S&W 66 Ladysmith 3"

[bagde]

Hi guys!

I've been searching both this forum an google for info on a S&W .357 model 66 ladysmith 3" -but the closest I get is the model 65 LS

Was there ever built a ladysmith model 66 ?

The reason I ask is I have a used one (supposedly in very good shape) at hand. The seller called it a Model LS 66 beacuse it was registered as this on his "gun registration card" (which I suspect could be a typo from the PD (issuing the card) since I haven't found any info on the exact model).

The asking price is 3500 NOK = 550 USD. It has a "satin" finish and comes with a holster and a houge bantam grip installed (as well as the original one). He'll also throw in 1000 .38 spc for an extra $80 -and I think it has been used mostly with this round for the program he's been shooting.

Is there anything I need to worry about/check when buying this gun used? I won't be able to try it out before I buy (it's in a different part of the country) but I have a friend who lives nearby the seller and can try it out for me.

BTW this will be my first wheel-gun if I decide! (I shoot ISPC but for me this gun is meant more for joy then competing I think )

I thank you for any info and input on the gun! (and please forgive me if this is posted in the wrong forum)

regards

 

[Pistol Toter]

Never heard of a 66 LadySmith. Most likely what you have is a typo. If it's a K frame it's a model 65 and be a 6 shot; if it's a J frame it's a model 60 which is a 5 shot.

I take that back!! After looking in the STandard Catalog of Smith & Wesson a 2.5" Model 66 is listed. It was produced in 1996.

 

[steveracer]

If it has adjustable sights, it's a 66. If they are fixed, it's a 65.
The 65 Lady Smith for $550 is not a bad price. I gave $525 for mine.
They are wonderful guns, and the older ones (with hammer mounted firing pins) left the factory with a very nice trigger job.
I can't speak for the newer ones.
Steve

 

[18DAI]

Yes, there was a model 66 Ladysmith. There was one up on Gunbroker about 6 months ago. Very few made, 66-3 IIRC. Laser etched on the right side "Ladysmith".

They came in a soft violet colored paisley gun rug. Very rare piece. Hope this helps! TJ

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

An actual Model 66 Ladysmith would bring more money here, so if the gun is in excellent condition, it should be a good value with the extras you would be receiving. A model 65 Ladysmith would probably bring $500 or more with the box or case in similar condition here in the US.

 

[springmom]

A 66-3 is a great gun, that I do know. I have one although it's not marked as a LadySmith. Somehow making a LadySmith out of that relatively large gun seems sort of funny to me, but I suppose that women with smaller hands than mine might benefit from the smaller grip.

I can't speak to gun prices in Norway, of course, but here that would be a little steep for a 66-3. Not hugely, but I'd try to negotiate to get him to throw in the .38's for free, myself

Happy shooting. You'll love it.

Jan

 

[bagde]

Got s&w serial number, need help with ID

Thanks for the input guys (and gals)!

I just got the serial number, anyone with The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson who can help me with a positive ID?

The number is: CDE0116

 

[Pistol Toter]

Looks like early to mid 1999. "CDE" is not specificaqly listed but by bracketing the prefix, that's what I come up with. To obtain a definitive ship date would require lettering the gun which now cost $50. If you desire lettering the gun, go to S&W Company web site and look under "History" and a form can be downloaded that you will fill out and mail in along with the required remittance. It may take several months but you will receive a letter telling you the ship date, the distributor it was shipped to, the configeration of the gun when it left the factory and a breif history of the model.

Eh!! The 3rd edition lists it as March 1999

 

[bagde]

Pistol Toter: Can you confirm that it's a 66-5 in LS configuration then?

And thanks for the fast service!

 

[Pistol Toter]

If it is a 6 shot with adjustable rear sight it will be a K frame which would make it a model 66; if the rear sight is fixed that would make it a model 65 still a K frame; if it is a five shooter that makes it a J frame model 60. Up until yesterday when this conversation started, I never realized that the 66 came in a LadySmith. I think as I said before the LadySmith was a marketing thing. The stocks were slightly smaller to accomadate a smaller female hand. I certianly would not hesitate using or owning a gun that said LadySmith on the side expecially if it fit my hand. Let me add this, if it is a K frame .357; I would recommend that you use 147grn or 158grn projectiles as sometimes the light projectiles cause problems in the forcing cone area when firing full house or hot 357's. Some have differing opinions on that point but it is good wisdom.

 

[18DAI]

I checked my "archives" on the model 66. If the 66 you are looking at is indeed a true 3" barrel, I don't think it is the 66 Ladysmith.

AFAIK, the 66 Ladysmith was only produced in a 2.5" barrel. The only one I've ever seen had a 2.5". While I know enough about S&W to never say never, my guess is that your looking at a model 65 Ladysmith with a 3"barrel. TJ

 

[Pistol Toter]

While I know enough about S&W to never say never

You can say that again.

66 Ladysmith was only produced in a 2.5" barrel.

Per the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.

your looking at a model 65 Ladysmith with a 3"barrel.

That's true also.

A picture would be worth a 1000 words.