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Smith & Wesson Oddity

rb1933
I recently have come across a Model 66-2 Revolver with the following markings on the barrel: Smith & Wesson .38 S & W Special Ctg. On the opposite side, the words LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT.
In all references that I can find lists the Model 66 as a K frame in .357 Magnum/.38 Spec.
The question -- does this revolver represent a special manufacturing production run of a revolver in a dissimiliar caliber for a police agency?
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • Jake_S-83
    does the cylinder still accept .357? Maybe it was just rebarreled?
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  • richbug
    S&W produces special versions for large customers. In this case, LAPD issued only 38 special ammo, so they ordered their guns in 38 special rather than 357. If the guns said 357, someone might get confused. I had a 2 1/2" 686 that was marked 38 special, and only had 38 special chambers.

    .
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  • Ronald J. Snow
    Check the model number stamped on the frame, under the crane. This should be a model 68 rather than the model 66; however, anything is possible.
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  • ATF
    I recently sold a S&W mod.13 that was marked .38 spl.instead of .357 mag like the books say it is.It was chambered for .38 spl. and the box was also marked .38 spl. [?]

    Eagle_Guns.gif
    standard.jpg
    standard.jpg
    When a worm wants to relax,does he go fishing? "And remember a wet dog doesn't fly at night" "My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be." ATF,Eagle Guns
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  • abcguns2
    Post bsome more info and pics if possible , I have seen some really strange things in this business (even S&W), might try and write Roy Jinks (S&W historian) if you really want some "info"....
    Good Luck !!!
    d.a.stearns
    Gunsmith / LEO
    Niota , Tn
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  • select-fire
    Someone might have changed the barrel and the cylinder if it will not accept .357's which casing are .100 longer than a .38
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  • dg101win
    quote:I recently sold a S&W mod.13 that was marked .38 spl.instead of .357 mag like the books say it is.It was chambered for .38 spl. and the box was also marked .38 spl.


    The 2nd edition of Standard Catalog of Smith&Wesson says that a small quantity were chambered in 38 Spl for Thailand.Mdl 13-4 serrated back and fore strap,hidden under Uncle Mike's synthetic grips,round butt.
    Could this have been what you had?

    Retired Air Force Msgt--NRA Life Member since 1971
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  • ATF
    quote:Originally posted by dg101win
    quote:I recently sold a S&W mod.13 that was marked .38 spl.instead of .357 mag like the books say it is.It was chambered for .38 spl. and the box was also marked .38 spl.


    The 2nd edition of Standard Catalog of Smith&Wesson says that a small quantity were chambered in 38 Spl for Thailand.Mdl 13-4 serrated back and fore strap,hidden under Uncle Mike's synthetic grips,round butt.
    Could this have been what you had?


    Retired Air Force Msgt--NRA Life Member since 1971



    Yup,that's the one.[:)] [8D] [^]

    Eagle_Guns.gif
    standard.jpg
    standard.jpg
    When a worm wants to relax,does he go fishing? "And remember a wet dog doesn't fly at night" "My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be." ATF,Eagle Guns
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