[saemetric]

I have a Model 66, no dash, P&R that I bought new in 1978 which has a 6 1/8" barrel. I've read that only a few early "6 in." had that length and all subsequent had a 5 7/8" barrel. Anyone have any idea on the rarity of mine. It definately has a special look to it compared to most 6" barrelled ones. Hard to believe that 1/4" can change the looks so much.

 

[toroflow]

I have one of them too, that I bought in that time-frame. I have not heard of any particular collectability of that barrel length, course, I don't know everything there is about S&Ws!

 

[Geoff40]

SCSW2 mentioned this variation, I am not sure if the 3rd does or not. 2 says something like "a few" were made. To me "a few" means exactly that. A while back I had one also, in 99% condition with the original box, tools, the whole package. When I began to ask around, especially on the other forum, it turned out that several members had 6 1/8th barrel 66s. As I recall that means 7-8 of them anyway. I got the impression at the time that there were more than a few made, just looking at those who replied they had one too. I think at best they are worth a few bucks extra, but not really a significant premium. SCSW I think says 20% which I think is too high. I don't believe they are as uncommon as the book would lead you to believe, that you 2 also have this variation reaffirms that they are not that uncommon.

 

[Sebago Son]

I agree with Geoff's assessment...

The 6 1/8" Barrel length is interesting, but too esoteric to create the kind of demand that would generate a feeding frenzy among collectors and therefore warrant any premium at all.

I remember that the 6" 66's did create quite a stir in my part of the world when they first came out in the late 70's.... due to a connection with the Smith & Wesson Police Distributor for Maine, Eastern Fire & Supply, I had one from the first shipment of 4 to come into the state.

I never did more than open the blue box and then promptly shipped it off to Satex Distributors in Seguin, Texas and they traded me a NIB 6" Model 57 with Presentation Case.

Drew