Which S&W 19/66 model versions were the best?

The 66-7s that have been coming on the market dont have the milled 6 o'clock recess.. but you have a two piece barrel, a lock, and MIM (If that is of importance to you)

To collectors and S&W lovers, older is better. To just about everyone, pre-lock and pre-MIM is better. Most prefer the extra attention to detail that P&R required.

The 3"ers are the rarest (either 19 or 66) and bring a premium.

I don't think the 19-3s are the rarest, nor the 66-3s. I'm away from my resources, but I'm fairly sure there was an abundance on 19-3s over 19-2s and 19-0s.

I personally think this was the best model: 2.5" Model 66 No Dash

Wasn't the 66 no dash also made with stainless back sites?

The 3"ers are the rarest (either 19 or 66) and bring a premium.

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I'm pretty sure this reference is to 3 inch barrel versions, not the -3 engineering change.

The early 66 no dash did have a stainless steel rear sight. Some asked they be changed to allow better visibility and later S&W switched to manufacturing them that way.

Wasn't the 66 no dash also made with stainless back sites?

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Yup. Front was bare SS as well. They didn't last long. The silver stainless was pretty horrible to most people. S&W went to blackened SS and RR (Red Ramp) front site. To my knowlege there is no known "cutoff" date or Serial # for the changes. When changes were made, S&W was known for using up what stock they had.

The SS rear actually works pretty well in the lighting at the indoor range I go to. I've painted the front with flouro orange Krylon.

I'm pretty sure this reference is to 3 inch barrel versions, not the -3 engineering change.

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Yup, I should have caught that.

Dobe said:

Wasn't the 66 no dash also made with stainless back sites?

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Only the very early ones.


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I like the 19-3s. I believe they were the last of the pinned & recessed

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The -4 was the last P&R.

I like the 19-3s. I believe they were the last of the pinned & recessed, which also has the trigger stop.

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This was my original quote. You took the above out of context. Add in "which also has the trigger stop.", and you will be quoting me accurately.

Yes - I was referring to 3 inch barrel length, not -3 engineering change.

My mistake. You clearly referenced 3", I wasn't paying attention.

Dobe, FHP is Fl. Highway Patrol.

Olympus said:

I personally think this was the best model: 2.5" Model 66 No Dash

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we have a winner!!