S&W Mod 66 no dash;-1;-2;-3;-4 Differences

[wad cutter]

New to the forum and looking at a possible Mod 66 No Dash model to buy ( first S&W to add in my collection ). By searching gun forums similar to THR I have found some differences but I expect not all . Can anyone give info on "finite" differences along with advantages of owning a" no dash " service pistol vs the dash models 1,2,3,or4 ( if the one I'm looking at ends up a dash model ) and possible value of each ? Thanks

 

[DAdams]

You may want to go to the S&W Forum, that information is available and searchable there.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/?daysprune=-1
through about dash 4 they will be up to 1980. 5+ will be 1980 through the present:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/?daysprune=-1

If you are going to get into S&W pick up a copy of this. It is chocked full of interesting facts and hours of reading fun:

http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Catalog-Smith-Wesson-Supica/dp/0873492722

value is obviously going to depend on condition, barrel length, with the box and SN match, literature, cleaning kit opened or not etc.

Go check out GunsAmerica or Gunbroker Websites to get a feel for prices these days.
S&w site again.

 

[wad cutter]

Thanks DAdams for the links to check out

 

[Radagast]

Model 66 no dash: 1970 - 1977. Early guns had stainless steel front and rear sights. Later changed for black rear and then red ramp front. Pinned barrel, recessed cylinder.

Model 66-1 1977 - 1982. Change gas ring from yoke to cylinder, apparently to prevent binding when the gun heated up. Red ramp, black rear. Still pinned & recessed.

Model 66-2 1982 -1986. No longer pinned & recessed. Some three inch barrel guns made.

Model 66-4 1994 - 1997. drilled and tapped for scope, rubber grips instead of timber, different rear sight leaf & extractor. From 1997 MIM trigger & cylinder release, from 1996 Square butt deleted.

Model 66-5 1998 - 2002. Change to new MIM hammer & frame mounted firing pin. Change cylinder stop stud.

Model 66-6 2002-2005. Internal key lock.

Model 66-7 2005-2006. Two piece barrel with internal rifled sleeve and external shroud similar to Dan Wesson system.

2005/2006. Model 66 is deleted.

 

[wad cutter]

RADAGAST - THANK YOU ! This is just what I needed when I take a look at this gun. Could you have ordered pacmyer grips with the earlier models? Would that have been a add on by owner or special order at time of order if the earlier models had them ? Of the models mentioned Which one would be in the the best to have in your opinion ? What would be a" ballpark $" for models mentioned ?

 

[Radagast]

wad cutter:
Re the Pachmyers, I've no idea. When S&W went to rubber they speced Hogue, not Pachmeyr.

Value is probably around $550 in very good condition. Over the last 12 months members have mentioned prices between $450 & $650. Condition is everything.

66 no dash with stainless rear sight is one that attracts collectors - these were only made for a short time. After that any pinned and recessed model. The stainless sights are hard to see though.

I would be a little wary of the two piece barrel versions as some of the Model 65/67 .38 special guns had a problem with the barrel breaking off when fired.

I used to own a 66-5, it was a fine firearm, I did manage to break one of the MIM internal parts with a lot of dry fire. A quick trip to a S&W dealer and it was running again.
I currently have a 66 no dash that a previous owner swapped the rear sight out on. I have knocked over silhouette plates at 100 meters with it and I am unlikely to sell it.

 

[mesinge2]

Shameless Gun porn

My 66-2:

 

[wad cutter]

Radagast - Thanks for the quick reply and more info I can use . The M66 I am considering a friend of mine saw it and dry fired it , I personally have not seen it . He said it was all SS and in great shape for being in the shooting business for years ( service revolver ) . He knows it was very well maintained . The reason for the question of the pachmyer grips is that that's what it has . He is going to find out what model it is and then it's up to me to pull the trigger . Thanks again for the info - I will post if the sale does happen .

 

[wad cutter]

mesinge2 - This looks like a cannon to me ! The Mod 66 I am looking at is a 4" model . Thanks for your pic.

 

[mesinge2]

Best of luck wad cutter. I, myself, love K frame 38/357s. If ya get it, enjoy it in good health.

Safe Shooting

P.S. Radagast is the best guy for S&W info!

 

[wad cutter]

mesinge2 - I will post after my hunt finishes. Yes it does look like Radagast is the go to guy. Thanks

 

[Olympus]

Hold out for the no-dash version. I've had -1s and -2s and they've never been the same as a no-dash.

Here are my two no-dashs.

 

[cottonmouth]

I have a 66 that is a -1 with -2 stamped over it, non p&r.

J.B.

 

[wad cutter]

Olympus - Nice pics, good collection but does your hold out comment come from the value of the first series of the Mod 66 or the best put together / reliability of mechanics of the 66 no dash ?

 

[Olympus]

It's mainly due to the added value of the no-dash model. As far as reliability, all my 66s have been great. But there's just a little touch of personal pride with owning the no-dash versions as compared to the others. At least there is for me...

 

[Radagast]

I'm just a guy with a reference book. Old Fuff, Saxon Pig & Peter M Eick are all people with real depth of knowledge. Jim K isn't bad either.
I am quick to look things up though, a little service that I enjoy providing to our community.

 

[Radagast]

cottonmouth: Not being piined and recessed means your gun is a 66-2. probably one of the first ones made, hence the overstrike. S&W has never believed in wasting good parts.

 

[wad cutter]

Thank you all for your valuable input . This type of info makes me more confident when looking at this model with the knowledge you have given me . Thank you very much for your time and expertise , Wad Cutter

 

[chhodge69]

You'll find some good info here as well:

http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp