U.S. Treasury Marked Smith & Wesson Model 66 357 Mag 2.5” Revolver 1972 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,313.99
LSB#: LSB251107RG010
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 66 .357 Combat Magnum Stainless
Serial Number: 3K79871
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Double Action, Single Action, 6 Shot swing out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked, “SMITH & WESSON” the right side is marked, “S&W. 357 MAGNUM”. The right side of the frame is marked with a 4-Line Marcas Registradas and a US Treasury Logo. The left side of the frame is marked with a Smith & Wesson Monogram. The bottom of the grip frame is marked with the serial number. The yoke cut is marked with the model. The yoke and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks. The rear of the cylinder is marked “X”.
Barrel Length: 2.5” Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated raised ramp squared front sight post with a dovetailed orange insert. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch screwed to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are one piece smooth wood with finger grooves. There are no chips or cracks. There is almost no handling wear, with multiple small areas of finish loss. The stocks rate in Excellent 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 10/10.
Overall Condition: The balance of the finish shows very little operational and handling wear, with scattered minor scratches and scuffs, particularly on the cylinder from holster wear. The cylinder has a crisp turn line. There are light fire marks on the front face of the cylinder. There is a drag line on the recoil shield. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in a Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. The lockup and timing are strong. There is very little play with the cylinder upon lockup.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Factory Letter, letters of provenance.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 66 is a stainless steel version of the classic Model 19 Combat Magnum, purpose-built to handle the power of .357 Magnum loads while offering the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Introduced in 1970, the Model 66 quickly earned a reputation for accuracy, durability, and versatility among law enforcement officers and civilian shooters alike.
This revolver is in Fine condition overall. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. It is stamped with a Department of the Treasury emblem, in keeping with this being an early ATF issue.
The paperwork associated with this gun tells an interesting story. It was issued to, and later was the personal property of, Paul Westenberger, LtCol USMC (Ret.) LtCol Westenberger was a three war Marine—a veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Paperwork included with the contains details such as he went ashore at Okinawa on the first day of the battle, he was wounded as a platoon leader of a flame tank platoon in Korea, and wounded again in Vietnam, where he earned two Bronze Stars. This guy was the real deal.
Later, LtCol Westenberger went to work for the IRS (BATF division) where he was issued this revolver. He wrote articles explaining the new Gun Control Act of 1968 and its effect on gun owners. Some of those articles are included with this gun. Finally, a purchase receipt where he purchased his issue gun upon retirement is also in the packet.
Mechanically, the revolver functions as intended with tight lockup, strong timing, and a smooth double-action trigger pull. It brings .357 power in a small 2lb package. With its combination of stainless steel construction, classic .357 Magnum performance, and C&R eligibility, this early Model 66 is a highly practical and collectible revolver—equally at home in a working rotation or as part of a vintage S&W collection. Please see our photos.
-C.B.