S&W 66-2:1984 New to me today.

[sr1971]

Well earlier this week I'd been fumbling through a LGS I frequent, as their service is great and they're willing to haggle. I had no intention of buying anything but today this little S&W 66-2 from 1984 followed me home. It's got honest wear and chambers are dirty as all get out. It's very smooth and will clean up nicely with some polish.

Flash chromed target hammer and serrated trigger, carbon rear sight, 4" barrel. It's got a few small dings, from what I assume was an idiot who handled it previously. I imagine I can stone/buff it out as I'll use it for load testing just below maximum velocity (85-90%) cartridge listings.

I think it'll need new screws cause they're boogered and it bugs me and a fresh set of Siles/Pachmayr grips. Looking for advice about checking end shake and lockup. Timing alignment cylinder to bore looks good, but I'll confirm with a brass squib rod. Crane walks just a touch but is not bent. It will need a significant internal cleaning and I'd appreciate advice on proper solvents as to not damage components. Any thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated. BTW, it was $430 out the door. I'm pleased but hopefully it's worth the expense.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I think that you got a great deal congrats

 

[sr1971]

I think that you got a great deal congrats

Thanks! If you want to learn something new buy an older gun or read an old book.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I have been looking for one just like that one

 

[sr1971]

I have been looking for one just like that one

I've found that when you stop looking it'll jump out to find you just when you thought you forgot all about that item on the list.

 

[shoebox1.1]

They REALLY come around when your broke!!

 

[greyling22]

I have been looking for one just like that one

me too, but whew they're expensive right now. I also have my eye on an old 617 in the local shop. but they want WAY too much for that one too.

 

[Old Dog]

430 out the door? Assuming timing and lock-up are acceptable ... shut the front door! Nice score on one of the classic Ks!

 

[Speedo66]

Nice score!

I don't think there are too many solvents that will damage stainless.

 

[MacAR]

Had one, loved it. Sold it, and still kicking myself for doing it. They are great guns, and pretty darn accurate. Enjoy it.

Mac

 

[sr1971]

430 out the door? Assuming timing and lock-up are acceptable ... shut the front door! Nice score on one of the classic Ks!

Yes out the door. Had a chance this weekend to put a few down range. Shoots excellent and POI is spot on at 20 yards with 130gn jacketed Remington 38 +p+. The boys and my brother all gave it a whirl and it was a hoot after 2 cases of clays and some Annie Oakley. 12 boxes of 12 guage shells later, Ha!

 

[sr1971]

Nice score!

I don't think there are too many solvents that will damage stainless.

Thanks Speedo, was trying to confirm whats best. Any ideas about polishing out some of the dings and scratches? Really want to clean it up best I can.

 

[Speedo66]

As far as removing scratches, you can use something like Mother's Mag Polish, Simichrome Polish, or Flitz but they will leave a shiny surface.

Unless you want to polish out the entire revolver, you may have to go over the polished portions with something like a gray 3M abrasive pad to replicate the original finish.

 

[Armored farmer]

I bought a cousin to your gun back in February. A model 66-3.

It is my new favorite handgun.
Congrats on yours too.

 

[sr1971]

As far as removing scratches, you can use something like Mother's Mag Polish, Simichrome Polish, or Flitz but they will leave a shiny surface.

Unless you want to polish out the entire revolver, you may have to go over the polished portions with something like a gray 3M abrasive pad to replicate the original finish.

I'll give the polish a go first and the mild abrasive if desired results aren't achieved. Thanks!

 

[sr1971]

I bought a cousin to your gun back in February. A model 66-3.
View attachment 933389
It is my new favorite handgun.
Congrats on yours too.

I like the short barrel! Very nice!

 

[sr1971]

Full strip and clean. Turned out wonderful. The carbon rings of death too 15 minutes per cylinder to clean by hand, my god, ha!

 

[Old Dog]

It is my new favorite handgun.

And it's probably my old favorite (revolver, that is).

SR1971, looks great! If you want to dress it up, Altamont makes some nice stocks (and you can get 'em w/S&W medallions). Too bad Ahrends is no longer making grips, his cocobolo finger groove combat stocks were perfect on K-frames ...

I'm still jealous of the price you got yours for ...

 

[sr1971]

Well the polishing took about 30 minutes for the cylinder with the buffing wheel and red rouge. Nice to have the handling marks blended and buffed out. Man is it shiny! Now for the rest, sigh.

 

[Armored farmer]

Wow.
Nice.

 

[sr1971]

Wow.
Nice.

Thank you very much. It's imperfectly polished but yowza does it pop!

 

[Riomouse911]

Nice! My 66-2 was a LGS find like yours, but it was $500 to start last July. It came with old school Pachmayr Presentation grips, too. Now it would’ve been $550-$600.

$430 OTD is a great deal , you did well!

Let us know how it shoots.

Stay safe.

 

[bannockburn]

Looking mighty fine!

 

[sr1971]

Thanks Riomouse911 and bannockburn. I love the mechanics of it and the utilitarian nature of the revolver. They're kind of like the old inline 6's, tried and true and reliable.

 

[sr1971]

Side plate coming along nicely. You can see the progression in the photos.