Rip, if your step dad's revolver was the same frame size and blue it was almost certainly the 19. The 6 series guns indicated stainless steel construction. The 66 is the same as the 19, just in stainless.
The model 27 / 28 (same gun different finish and accessories) were the original .357 frame. Very heavy as it was derived from the 44 russian / special that S&W had been making. That gun is a real workhorse and will keep running until you beat it with a sledge hammer. That same frame (L frame) is also used in the 29 (44 mag).
Given the choice of a pythion or 27 / 66 I'd go for the smith every time. I like the python for it's finish and smooth action but they are fragile considering the use that colt originally intended, premium duty gun. The "snakes" from colt are enjoying a resurgence in popularity from the walking dead show because Rick has one.
I cannot believe how the Snake gun prices have exploded over the past two decades Mav! Holy smokes! I am not a wheel gun guy so I will take your word for it.
The Bauer .25 ACP (arrived Monday) next to my first wheel gun..a S&W 66-3 .357 magnum 6" brl (arrived today)
The Bauer, from my google-net research on the innernets, appears to be a lower to mid-range S/N in the 32,000 range (they made them between 1971 and 1984, essentially a baby browning knock off), indicates it should be about my graduation year, 1978.
IT WAS UNFIRED!!!!
The S&W .357 mag was cleaner, less fired than what I expected based on pictures of the auction. Turn lines on the cylinder? I couldn't detect ANY!
I couldn't be happier for these two purchases. No buyers remorse! (Pistol for wife's birthday and the magnum because I felt inferior after handling the .25 ACP)
Patience pays off (been stalking these two for at least 2 months, looking for the right condition and price)
