Did I get a good deal?

[510thomas]

I went to the local gunshop today and bought my first revolver. It is a Smith and Wesson 66-2, and the timing and lock-up are good. I paid $230 for it, but the stainless finish has marring and scratches. This seemed like a pretty good price, even with gun being in good/fair condition. What would be the best way to polish the stainless, or should i have it professionally done? Any input would be much appreciated..

 

[Steve C]

Sounds like you did well. Most 66's I've seen at the gun shows are in the $300+ range.

If you want it as a shooter and carry piece I'd leav the finish as it is. Kind of like buying a used car with a few door dings. You don't cry when the first new one shows up like you do when it happens on a new car.

You can ship to S&W and they'll do a polish and restoration for around $125 on a stainless revolver and check out some other things. Check out the Performance Center Custom Gunsmithing.

 

[cpaspr]

I'd say yes.

If my memory serves me correctly, I paid $265 new out the door for mine back in 1986. That was from a 10%er. $237.50 cost + $23.75 for his profit + $3.75 UPS.

So $230 20 years later, when they don't make them like that anymore. Yeah, you did all right.

 

[jeff-10]

That gun would go for $350 in most of the gun shops I have visited throughout Florida.

 

[Waywatcher]

Sounds like a great deal. I recently purchased a 686 for 295 in similar condition and I'm quite happy.

I've heard that Scotch-Brite pads are the way to go for getting out surface scratches and restoring that factory satin sheen. The way I heard it is medium first, then extra fine. Check out http://www.smith-wessonforum.com in any case.

 

[Legionnaire]

Hey, any time you spend money you can afford to buy a gun you want you got a good deal! Sounds like the price was fair, too!

 

[Brian Williams]

I was looking at a 66 locally for $489.

 

[Hutch]

A fine bargain. Leave it as-is. No reason to pretty it up, if you plan to actually carry it.

 

[GRIZ22]

You can try a metal polish like Flitz and see if that cleans it up enough for you. I really would be hesitant to use anything more abrasive.

 

[Confederate]

I'd like to see a photo of it if you can upload one. The 66 is a beautiful gun and I'd probably try to buff out some of the scratches and dings. This model gun, 1972 and prior, sometimes overheated and froze up on shooters who were rapid firing them. Smith made some changes in the gun that fixed the problem, so if you call them, ask them if they could check that out. Before they do any work on your gun, though, make sure they don't replace your hammer or trigger with those ugly case hardened ones.

On the other hand, if you don't have any problems with it and don't mind a few knicks, I'd just keep it as it is.