S&W Model 66 variations -- need info - The Firearms Forum

rshields9093 · 11-30-2008, 04:08 PM

I have been trying to determine the salient differences between the variations of S&W model 66 revolvers. I have found examples of at least six different variations designated as 66-1 thru 66-6. Can anyone help me understand the history and evolution of this classic .357 revolver by Smith and Wesson?

TIA,
Robert

Alpo · 11-30-2008, 05:25 PM

66 no dash - introduced 1970.
66-1 - 1977, changed the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder.
66-2 - 1982, eliminated pinned and recessed, slightly lengthened cylinder.
66-3 - 1986, new yoke retention system/radius stud package/hammer nose bushing/floating hand.
66-4 - 1994, change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, introduce Hogue grips, change extractor.
66-5 - 1998, change in frame design: eliminate cylinder stop stud/eliminate serrated tangs/change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin/change internal lockwork.
66-6 - 2002, introduce internal lock.
2005 - discontinued.

redrick · 12-03-2008, 12:17 AM

I picked up my local trading post today and there is a pinned & recessed model 66 4" for 650 and a pinned & recessed 19 4" for 550, I think they are asking to much.

Terry_P · 12-05-2008, 08:10 AM

Who isn't these days. BO is the biggest gun salesman since Clinton.

oscarmayer · 12-05-2008, 09:02 AM

Illinois gun sales up 35% since november. oh and stock up on the standard cap magazines i smell another attempt at limiting us to 10 rounders. a great chance to make an investment before the prices go nuts like last time.

11-30-2008, 04:08 PM	#1
rshields9093 Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1	S&W Model 66 variations -- need info I have been trying to determine the salient differences between the variations of S&W model 66 revolvers. I have found examples of at least six different variations designated as 66-1 thru 66-6. Can anyone help me understand the history and evolution of this classic .357 revolver by Smith and Wesson? TIA, Robert -->

11-30-2008, 05:25 PM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,772	Re: S&W Model 66 variations -- need info 66 no dash - introduced 1970. 66-1 - 1977, changed the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder. 66-2 - 1982, eliminated pinned and recessed, slightly lengthened cylinder. 66-3 - 1986, new yoke retention system/radius stud package/hammer nose bushing/floating hand. 66-4 - 1994, change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, introduce Hogue grips, change extractor. 66-5 - 1998, change in frame design: eliminate cylinder stop stud/eliminate serrated tangs/change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin/change internal lockwork. 66-6 - 2002, introduce internal lock. 2005 - discontinued.

12-03-2008, 12:17 AM	#3
redrick V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 67	Re: S&W Model 66 variations -- need info I picked up my local trading post today and there is a pinned & recessed model 66 4" for 650 and a pinned & recessed 19 4" for 550, I think they are asking to much.

12-05-2008, 08:10 AM	#4
Terry_P Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NH Posts: 2,513	Re: S&W Model 66 variations -- need info Who isn't these days. BO is the biggest gun salesman since Clinton. __________________ NRA and NAHC Life "Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms." -Aristotle

12-05-2008, 09:02 AM	#5
oscarmayer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Contributor Posts: 2,387	Re: S&W Model 66 variations -- need info Illinois gun sales up 35% since november. oh and stock up on the standard cap magazines i smell another attempt at limiting us to 10 rounders. a great chance to make an investment before the prices go nuts like last time.