[Mtn_USPc]

I have an opportunity to buy a 66 with Hogue wood grips in very good condition. What would the approximate value be of this revolver?
Thanks

[GUNKWAZY]

With out being able to see it... $500-$550 for a clean one.

Mint in box up to $750 at auction.
Great guns by the way. the 2.5 inch 66's are one of my fave's.


Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

[Oro]

Yep, that's a decent price now. They are down a bit since the peak last spring/summer. One of the all time great revolvers. Very versatile.

[Mtn_USPc]

Thank you for the info.
I got to inspect the 66 today and decided to pass on it.
The box,owners manual and original grips were missing and it had simulated wood grain plastic grips. The cylinder and frame were scuffed and scratched and the rear sight blade was peened on the corners from impacts. My biggest concern was that when it was cocked the cylinder seemed to have a bit of play on the cylinder lock.
The asking price was $350 which was probably fair. It had been carried by a LEO before the seller had it so it's range history was unknown.
Should I have bought it or was it good to pass?

[Oro]

A little play with the cylinder is not at all unusual. If it passed the other checks, then I would not worry about that unless it was very excessive. It's a very rare gun that will be really solid in that dimension; some play is always expected.

Yes, at $350 if that was "OTD" (meaning no taxes/etc), then I think it was well worth it. Remember that on ss guns scuffs and scratches can disappear with some honest elbow grease and/or a quick bead blast. Ex LE guns are always a bit more problematic in evaluating - sometimes they have what looks like lots of wear but it's all cosmetic from carry; sometimes it goes hand in hand with lots of mechanical wear if the officer was a real "gunnie" and liked to maximize his duty ammo allowance and range time!

Plastic grips are always a turn off, but replacement wood ones aren't often that expensive for a K frame, round or square.

[Mtn_USPc]

Update:
I went ahead and bought the 66 and am very pleased. I few minor cosmetic dings and scuffs here and there but appears very solid.
Does anyone know how to look up the date of manufacture with the serial number?
#85K3XXX

[Oro]

Two ways:

1) There is a sticky at the top of the forum by XavierBreath. In it SaxonPig posted a s/n database.

2) The Standard Catalog of S&W.

Checking for you, that appears to be 1980.

[Mtn_USPc]

Thank you very much for the info Oro, much appreciated.

[Oro]

No problem. I hope you enjoy it; these are great guns! It is truly a shame they quit making them, basically ceding that niche of the market to Ruger. Nothing wrong with Ruger, but it's nice to have a choice.