Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 66 No Dash, The .357 Combat Magnum Stainless
Serial Number: 6K88886
Year of Manufacture: 1974-1975, C&R
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Double Action, Single Action, 6 Shot swing out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Barrel Length: 2 1/2" Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade with red insert integral to a raised ramped base. The rear sight is a flat top square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece stag. There is light handling wear. There are no cracks. There is a chip on the right panel where the serrations start on the backstrap. The grips are proud toward the top of the backstrap. The grips rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a crisp turn line. There are scattered light scratches. There are fire marks on the front face of the cylinder. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. The lockup and timing are strong. There is little play with the cylinder upon lockup. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver includes an article "Law Enforcement Icon Don Perry Retires Law Enforcement Career 1959-2010", and a hand written note by Don Perry confirming that this revolver was the revolver he was wearing in the article. This revolver also includes a leather Lawrence belted holster in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson introduced the stainless-steel Model 66 in 1970 as the corrosion-resistant counterpart to the blued Model 19 Combat Magnum. Built on the compact K-frame, it combined .357 Magnum chambering with adjustable sights and proportions suited to uniformed service, plainclothes work, and off-duty carry. The original no-dash variation remained in production until the Model 66-1 engineering change appeared in 1977, placing this revolver within the earliest generation of Smith & Wesson’s stainless Combat Magnum.
This 1974-1975 example has the desirable 2 1/2" pinned barrel and is accompanied by an article concerning law-enforcement officer Don Perry’s 1959-2010 career, along with Perry’s handwritten statement identifying it as the revolver he was wearing in the article. Perry’s career included service with the Houston Police Department, FBI, DEA, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, and Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, giving the accompanying material meaningful law-enforcement provenance. The revolver retains approximately 95% of its original stainless finish, with a 9/10 bore, strong timing and lockup, aftermarket stag grips, and a Lawrence leather holster. Its early no-dash configuration, compact barrel, and personal association with a career lawman make this a notably compelling Smith & Wesson Combat Magnum.
