Question on finish on Taurus 66

[johnny blaze]

I checked on a Taurus model 66 today. After talking to the person who has the revolver for sale (by phone) I am a little confused on the finish. I went to the Taurus web site, but could not find anything.
The gentleman told me that it was not blue, not nickle, and it was not stainless.
He said that it looks like a dull stainless, but is not.
It is an older revolver.
My question is - What would the finish be if none of the above?
If someone knows the answer to this, how durable is this finish?
Any information would be appreciated.

 

[Confederate]

I have no idea but I'd like to see it. Don't buy it until you check it out.

My guess is that if it's not blue, it's stainless. Unless you know the person, you have to be careful. I've heard of folks buying strange looking handguns, then having them blow up on the range. Seems the guns were in fires and that the heat treatment was ruined.

Ooops.

Buy from someone you know or have someone check it out who really knows revolvers. Look for out of time guns, examine forcing cones and cylinder play. Sometimes folks try to remove rust by putting naval jelly on their guns and that can make the finish look strange as it will remove a lot of the blue.

Take a digital photo and post it here. We'll be happy to take a look. Also, what's the price on this 66?

 

[weregunner]

How old is the revolver? I have a 1980s model 65 that was made in nickle, but most finishes are either blued or stainless. Nothing else and the stainless wears better than the nickle. The nickle finish will wear much better than bluing will. Would want pictures or to examine the gun personally, before buying.

 

[.41Dave]

My guess would be hard chrome or electroless nickel

 

[bakert]

I have a blued one and may be wrong but seems like I remember Taurus having all three finishes, blue, stainless and satin nickle for most of their revolvers back years ago when I bought mine.

 

[MCgunner]

My 4" M66 is nickel. According to informed folks here (love this site, knowledgable folks with good info) it is a late model dating at most mid 90s because it has the new transfer bar lock work vs the older hammer block lockwork which I also have a sample of. Does it look like mine? It's no doubt nickel and the guy just doesn't know what he has. Unless he HAD it chromed, I'm unaware of any factory Taurus with chrome finish.

 

[johnny blaze]

Thanks for the replys.
The revolver is about 50 miles from here, so I have not seen it.
I was sure that Taurus only made the 3 finishes. The gentleman that has it says that it is definately something else. I think that I will pass on it.
Sounds like someone has tried some kind of a re-finish on it.
The price was good. He was asking 250.00.
Thanks again for the information.

 

[MCgunner]

That's not that good a price, actually. I gave $197 for the gun pictured at a gun show and it's in like new condition, awesome shooter, tight, only maybe 10 or 12 years old and very little used. I gave $180 for one at a show a month or so ago for an older one that's in a little rougher shape, but shoots well. I fixed the mechanical problem it had fairly easily, but the bluing has some holster wear. On a used M66, I'd look at less than 2 C notes, at least around here. They don't seem to bring big prices, probably because everyone passes on 'em to spend 4 C notes on a worn out M19 Smith. :banghead: You can't find a deal on a Smith around here.

 

[johnny blaze]

MCgunner
That is a nice 66 you have there. I wish I could find good ones for that price.
You can't find very good deals in this area. Went to a gun show last week.
Prices were farily high. Even private sale prices are high.
I agree on the Smiths, they are very hot items in this area also. I favor the
the Smiths. Taurus is alright.
Take care