S&W 66 Grips - football vs speedloader cutout

[garandsrus]

Hi,

I just purchased an early model 66 S&W in .357 Mag that has Pachmayer grips on it. I would like to get a set of original style wood grips.

The revolver has the stainless front and rear sight, so it is a very early production model. From my research, the correct grips have a football cutout on the left grip. However, I would like to be able to use speed loaders and there is a grip with the speedloader cutout.

Does anyone know if you can use Safariland speed loaders with the "football" grips? Since the grips are not original to the gun, I might consider getting the speed loader cutout instead.

Does anyone have a nice set of grips they want to sell :) ?

Thanks,
John

[imashooter2]

An early 66 would have service stocks on it like these:

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu331/pendennis1947/SmithWessonModel66-1CombatMagnumLFT.jpg

[garandsrus]

imashooter2,

Sorry, I should have included that my pistol has a 4" barrel. The stocks are different than the 2" barrel.

Here are a couple pictures I found:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/35327d1295408064-s-w-model-66-no-dash-correct-grips-100_0003.jpg

and

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u269/tdcorp/Smith%20and%20Wesson/660GoncoloLsidetiltOrigstocks-1.jpg
The picture above shows the "football" cutout at the top of the grip.

John

[Wheeler]

You can use the Safariland loaders with the cutout in the grips however, I've found that I have to bring the speedloader in at a slight angle, then line up with the cylinders, then insert and press to release, rather than straight in. It takes a little practice to get used to. I might add that I'm left-handed so your manipulation might have a different result.

Have you considered the Hogue Bantam grips? I realize they are not correct to the gun but they are great when it comes to reloads and long term shooting comfort.

Best Regards,
Wheeler

[MtGun44]

No pix.

Bill