I am looking at 2 model 66-1 2.5" revolvers. One is in mint condition ( fired VERY little with 38's) 100% orignal and 99%. The other one ( also a 66-1) is unfired in original box and all the paperwork. Question. In case of Pre Lock Smith and Wesson revolvers that are NOT a rare variation, what is the value difference between Unfired in the box VS. Fired, no bax and othervise 99% +. How much does the UNFIRED and ORIGINAL BOX add to the value?

Are your 66-1's the same?
Pinned and recessed, Pinned only, recessed only, numbered stock?

The guns are the same as far as the P&R nimbered orginal grips. One is Like new hardly fired the other is THE SAME, but unfired in original box with paperwork .

I'd say 50 bucks.

In You opinion , would that be the case with MOST S&W , not rare, revolvers?

I'd say $50 for common revolvers.The older or rarer the gun ,should increase value with original box .

Example please? I am talking about 70's and later guns.

It wouldn't make a difference to me. They'd get shot as soon as I got to the range!!!! I'd go for the cheaper price. Are they truly the same??? Bob

I'm with BobK on this one.

They are BOTH super.

If they won't be safe queens (I don't have ANY), buy them both.

__________________
NRA Instructor

they are the same , even made the same year. He bought two MANY years ago.

As others have said if you are going to shoot it then it doesn't matter and I'd buy the cheaper one. If you aren't going to shoot it and keep it as a collector piece then buy the unfired one with the box. The unfired one if kept that way will be a collector piece and sometime in the future if it has the box, tool kit, and paperwork it would be much more valuable then one that's been fired and doesn't have the goodies.

So in a case of a more typical revolver. 66-1. How much more should one pay for a NIB? VS, just the gun in 99%?

Like I said above if your going to keep it as a collectible and not shoot it then I'd be willing to pay $50 to $75 more if the gun was unfired and had the matching box, paperwork, and correct tool kit. This model is a popular shooter but not as popular as say a unfired 27-2 or 29-2 as a collector gun so the premium would be less. It's still pinned and recessed and there will be collectors at some point that want one in that condition and I'm sure they have their own following now just less of one then some of the other models.

I think a 99% Model 66 should sell for $450 to $500 depending where you live. I paid more then that for mine during the surge but I got a really nice one I'm happy with.

i just purchased a 66-1 with box,original grips and pachs that has been fired VERY little for $300.00...soooo...there are deals still to be found out there

WOW!!!! Here in SF Bay Area a gunshop will pay more than 300.00 for a revolver like that.

I think that would be the right way to look at it.
If you looking to build a collection thats primary purpose is return on investment then the NIB is, in most cases, well worth an extra 10%. The older the gun the greater the %.

If your going to shoot it then it make no sense to pay any premium.