S&W .357 Magnum help?

[Hyprlite2007]

So my father gave me his revolver and Im not entirely sure what it is (stupid I know) but I was wondering if you guys could help me date it and such. He tells me he bought it in the 80's

[Hyprlite2007]

Found the model.. 66 but now just to date it..

[1911pro]

Found the model.. 66 but now just to date it..

Call S&W and they will tell you exactly what year it was made. It has no other numbers after the 66, so it is one of the first ones.

[tracker722]

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[Alpha Sierra]

You have what S&W collectors refer to as a Model 66 no dash.

What that means is that you have a Model 66 made during the time that S&W had not yet issued any significant engineering changes against that model. Engineering changes to the original were indicated with a dash and a number following the model number.

The Model 66 Stainless Combat Magnum was introduced in 1971 as a stainless steel twin of the Model 19 Combat Magnum.

The first engineering change (66-1) happened in 1977 when the gas ring was moved from the yoke to the cylinder. The second change (66-2) occurred in 1982 with the deletion of the counterbored cylinders.

So yours dates from between 1971 and 1977. If your dad bought it in the 80s, it was already used. Unless he bought it new and somehow the date got confused.

You have an outstanding handgun that will give decades of service and can still take care of business as well as anything more modern, particularly when loaded with 125 grain .357 Magnums.

[Hyprlite2007]

Thanks for all the info, it really helped out a lot.

[usmcvet]

Well looks like you have your answer. I think you have a great gun. Enjoy it.