RTS Model 1966 Starter Pistol Value Guide

The RTS Model 1966 is a specialized Italian-made starter revolver crafted from zinc alloy and steel for track and field events. It is highly collectible for its role in mid-20th-century sporting history and its unique design featuring a permanently blocked barrel for firing .22 blanks.

What Is RTS Model 1966 Starter Pistol Worth?

The typical price range for RTS Model 1966 Starter Pistol is $45 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Mechanical functionality of the firing pin and cylinder rotation significantly impacts the $45-$50 price range.
• The preservation of the black finish, as zinc alloy can show pitting or wear over time.
• The structural integrity of the checkered polymer grips, which are prone to cracking if dropped.
• Presence of original 1960s-era packaging or documentation from its time as a sporting staple.

How to Identify RTS Model 1966 Starter Pistol?

• Look for the 'RTS' brand markings and 'Italy' origin stamp on the frame.
• Verify the presence of the original black finish and the signature checkered polymer grips.
• Check for the characteristic blocked barrel design which distinguishes it from functional projectile firearms.
• Confirm the .22 caliber cylinder chambering designed specifically for blank ammunition.

History of RTS Model 1966 Starter Pistol

Produced in Italy during the mid-20th century, these revolvers were specifically designed for track and field events and dog training. Unlike standard firearms, they feature a blocked barrel to prevent the discharge of projectiles, making them legal to own without a firearms license in many jurisdictions. The 'RTS' brand became a staple in sporting equipment throughout the 1960s and 1970s.