Price Check f/Used S&W Model 66??

[Dave1]

I have found a used S&W Model 66 4" that is for sale. I haven't seen it and don't have allot of information about it yet except that it is said to be in very good condition, is about 15 or more years old, and was previously owned by a deputy sheriff. I hope to get the model and dash number, serial number, and some digital photos in the morning.

What is the range of value for this gun?

Were/are there any issues or problems with the older Model 66 guns that I should be aware of or concerned about?

Thanks, Dave

 

[kentucky_smith]

I'd say $325-375 around here.

 

[trainwreck100]

I'd think $250 would be a steal, and from there on up to $400 depending on location, condition, and that good stuff. I know the model 66 is a great shooter, I don't mind a few fancy semi-auto pistols (I'd have a hard time getting a Glock though) but a good ol' stainless .357 is dern near impossible to beat in nearly every respect. It'll tear up a watermelon pretty good at 40 or 50 feet, any closer than that and you'll be picking seeds out your hair. With the 4" barrel, I'm guessing it's a Combat Magnum, not sure if that really means anything, but it sure sounds cool...the only thing better sounding is a model 67 (.38 spec) Combat Masterpiece.

 

[Confederate]

This is a beautiful gun and will last forever with .38 Spc loads. It's a classic, especially if it has recessed chambers and a pinned barrel.

 

[Will5A1]

Be sure to review the sticky started by Jim March on how to check out a revolver at the top of this forum. With a K frame Smith .357 you may want to pay particular attention to the forcing cone and topstrap for signs of flame cutting or erosion.

$350 or thereabouts, maybe more if it has original box, is P&R, original grips would be nice.

 

[crazyhorse]

Check timing, forcing cone, backstrap, and lockup. If these are right, and, although carried, does not have deep gouges, or dings, I would say buy it.
As for price, anytime you can buy a stainless Smith 357 under $400, it's a good deal. The Smith's are going up every day.


trainwreck......Smith model 67.... ......just happen to have one, and, it has stainless rear sight.

 

[Dave1]

Model 66 Info

Here is what I have learned about this particular gun today; the serial number indicated the gun was of 1972 vintage, 34 years old. It has no dash number becuase the first dash number i.e. 66-1 did not occur until 1977. From what I am told this gun has the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. No foreign parts on this one. All seems good so far.

I received several photos of the gun and it appears to have some fine scratches on the guns finish but otherwise looks OK. I can't really tell much about it in the pics. It does have Pachmeyer grips. No box or papers, he is the third owner. First owner was a LEO.

My concern with a gun of this age is the wear & tear, timing, alignment, etc. I read the article mentioned by Jim March but have never done extensive testing such as he described. I can do it, just not sure I will recognize a defect if I saw it.

I heard one way to test a revolver was to wrap a piece of notebook paper around it and fire the gun. If the paper was blown out you may have timing or alignment problems. I never tried it though. A brand new and tight revolver gun may blow out the paper for all I know. Anyone here ever try that?

The seller has agreed to $300 so unless I find something obviously wrong with it, I will likely own it before long, unless I find another or better one.

If you have a nice 686, 66, or similar S&W 4" 357 gun, drop me a note.

Thanks, Dave

 

[Ala Dan]

From a well used low of $225, to a high LNIB model for $375~!

At $300, its worth taking a chance on.

 

[schmeky]

Just for what it's worth, I bought a NIB Model 66, 6" barrel, in the original box with all papers for $499.00 plus shipping of $35.00, plus a transfer fee of $10.00.

These will be similiar to the the Colt Pythons in the future, with the value steadily going up.

There is a definite number of K frames, especially new ones; they aren't made anymore.

 

[XavierBreath]

Schmeky has a point. The K frames aren't made any more, and the Model 66 was a good one, especially if pinned and recessed. At $300, I would say buy it if you want the gun.

In my area, used but not abused Model 66s sell readily at $250-300, and some go for for $350 if the seller is not in a hurry.

I heard one way to test a revolver was to wrap a piece of notebook paper around it and fire the gun. If the paper was blown out you may have timing or alignment problems. I never tried it though. A brand new and tight revolver gun may blow out the paper for all I know. Anyone here ever try that?

Any revolver that will rotate the cylinder will do this (except a Nagant). As a matter of fact, in classes, I poke a hole out the bottom of a paper bag for the barrel, and then shoot a revolver in a bag to demonstrate the gases that escape from the cylinder gap. It is usually quite impressive.

 

[jad0110]

FYI, there is currently a 66-1 2.5" in pretty good condition locally going for $349.

 

[Confederate]

A LNIB is one thing. "Pretty good" is another.

Go for the best one you can find. Pretty good models go for considerably less.

Watch for wear and toolmarks.