of my time I would download them all and sue them for the last 5 years dues !

Armored farmer said:

No posts for eight days, I hope I dont ruffle any feathers by posting a picture of my new 66.
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Really like the grips. I have one set like those and they are very comfortable.

I inherited my dads 1982 66-2 2.5” that I don’t think he ever fired. I’ve run a few hundred rounds through it and find it to be a very accurate gun and pleasure to shoot. I took the original grips off and stored them and put a beautiful set of stag grips on it.

This makes me want to take it out tomorrow and shoot it.

.38SuperMan said:

I inherited my dads 1982 66-2 2.5” that I don’t think he ever fired. I’ve run a few hundred rounds through it and find it to be a very accurate gun and pleasure to shoot. I took the original grips off and stored them and put a beautiful set of stag grips on it.

This makes me want to take it out tomorrow and shoot it.

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While you have it out....take a picture of it, and post it for us. I'm I infatuated with them right now!

That’s a very nice 2.5” 66!

That’s one of the guns that I really don’t want... nor do I need... but I’d certainly buy one in a hot minute if I saw one at a decent price in the case at a LGS.

Excellent find, congrats.

Stay safe.

Duplicate

Armored farmer said:

Thanks.
The grips are nice in the hand too.
Now the search is underway for a versatile holster.

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Those are smooth “banana” grips and are very desirable. My 66 wears a checkered set of “banana” grips which like you, I find very comfortable and natural feeling grips.

jdavis123 said:

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Those are smooth “banana” grips and are very desirable. My 66 wears a checkered set of “banana” grips which like you, I find very comfortable and natural feeling grips.

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That's a beautiful 66.
I shot mine last Sunday