Smith and Wesson value question?

[Gordon_Freeman]

I have an old Smith and Wesson .357 revolver that was used as a police duty gun probably in the 80's. The model number is 66-1. It is stainless steel with wood grips and 4 inch barrel. The grips show some wear, but overall it's in good condition. The barrel is marked "S&W .357 MAGNUM."
What would one of these sell for at a private sale? What would a gun store offer to buy this from me?
I'm not going to sell for sentimental reasons, I'm just curious.
My siblings and I are going to have to divide some guns between us one of these days for inheritance.

 

[GRIZ22]

Fixed or adj sights?

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

I would guess the rear sight is adjustable. The rear sight is black and has a small flat head screw on the side. The front sight is stainless steel and has an orange spot on it.

 

[ninemm]

Hey there. Open the cylinder and look on the inside of the frame in the lower right corner. Should be a number like 66-2 or whatever the model number may be. If you could post a picture someone would definitely be able to tell you what model it is. How long is the barrel?

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

It's a 4 inch barrel. I just opened the cylinder and it looks like the model is 66-1.

 

[ninemm]

Nice. The model 66-1 still has the pinned barrel (should see a small pin at the top of the barrel near the frame) and also has recessed cylinder. It is considered by most to be more valuable/collectible. There are better informed people out there, but it would maybe go for $600?

http://guns.wikia.com/wiki/S&W_Model_66

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

Thanks ninemm. This gun is a nice looking gun.

 

[ninemm]

I bet it is. I just bought a 66-2 with a 2.5" barrel.

 

[Ala Dan]

$600 is rather on the "high side"-

I've seen/sold Smith & Wesson model 66's all over the board; from a low
value of $225, to a high value of $495**~!

**FootNote- must be in pristine condition- with no dings, scratches, etc.
Grips must be original, and in good shape. With original box and doc's,
this gun should grade out to As New In Box; or 98% NRA condition.

 

[MtnSpur]

S&W 66-1 were first manufactured in 1977 when they changed the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder, the 66-2 came out in 1982. I have a PD stamped 66-1 4" BBL that I got for $400 not but a month ago from a friend who is a FFL that he received in as a trade. There are NO scratches, dings dents and it locks tight and shoots exceptionally well. Whoever owned it took wonderful care of it. I did get 2 sets of grips, the originals and Hogues. Wonderful weapon. I did not get a box nor paperwork, obviously, but that's ok. Seen the same model on some sites where they are asking $499 to as high as $675 but that's just the nature of a S&W that is no longer in production.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

IMO, 400 bucks is good money for a private sale for a gun like you describe. I'd guess a gun store would offer you more like $250.

I know cops that bought their old duty revolvers 20 years ago when their depts went to semi-autos. They bought their guns for $150-$180.

 

[MtnSpur]

Was a S&W 15-(somethin) up in Lubbock at a gun store that was MAYBE in 75% that they wanted 5 bills for. I just shook my head and walked out the door.

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

Thanks for the responses. This gun does not have a box or paperwork. The grips have some dings. I would guess it is in 75% condition.
From what you all have said I would guess that it would sell for $400 in a private sale.
Does the value increase if it was used for stopping criminals by a police officer?

 

[MtnSpur]

Thanks for the responses. This gun does not have a box or paperwork. The grips have some dings. I would guess it is in 75% condition.
From what you all have said I would guess that it would sell for $400 in a private sale.
Does the value increase if it was used for stopping criminals by a police officer?

If it's 75% I don't think you'd get $400, IMHO, also unless it was some famous guy like J Edgar H, Melvin Purvis or Elliott Ness I doubt who used it for criminal control will have any bearing on price.

 

[Ala Dan]

At 75% condition, a S&W 66-1 .357 magnum should sell for NO more than
$329 in my neck of these old woods. Chasing/shoot'in criminals are just a
few stories attached, it seems like; too add value to the firearm. Essentially
it has NO meaning what-so-ever~!

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

Perhaps this gun is 85% condition. The grips are really the only parts that show any wear. There are only very minor scratches on the cylinder.

 

[ninemm]

You may be judging it a little harshly at 75%. Do you have any pictures?

 

[MtnSpur]

Since it's a "modern" handgun (not antique) we (myself included) should not grade on % but rather the NRA Condition Standards from which Jim Supica's (armchairgunshow.com) rating system, based on the NRA firearms rating system is taken:


"NEW: Not previously sold at retail, in same condition as current factory production.



PERFECT: In New condition in every respect. (Jim's note - in my experience, many collectors & dealers use "As New" to describe this condition).



EXCELLENT: New condition, used but little, no noticeable marring of wood or metal, bluing perfect, (except at muzzle or sharp edges).



VERY GOOD: In perfect working condition, no appreciable wear on working surfaces, no corrosion or pitting, only minor surface dents or scratches.



GOOD: In safe working condition, minor wear on working surfaces, no broken parts, no corrosion or pitting that will interfere with proper functioning.



FAIR: In safe working condition but well worn, perhaps requiring replacement of minor parts or adjustments which should be indicated in advertisement, no rust, but may have corrosion pits which do not render article unsafe or inoperable."

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

Thanks MtnSpur. I would say it's in "very good" condition according to those standards. Would that condition sell for $400 private sale?

 

[Ala Dan]

$399 in my area, is 'bout top dollar for a S&W 66-1 in the condition you describe~!

FootNote: as we say in the business; "thats close enough for gov'mit work"

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

Thanks Ala Dan. Now I just need to get values on the other old guns that I will have to divide between my siblings and I. I may just offer them money because I'm the only one of them who appreciates firearms.

 

[MtnSpur]

Thanks Ala Dan. Now I just need to get values on the other old guns that I will have to divide between my siblings and I. I may just offer them money because I'm the only one of them who appreciates firearms.

Seperating private property between siblings can be tricky. I don't know your circumstance (you mentioned future inheritance). Here's a thought and worked for our family: Slips of paper with the name and serial number of the weapon in a hat/bowl, y'all draw one at a time until they are all gone. After the draw you may trade with whomever wants to trade. Simple, fair. If somebody doesn't want to participate they can opt out. Saves a lot of hard feelings and everyone knows the deal upfront.

 

[Ala Dan]

My friend MtnSpur has a good suggestion~!