S&W Model 66 3" version

[FCinCA]

Have a chance to pick one of these up. No box but some paperwork about 95%... what is the going price on them?

[BillCA]

It'll depend...

First, the 3" barrel is not normally cataloged and is considered "scarce". Second, we're talking a K-Frame .357 which is sort of a holy grail for CCW and self-defense.

Generally a run of the mill 2.5" M66 will run you around about $590 to $650 in 98% or better condition. Tack on an extra $100-$150 for the hard to find 3" barrel.

Stats:
--------: 1985: 5000 units for Ashland Arms ("ALU" s/n prefix) (66-2)
--------: 1986: 3" Full-lug w/full length ejector rod (66-3)
102712: 1988: (+'96 & '99) 3" Full lug for RSR wholesale
102719: 3" M66-5, RR,WO,RB, w/faux ivory grips w/o medallions
162720: 2004: 3.25" 66-6 Green Hi-Viz front sight

If you pay $700 or less, consider it a fair to good deal in this state. The 3-inch guns are hard to find anywhere.

[Sky_DiveR]

Let me know if you don't want to pick it up. I might want it.

[Miltiades]

Agree with BillCA

I would generally agree with BillCA above in his pricing comments. For some reason the S&W model 66 snubby has become very popular, and the prices on them have really gone up in the last 5 years or so. Most of those in existence are the 2.5 inch barrel, and the 3.0 inch barrel versions are scarce - I would guess that fewer than one in ten are the longer barrel. If the seller is knowledgeable about current S&W pricing, he will ask about $150 to $200 more for a 3 inch than a 2.5 inch.

The gun in the middle below is a 3 inch, flanked by two of the 2.5 inch:

[FCinCA]

Thank you gents for the enlightenment.

[retired]

I noticed those 66's had a dash and number after them. What would be the value of a 2 1/2" bought in 1978 with no dash and in very good condition. My grips are the original checkered wood ones.

No, I'm not selling it, just want to get an idea. Thanks.

[SNEAKS]

I would generally agree with BillCA above in his pricing comments. For some reason the S&W model 66 snubby has become very popular, and the prices on them have really gone up in the last 5 years or so. Most of those in existence are the 2.5 inch barrel, and the 3.0 inch barrel versions are scarce - I would guess that fewer than one in ten are the longer barrel. If the seller is knowledgeable about current S&W pricing, he will ask about $150 to $200 more for a 3 inch than a 2.5 inch.

The gun in the middle below is a 3 inch, flanked by two of the 2.5 inch:

Thats a nice looking trio of 66's.

[BillCA]

I noticed those 66's had a dash and number after them. What would be the value of a 2 1/2" bought in 1978 with no dash and in very good condition. My grips are the original checkered wood ones.

No, I'm not selling it, just want to get an idea. Thanks.

A M66-nodash is a somewhat soughtafter gun, depending on condition. What color are the rear sights? Are the hammer & trigger both "white" (flash chromed) or case hardened? Does the gun have a factory red ramp front sight (and/or white-outline rear sights).

Are the grips the standard "magna" grips that just fit the grip frame or oversized round-butt "target" grips?

[rivviepop]

Generally a run of the mill 2.5" M66 will run you around about $590 to $650 in 98% or better condition. Tack on an extra $100-$150 for the hard to find 3" barrel.

I would say that it's more like $200-$250 more. We all saw that one go on GunBroker for $850, without a box/kit and slightly used that's the price I expected it to sell for; good luck finding one for $700, if you do you just struck gold. There are a billion people wanting a 3" and very, very few people selling them.

[Mr. Beretta]

I would say that it's more like $200-$250 more. We all saw that one go on GunBroker for $850, without a box/kit and slightly used that's the price I expected it to sell for; good luck finding one for $700, if you do you just struck gold. There are a billion people wanting a 3" and very, very few people selling them.

Couldn't agree more!

Count me as one of the billion who want one !

[retired]

A M66-nodash is a somewhat soughtafter gun, depending on condition. What color are the rear sights? Are the hammer & trigger both "white" (flash chromed) or case hardened? Does the gun have a factory red ramp front sight (and/or white-outline rear sights).

Are the grips the standard "magna" grips that just fit the grip frame or oversized round-butt "target" grips?

1. The rear sight is black and adjustable. As a matter of fact more than half of the top of the frame seems to be part of the rear sight. It is also serrated as is the SS remainder near the front.

2. The front sight is red, "a 1/8" baughman Quick-draw on plain ramp. The rear, "S&W Micrometer Click sight, adjustable for windage and elevation."

3. The trigger is lighter than the rest of the SS frame and the front of it also has serrations in it. I don't know if that is considered "white" or not. Per the paperwork it says, "S&W grooving with an adjustable trigger stop."

4. The wood grips are the standard "magna" grips that just fit the grip frame. They are "Checked Goncalo Alves target with square butt."

5. The finish is, "Satin with sandblasting and serrations around sighting area to break up light reflections."

I have a .38 cal 60 from that era also.

[NavDoc]

I would generally agree with BillCA above in his pricing comments. For some reason the S&W model 66 snubby has become very popular, and the prices on them have really gone up in the last 5 years or so. Most of those in existence are the 2.5 inch barrel, and the 3.0 inch barrel versions are scarce - I would guess that fewer than one in ten are the longer barrel. If the seller is knowledgeable about current S&W pricing, he will ask about $150 to $200 more for a 3 inch than a 2.5 inch.

The gun in the middle below is a 3 inch, flanked by two of the 2.5 inch:

Nice!
I'm a fan of Ahrend's grips too.

[Beelzy]

Those babies are ferocious!

I wish I still had mine.

Folks are selling in my neck for $800.

[clayton]

i got a 3' with high rez sights. love the gun. the barrel is the perfect size.
but i need to find some grips for her

[gimmejr]

I want those grips too, I love my 66-4. Heres a not so great shot of it.