So I was at my lgs because they were selling Norma 124 grain Range/Training 9mm for $219 a case. Which is easily the best price I've seen in quite awhile so I bought 5 cases. Never shot Norma handgun ammo but I have always heard Norma=quality. We shall see.

While I was there I perused the counters. I once bought a like new HK P2000SK so they can be hit or miss. I saw a S&W 65 for 899 and was not even mildly interested at that price. Then nearby was a no lock, old school, Target stocks, Model 66. Price tag of 699 but a 30 dollar off all used guns so $669.

The bore and crown are spotless. The cylinder locks up tight on each cylinder, no end shake, tight in general. It looks like it has been sitting around because it does have a few tiny spots that I will hit with Flitz unless you all have a better idea.

What say the collective? My thought was the price was good but not great but I am not a connoisseur of old Smith prices so I am truly curious if I did ok, poorly, or well. Back to the Model 65, I didn't understand the pricing at all. It didn't even have factory stocks, it had old, discolored Pachmyrs. By the way, my gun has no box, no papers, nothing. I will shoot the snot out of it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: pedropcola,

I'd say it depends on the dash variant. The early ones in excellent condition can fetch twice that. Either way, it's tough to beat a pre-lock 66. I think you did fine!

My wife was waiting outside in the car and there was a line so I just paid and left. I will go pick it up tomorrow probably. Never even looked at the dash, my bad. Also I will put up pics now that I sorta figured out imgbb.

IMO sounds like a good deal. I just left a pretty nice Model 28 at a gun shop for $695. I'll probably regret not buying that one later...

Yea, I would have bought that one. lol

It was in good mechanical shape but the cylinder had some cosmetic issues...looked like somebody had left it in a sock drawer for years or something. I'd have bought it anyway, but I've had a bunch of bills lately and more coming due...I could have still found a way to make it work, but my wife doesn't like it when I tell her not to buy food until the next payday because I bought another gun, lol. Would have been a nice one to have, but I've got a lot of .357s already, and this way somebody else gets to find a nice deal.

I sure miss my 2.5 inch round butt 66.

My mother has a stainless 66-1 4” model that I’m waiting for her to get bored with…

I see a 66-2 south of me starting at $1100, bin for $1150. Seems like a decent rescue. It's always good to get the "tax" discount. Maybe wouldn't have lasted long.

I think you did fine with that. I prefer no lock guns.

Pedro, you did just fine, Sir. No worries there on a solid stainless 66.

The 65, and 3" barreled versions in-general, are commanding premiums often out-of-proportion to their kin. Just the way the market is right now.

Before you go Flitz, just try your regular-use oil/s and a copper, brass, or finally...stainless steel toothbrush.

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:
Never shot Norma handgun ammo but I have always heard Norma=quality.

Norma ammo made in Europe tends to be high quality. Norma ammo made in USA tends to be suspect and has been subject to multiple recalls the past couple years.

Couple years a go during pandemic, I bought & shot through a case of Norma 9mm 124gr FMJ made in Switzerland, and it was some of the best range ammo I've ever used.

Over the summer, I traded my way into a S&W 66-2 snubbie. Two range buddies & I shot it for the first time a few weeks ago, and we were all impressed w/ it. It's a fine example of 20th Century S&W revolver quality. I'm not big into revolvers, but this one isn't going anywhere. It's a keeper.

I hate the Hillary hole on revolvers, so anytime you get a pre-lock S&W for less money than a late model one in same or similar condition, I'd say you did fine.

66-3 here and it’s an awesome little gun. While I loved the looks of the “Coke bottle” wood grips they don’t fit me well. I put a set of VZ grips on it and they are awesome in feel for me.

Only issue I had with mine is some jackwagon filed/cut the strain screw down for a “redneck trigger job” and I had some light strikes with some ammo. I replaced and it’s been a fantastic revolver.

I don’t think I will stick with the Target/coke bottle stocks I just appreciate they are factory

To me the biggest appeal is that one of my BIL’s had a 66 as his first duty gun (cop). He took me shooting it was the first handgun I ever shot. It influenced my first purchase at 15 and I bought a Model 67. I always regret not getting a 66. I don’t even recall my thought process.

According to the Standard Catalog of S&W, "coke bottle stocks" are mostly found on N frame revolvers. If you actually have "coke bottle stocks" on your 66, then you stole that one from the LGS. Checkered version K frame "coke bottle stocks" are very scarce. Nice snag!

I may be using the term “Coke bottle” grips incorrectly for mine. I’ve just used that term interchangeably with the normal wood target stocks/square butt pieces. Point is the VZ grips fit me well and are a noticeably smaller in feel/profile. Those stock grips look awesome though.

Here is a pic of the 66 with VZ grips.

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:
I may be using the term “Coke bottle” grips incorrectly for mine. I’ve just used that term interchangeably with the normal wood target stocks/square butt pieces. Point is the VZ grips fit me well and are a noticeably smaller in feel/profile. Those stock grips look awesome though.

Here is a pic of the 66 with VZ grips.

Oh, those are nice! I found a gently used square-butt 66-1 a few years ago for $700 and snapped it up. It has Pachmayr grips on it that I don't really care for. I may go snag a set of those VZ's.

cslinger, I have those round butt VZ grips on an L frame 686. They are hard to beat. Pretty cool they fit both K and L frame. Nice pair of 66's you have there!

Oops, my bad on calling out a nice pair of 66's.
Cant believe I missed the cylinder stop notch in line with the cylinder flute, clearly indicating a "plus" 7 shot revolver. The bottom would be a 686-4 after a closer look.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: lot_45,

OP - if that Model 65, that you passed on, was a 3" barrel, you should have grabbed it. Otherwise you did just fine.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

quote:

Originally posted by lot_45:
cslinger, I have those round butt VZ grips on an L frame 686. They are hard to beat. Pretty cool they fit both K and L frame. Nice pair of 66's you have there!

Top one is a 66.

Bottom is a 686+

Grips are different. Bottom is a round butt top is a square.

Just a heads up for anybody referencing.