I was at the fun show the other day, and there was a gentleman selling a pre-lock pre-MIM 6 shot 6" fully lugged 617.

It was by no means in perfect shape, but it wasn't beat up, and it had a nice set of fingergrooved wooden grips on it.

He was asking $595, or $500 if he took the wooden grips off and replaced them with rubber grips.

I tried to talk him down a bit ($475 with rubber grips, or $525 with the wooden grips), but he wasn't having any of it.

We couldn't come to an agreement on price, so I passed, though if it had been a 4", I probably would have sprung for it at $500.

I feel like he was a bit high on the price (more than I wanted to pay, and that's all that really matters in the end), but wondered if I might be a bit off base on my numbers.

Asking price seems a bit high for a gun in that condition. A NIB or very nice 4" version would command a closer price but the 6" you describe sounds about $100 high to me. You don't mention where you are so we can't factor regional differences, maybe if CA it would be closer but.......?

This year I've paid $600 for a 617-1 4" and $545 for a 617 no dash 6". The 617-1 was in excellent but not pristine condition and I'd say that the 617-no dash was in very good condition. I didn't feel that I overpaid for either of them.

The $475 seems pretty close to me from my tracking of the 6" 10-shot, assuming the 6-shot would be a bit less. Here's the track, about four months out of date:

Smith & Wesson 617 Plus Revolver in .22, Long Rifle. Bluebook of Gun Values (29th Edition) indicates between $431 in 98% condition and $566 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 36 recorded prices using local and internet sources for this gun from $350 to $595 over a period of 362 days ending May 27, 2008. The average price as of that date was $438. Sold for $429 on 6/15/2006. Current or last MSRP is $861.

The trend on tracked prices shows just about $520 at the end of May 2008 with not a lot of data to go on. My samples are not exhaustive, just get prices when I feel like it. Here's how Average Prices chart out:

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 5Wire,

Thanks for the detailed responses.

Looks like I was more or less on target with my price point, so I feel pretty good about walking away from the deal.

I'm definitely in the market for an S&W .22 revolver (it's a want, not a need), but would prefer a 2-4" barrel.

Given the barrel length, the condition and the price asked, it seems like this 617 wasn't quite a square deal.

You can throw those books out the door. If you really want to see what guns are selling for go to gunbroker and look at what has sold in the last 90 days. You can do that you know. I seen a 4" 617 that was pre lock sell for more then you could buy a new one for. Value is in the eye of the purchaser.

quote:

Originally posted by Revolver_King:
You can throw those books out the door. If you really want to see what guns are selling for go to gunbroker and look at what has sold in the last 90 days. You can do that you know. I seen a 4" 617 that was pre lock sell for more then you could buy a new one for. Value is in the eye of the purchaser.

If that comment was aimed at me, you posted too hastily. Gunbroker, Auction Arms, GunsAmerica are among the places I look when I'm looking. I also look locally in the four or five gunshops near where I live as well as in the classifieds in about a half dozen forums I participate in.

Finished auctions, of course, are the best. Even I know that.

If "the books" you refer to is really just The Blue Book of Gun Values, you are correct not to rely on it alone but be advised that you will have to contend with what is published if you are trying to trade or sell to a dealer at a higher price. The BBGV is a reasonable place to start.

So, I'll make it a point to bring my modest track up to date but I'll bet you yourself can predict that the prices will be a little behind the inflationary curve. That is, they will be higher.

YMMV and I invite you to lead me to some (provable) prices whenever you want. I'll add 'em to my track.

My comments were not directed at anyone, I was just making an observation. The fact is, if you really like that gun and are willing to pay the price for it. it doesn't really matter if it is worth it or not. a lot of times it is all a matter of availability. which happens to be the case the most of the time. If there are plenty of them out there for sale then the price gets lower, if not then the price gets higher. its all about supply and demand. my comments were not directed toward anyone, I am sorry if it sounded that way. Have a great day.

I agree with your desire for a 4" 617. I bought a 6" and wish I had gotten a 4". The longer barrel really does feel too front heavy to me. I may send it to SDM Fabricating and have them chop it to 5" and install there removable fiber optic sight. Don't worry that I am ruining a nice gun. It has a lock .

Just remember to adjust the Gun Broker & Auction Arms amount to add shipping & local tranfer fee; usually about $50. Gun has to be a pretty good bargain before I buy online.

For $500, the 617 shoulda been like new in box. To many potential problems buying guns in less than pristine condition, good pass.

The last 10 shot 4" no lock 617 I saw was $650, I've sorta given up on one of those - but that's what I want as well.