Smith & Wesson S&W 66-2 ‘Prototype’ 68-2 LAPD Stainless 6″ .38 SPL Double Action Revolver & Box

Sold For: $1,123.87

LSB#: 170318LU16

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Page 232 of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition by Supica & Nahas calls this the “Prototype Model 66-2 with 68-2 overstamp”.

Serial Number: AEU2936

Year of Manufacture: Approximately 1984, per the Standard Catalog; the inside of the right grip has a date of October 23, 1984.

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action (DA / SA), Fluted Swing-Out Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON / .38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”, the right side is marked “LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT”. The left of the frame has S&W’s trade mark logo, the right side of the frame is marked with the four line Marcas Registradas. The left side of the grip frame is marked “F24 / 17286 / S/S/530” the butt is marked with the serial number, the right side of the grip frame is marked “H” in circle, “D” in triangle and “7566”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “V”. The yoke is marked “S / F24 / 17286”, the yoke cut is marked with the serial and model number. The grip panels have nickel plated S&W monogram logos.

Barrel Length: 6”, With Shrouded Ejector & Wide Solid Rib

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated stainless blade with a red insert, integral to the solid rib of the barrel. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation, slotted and screw-secured onto the top of the frame. The top of the rib and rear sight are serrated and matte finished for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are beautiful factory target stocks that cover all but the serrated back strap of the grip frame. The stocks have several minor scuff and scrape marks on the butt and fore strap. The checkers are lightly rubbed but highly defined. There are no cracks or major damages, the stocks are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Matte & Brushed Stainless Steel

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95+% of its metal finish. The muzzle shows a few marks that look to be from cleaning at some point, the cylinder has a thin drag line indicating limited use outside of the factory. The underside of the trigger guard has shallow scrapes; the right side plate has some polishing blemishes from the factory. The metal meets flush in all areas, the screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. The pistol is in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is nominal side to side play in all 6 chambers during full lockup with no perceivable back pay. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a non-serialized but period correct factory box, with a cleaning kit, inner box and wax paper; the box has heavy roughing, tears and disfigured corners, the wax paper has tears and the cleaning kit has been used. The original sales receipt from the Los Angeles Police Revolver & Athletic Club in 1985 is included, along with a group of factory paperwork, these items have minor wear.

Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson’s Model 68 was called the ‘.38 Special California Highway Patrol’, this one is a scarce ‘over stamped’ Model 66-2, dubbed the 68-2, the barrel is marked for the Los Angeles Police Department; according to the sales receipt it did go to a law enforcement officer back in 1985; the pistol is in about Excellent condition without much evidence of use in its life. This model catered to California’s law enforcement agents who were not able to carry anything in .357 Magnum, so as not to over-penetrate walls and cars, making it safer for those caught in or near a shootout. If you collect S&W revolvers, it is always nice to catch some of the rarer pistols, especially when they are in stainless steel; they will age with less trouble than a nickel or blued example and are tough as nails. The Standard Catalog mentions that these pistols are rated for +P ammunition so if you decide you would rather shoot it than store it, you can carry this rugged gun just about anywhere and not worry about mechanical or cosmetic issues. Whatever the application, we see a happy winner in the future.