Why can't I find a 2.5" M66 in Ohio?

[Parke1]

I'm going nuts here, folks.

Two years ago I couldn't go to a single gunshop without seeing three or four 2.5" Model 66's for about $300 each. I passed on all of them, and continued to carry my 3913. Now after my first year of carrying, I have come to the conclusion that I am much more comfortable carrying a revolver. My dad won't let me buy his 66 off of him, so I have to find one for myself.

Now, of course, I can't find a 2.5" Model 66 to save my life. I've called just about every gunshop that I know of in Northern Ohio, and I can't find a single one that fits the bill. I only located two 66's at all, and one had a 6" barrel, and the other one was a new one with a integral lock (which I can't stand) that they wanted $700 for. It's incredible. Has the supply really dried up that much?

Is there any hope for me? Will you send me yours? No integral lock, please.

Sheesh. Is anyone seeing this?

Ok, I'm feeling a tiny bit better. I just had to vent. Hey Ohioans, if any of you live in my neck of the woods and either know of or have a Model 66 that's for sale, PLEASE let me know! I'll be your new best friend.

Sigh. Alright, time to go look at DHart's Model 66 pictures some more, and weep softly to myself.

-Parke1

 

[armedcitizen]

I'm going to Vance's, the major gunstore in Columbus this weekend. I'll take a look for you and let you know.

 

[Coronach]

Vances has some 'lovely' M19s that look like they were dragged behind a car, for about $325. I've never really been impressed with their prices, except on the odd police turn-in that they got for a steal and are looking to sell quickly.

Mike

 

[Parke1]

Well who knows, maybe I'll get lucky.

I appreciate the thought, armedcitizen. Let me know what you find out!

Thanks,
-Parke1

 

[armedcitizen]

Vance's is above all else, a retail establishment. Just because it's a gun store doesn't mean "let the buyer beware" should be suspended at the door.

They've always dealt fairly with me and have matched lower prices on occasion. I've purchased two very nice police trades from them over the years.

 

[OH25shooter]

Parke1,

If you drive down to Columbus you basically have five good stores for gun selection. I've purchased at all five. FWIW here's my opinion.

Largest: Buckeye Outdoor and Vance's (same owner): big selection, prices seem high. Knowledgable employees. Can be busy, take a number at the counter.

New Albany: Not very large, small selection, high priced. Not convinced the counter employees are that knowledgable. Seems to have a high emp. turn over.

Gander Mountain: Small selection, high to medium price, will match other prices. Gun knowledged staff is if'y.

Black Wing Shooting Center: Newly opened store in Delaware (@15 miles north of Columbus). Former owner of New Albany Shooting Range and several of his former employees moved with him to the Delaware store. Only purchased one NIB auto from an employee I knew when he was at New Albany. Big selection in handguns and especially shotguns. Nice facility.

 

[Z_Infidel]

There is still hope. Just last year I bought a nice used M66 2.5" at Cleland's Outdoor World in Toledo. If you ask them they will put your name on a call list in case they get something you want in the future.
http://www.clelandsoutdoorworld.com/

 

[Bullet]

You might try the gun auctions on net. Here is a link -

http://www.gunbroker.com/

http://www.auctionarms.com/

 

[Parke1]

Well, I'd like to thank everyone for their help. After six hundred or so phone calls and visits to gun stores (plus one instance where I missed one by 15 minutes), I still came up empty handed. I thought that this was the end of the world....


until I found a 4" square-butt, pinned and recessed 66 "dash-nothing" at a shop for a song. Here's where it gets really good. While I was amazed at the price and the excellent condition of this piece, I noticed that the rear sight was stainless steel, rather than the typical black/white outlined blade. For those of you not in "the know," this means that this particular 66 was a first production run model, manufactured even before a 2.5" was available.

Don't worry, pics will be coming once my camera is back up in working order!

Once again, I want to thank everyone for their assistance. While I may not have found that 2.5" model (YET), this baby helps out quite a bit!

Thanks again, and remember to hug your K frame for me
-Parke1

 

[Bow]

Parke1,

Congrats on the find. My latest obsession is to find a S&W 39-2 (sorry, I know this is a revolver category) in LNIB shape. I've been watching the auctions but they go for outrageous prices. Guess I might have to "buck up" and pay the price. Enjoy the new-to-you Smith.

Bow