Little info needed on S&W Mod. 66

[Shade00]

Hey guys, my dad purchased a S&W Model 66 in the early 70s and it has stayed in its box (in the original paper) ever since. Has not been fired once. In beautiful shape. He cannot remember how much he paid for it or when he bought it. I have done some searching and have read a little bit about the Mod. 66, but I would like to know a little more - specifically, can someone glean a year of manufacture from the serial 4k10076? This is a 4" model with very nice wood grips. Would love to know more about this gun - it will be mine one day, along with pop's Diamondback. Thanks in advance, guys.

 

[Nicolai]

According to The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas, the serial number you listed falls in the range of those manufactured in 1973. Welcome to THR and enjoy that Model 66!

 

[don95sml]

You can look forward to owning an extremely desirable gun. I hope you or your dad have done a good job of cleaning and lubricating it to avoid future rust. Be sure to save the box and any tools, instruction material, etc., as this will add to its value.

 

[Srigs]

Congrats on the NEW Old 66 you have. I love shooting my 2.5" 66 and 4" Model 15 (baby brother to the 66/19 model)

 

[Shade00]

Thanks for the helpful info, Nicolai. Dad thought he had purchased it closer to 1970, but he could be wrong (he didn't remember when he'd bought the Diamondback either - turned out it was '69).

don95sml - everything that came with the gun is still there. Original paper wrap (a bit torn, but all there), manual, warranty card, wrapped up cleaning stuff, box, and of course the pistol with absolutely no flaws. It's quite a sight. It has Goncalves (not sure if that's right, can't really remember what it said) wood grips. My dad did not keep up 100% on oiling the gun over the years, but it is mechanically in great shape and only the crane was a bit sticky. However, we oiled it up and it's working great now.

Srigs, thanks for the congrats, and I saw a 2.5" 66 for $430 and almost picked it up at the pawn shop. If I hadn't just bought a Walther PPK/S I would've gotten it.

Anyway, the gun will not be fired for a while - my dad is not going to give it to me until I am out of law school and settled down somewhere. So it will sit in its box and live a humble life for a few more years. Then... who knows.... maybe a .357 round or two.