4" Model 66-1 .357 Magnum

[Crudders32]

 I recently picked up a 4" model 66-1 .357 magnum at a gun show.  This is my first revolver and my first Smith and Wesson too.  The gun was in excellent condition and priced at $425.  The dealer gave me $355 for my Sig Pro 9mm so I ended up paying about $80 for the S&W.  I wanted a gun to carry in the woods while hunting and I thought the .357 would be better than then 9mm especially for snakes.  Anyway, now that I have this gun I have a couple questions about it. 

I talked to a co-worker who has a couple of these guns.  He told me that when carrying it hunting to keep the hammer over an empty chamber.  That if I had all the cylinders loaded and dropped the gun on the hammer that it would go off.  I thought there was a hammer bock safety on this gun that wouldn't allow the hammer to hit the primer unless the trigger was pulled.

My second question is to figure out what year the gun was manufactured.  The serial number starts with 151K.  If anyone could help me out I would really appreciate it.  Thank you.
 

[John Traveler]

Your s&w model 66-1 indeed has the hammer-blocking safety bar connected to the rebound slide (part of the trigger mechanism). 

The hammer/firing pin will only contact a primer if the trigger is pulled and held all the way back.  You do not need to keep an empty chamber under the hammer.  This feature has been in use since late in WWII.

The 66-1 started into production in the late 1970's.  A more exact date will require the full serial number to trace it's history.

[Crudders32]

The full serial number is 151K081.  If someone could tell me what year the gun was produced I would really appreciate it.  Thank you.

[Mo Gun Nut]

Looks like early 1982 for manufacture date. The 66 is a great revolver. Congrats on your find.

[Lloyd Smale]

good gun and completely safe to carry with all 6 cylinders loaded.

[Crudders32]

Thanks alot guys.  I am headed to hunting camp this weekend for the beginning of the PA turkey season.  It will be the first chance I've had to shoot the gun.  Hopefully it is a shooter.  I have dry fired it several times and the trigger seems to break nice a crisp.  Can't wait.

[Old Griz]

I have a 3" 66 and it's one of the finest guns of all time. (Can ya tell I like it?!) It sleeps right next to me, and I had night sights put on it as well. In my neighborhood ya never know what might happen if we had a power failure. Yep, you're gonna love it!

[Keith L]

My first handgun is a Model 66 with a four inch barrel.  I bought it new in the box from a police officer who never carried or fired it.  He bought it two weeks before his department changed to 9MM.  I got the gun, two holsters, speedloaders, and hundreds of rounds of 38 special and 357 rounds for $275.  Needless to say it is no longer new in the box.  While I like my other pistols as well I always seem to shoot the Model 66 the most.  It has a sweet trigger in single action, and is smooth when using it double action.  I use far more 38 than 357 in it, and just loaded up a bunch.  I may have to try some out today!

[Dusty Miller]

My model 66 now sports a bobbed hammer and resides hidden on a cabinet in my living room for dealing with feral perps. 

[Wingman26]

I carried a 4" Model 66 for a number of years as my duty weapon, and it still resides in a place of honor in my safe, it's a great revolver!