S&W 66 or 27: You have to choose...

F

FLChinook

New member
Picture it; you come up to a table at the gun show and see two revolvers. One is a S&W 66-1 SS 4" in really clean and tight condition at $500. The other is a S&W 27-2 3" nicely blued and equally tight at $800. You only have $800 in the world and must choose. Which will it be???
 
The Model 27-2 without any reservation. 2 reasons; you will never wear it out and the 66-1's were known to have somewhat brittle SS.
 
Definitely the 27. Prices are steadily rising on those and they're scarce already.

There are tons of 66's out there, and you can always find another down the line.
 
+1 to what tom said, around here 27's are hard to find and when you find them their usually 800+ or already beaten to crap...as for the 66's i cannot speak for the 66-1 but i own 2 66-2's and they are great, but you can find them without much of a search for around 500, less in most cases
 
...the 66-1's were known to have somewhat brittle SS.
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Brittle SS? Are you sure you're not talking about the chrome on the hammer and trigger?

The chrome used on the hammers and triggers of early M66's was too soft and tended to gall with use, causing the lockwork to bind, most noticeably when shooting DA. This is a somewhat well-known problem with the early guns.
 
Problem with chrome? Is nickel the same? If there were 2 27-2's on the table and one was nickel (same price and condition), would you expect the nickel to be snatched up first?
 
The 27 is the most desirable. However, if I only had $800, I'd have to talk him down a little. Otherwise, the 66 for $500 leaves money for ammo.
 
Well, I gotta go against the grain here....

I'm going to say "depends on what purpose" - I think a 3.5 in 27 would be a lot to carry. That said, a 4in 66 isn't that great either, but it is better.

In general, I would buy a 27 in 3.5 in, esp because thats a premium barrel length. If I wanted a gun for even occasional carry or better yet, primary carry, I would pick the 66.

Financially speaking, an $800 OTD 27-2 with 3.5 in barrel is probably a better deal. They are worth at least that much. A 66-1 is much less desireable.

Also, yes IMO a nickel 27-2 3.5 in would be snapped up first and they are normally more money as well.
 
I already made the choice.

First I got the 27-2.

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Then I came back later for the 66 (no dash).

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But FIRST I got the 27. :D
 
Problem with chrome? Is nickel the same?
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No, two different processes.

S&W used chrome on the hammers and triggers of some early SS models purely for cosmetic reasons, to better match the stainless finish of the rest of the gun. After experiencing problems with the early guns, S&W changed the chrome plating process, and later stopped using chrome altogether. Recent-production SS Smiths have color case or MIM triggers just like blue or nickel guns.

AFAIK S&W has never used nickel finish on hammers and triggers- in fact, nickel in these areas is widely considered to be the easiest way to spot a refinished nickel S&W.
...would you expect the nickel to be snatched up first?
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Generally yes, as collector value is typically higher, but it depends a lot on the condition of the individual gun and what the local collectors are looking for.
 
For me it would be about hand size,,,

I can not get a comfortable grip on any N-frame revolver,,,
I have K-frame hands so the Model 66 is best for me.

I would love to own a Model 27,,,
But it would be one of those guns I buy,,,
Then after I build a really nice gunbelt/holster for it,,,
The poor thing would live lonely in the dark recesses of my gun safe. :o

Aarond

.
 
I've never been a big fan of the Model 27 (The .357 Magnum). I know, bite my tongue!

I've always thought it oversized for the cartridge. And especially since the introduction of the L-Frame Smith & Wessons, which I consider the perfect DA .357 Magnum.

I'm not detracting from that old revovler by any means, just that it never caught my eye.

Bob Wright
 
If you tend (as most of us do) to baby your handguns...cleaning, oiling, and tending to them as trusted friends, then the M27, superbly fitted by S&W with that butter smooth action makes sense...the first scratch on that lovely frame is a cryin' event and no foolin'....

But for day in-day out, night in-night out, canoeing, camping or back up for the big gun while in the high timber after elk, the M66 makes a strong case. Stainless construction with nearly the same action smoothness, lack of a full under barrel rib, grips that fit and reasonable weight make it my first choice .

But two FBI friends, from the old days, still regret the agency's switch to automatics...that 3-1/2" barreled model with the old loads was their favorite.

Best Regards, Rod
 
I've already got a no-dash 66, the one I carried daily for 20 years.

I'd probably buy the Model 27, because I don't have one of those yet. I'd really rather have it in 4" or 6", so I might pass on it based on the barrel length. If I passed on the 27, I'd probably pass on the 66 as well.
 
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