I found a 66-4 for sale for 399.00, they will come down to 359.00. Its in very good shape and is in excellent cosmetic as well as mechanical shape. how rare are these and is this a good price? What changes does the 66-4 indicate? So should I bite or let it pass.
Should I buy a 66-4?
- Thread starter jeremiah
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Eskimo Jim
Member
Jerimiah,
I'd buy it. I have a 4" model 66-5. Mine is the model made right before S&W added the internal lock.
I believe that your 66-4 has a non MIM trigger and hammer on it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I don't have Supica and Nehaus's "Standard Catalogue of Smith and Wesson" handy.
I don't know where you live. The price sounds about right in my opinion. If you live in a state that can't bring in more of these revolvers, expect to pay a higher price. I don't recall seeing a 2-1/2" barrelled model in the New England area shops that I've visited recently. That's not to say that there aren't some around.
Good luck.
-Jim
I'd buy it. I have a 4" model 66-5. Mine is the model made right before S&W added the internal lock.
I believe that your 66-4 has a non MIM trigger and hammer on it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I don't have Supica and Nehaus's "Standard Catalogue of Smith and Wesson" handy.
I don't know where you live. The price sounds about right in my opinion. If you live in a state that can't bring in more of these revolvers, expect to pay a higher price. I don't recall seeing a 2-1/2" barrelled model in the New England area shops that I've visited recently. That's not to say that there aren't some around.
Good luck.
-Jim
Gun Runners Alaska
Member
If you can buy it for $359.00, then I would say it's a fair deal - if it's 95% or better condition. As for it being rare, the 3-inch version would be the model to look for - according to the "Blue Book of Gun Values" only 2,500 were produced.
Remember friends don't let friends buy Rugers
!!!!
Remember friends don't let friends buy Rugers
!!!!Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Changes incorporated in the S&W 66-4:
1994- change rear sight, drill and tap.
Hogue grips, change extractor.
1995-96- delete square butt configuration.
begin shipments in foam filled blue plastic
case.
1997- change thumb piece, ship with Master
trigger locks; change to MIM trigger.
*Source-
Standard Catalog Of Smith & Wesson, 2nd edition by Supica & Nahas
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
1994- change rear sight, drill and tap.
Hogue grips, change extractor.
1995-96- delete square butt configuration.
begin shipments in foam filled blue plastic
case.
1997- change thumb piece, ship with Master
trigger locks; change to MIM trigger.
*Source-
Standard Catalog Of Smith & Wesson, 2nd edition by Supica & Nahas
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
Topgun
member
Apparently they have discontinued the 6 inch barrel. Too bad. My 6" is perfect for weight and balance.
RightIsRight
Member
I second that topgun.
I have a Model 66-1 w/ 6" barrel and I love it.
I have a Model 66-1 w/ 6" barrel and I love it.
I wouldn't worry too much about this question. If the gun is well-fitted and in nice condition, someone has probably already bought it at that price, and your problem is solved.
If they haven't, don't forget to cast your eyes upward and give thanks for the grace that you have received. Then write the check ...fast.
The issue isn't whether the gun is rare, but whether it meets one of your needs. If you are buying guns mainly to make a profit, you probably won't on this one...certainly not from a dealer. (If you are buying to invest, you need to know collectible guns well enough that you don't need to ask questions like this one.)
Lone Star
If they haven't, don't forget to cast your eyes upward and give thanks for the grace that you have received. Then write the check ...fast.
The issue isn't whether the gun is rare, but whether it meets one of your needs. If you are buying guns mainly to make a profit, you probably won't on this one...certainly not from a dealer. (If you are buying to invest, you need to know collectible guns well enough that you don't need to ask questions like this one.)
Lone Star
Stainz
Member
I'll stray from the fold... leave it! I'll bet you don't even want that barrel length, do you? If so, then reconsider.
My first .357/.38's were bought last autumn from CDNN. New closeouts - no longer catalogued by S&W. I bought a new 10-11 in 2" for $280 and a new 6" 66-6 for $350 + $15 S/H + ffl. The 66 came with a Redfield scope adapter - whose sale further lessened it's price. According to S&W, they were 1/03 vintage - the 66 even has the infamous hammer lock. I was spoiled. No used 66 prices will ever impress me - unless they are less than $300! But then, I live in Alabama - mecca for good (aka 'cheap') gun prices.
Now, with local prices there in mind - and, if you really want a short barrel 66, a good gun is worth what you will pay for it. I really like my 66, although I have no plans to give it a diet of anything but .38 Spcl +P maximum loads, albeit most will be in .357 brass. Really nice revolver... the 6" is a very natural pointer - and well balanced (Hoque wood monogrips help...).
Stainz
PS That 2" 10 is a delight as well...
My first .357/.38's were bought last autumn from CDNN. New closeouts - no longer catalogued by S&W. I bought a new 10-11 in 2" for $280 and a new 6" 66-6 for $350 + $15 S/H + ffl. The 66 came with a Redfield scope adapter - whose sale further lessened it's price. According to S&W, they were 1/03 vintage - the 66 even has the infamous hammer lock. I was spoiled. No used 66 prices will ever impress me - unless they are less than $300! But then, I live in Alabama - mecca for good (aka 'cheap') gun prices.
Now, with local prices there in mind - and, if you really want a short barrel 66, a good gun is worth what you will pay for it. I really like my 66, although I have no plans to give it a diet of anything but .38 Spcl +P maximum loads, albeit most will be in .357 brass. Really nice revolver... the 6" is a very natural pointer - and well balanced (Hoque wood monogrips help...).
Stainz
PS That 2" 10 is a delight as well...
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
Good price not great.
Not rare, good shooter.
Not rare, good shooter.
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