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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 04-05-2012, 08:17 PM
nipster nipster is offline
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Default Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?

I have a line on a 66-1 for a good price (but not absurdly low), is marked APD. Obviously ex-police, there are hundreds of cities with police departments which start with A.

Should I have any reservations in buying this gun? I have no reason to believe it's stolen, but I guess this is always a possibility.

Weapon is stamped with what looks to be a punch type block letter stamp APD on the left side of the frame under the cylinder. Does this detract from the value for future reference?

Anything else I should think about? Anyone with a 66 marked APD out there?
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Old 04-05-2012, 08:29 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Generally, police guns have lots of carry wear but saw little use. Imagine being issued a 4" model 66 in the late 1970s and not going to the range to practice as much as possible...it happened! If you do the usual function checks and all is well, it could be a good deal.

I think the overall condition trumps any extra stampings, and an "APD" collector may pay lots! Hope this is helpful.
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Old 04-05-2012, 08:33 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Exam carefully!
They are not always "CARRIED A LOT, SHOT LITTLE".
So many never were maintained/cleaned regularly.
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Old 04-05-2012, 08:34 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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I have no reservations buying either police trade ins or guns that came from security companies. If they pass the function checks..they are frequently a bargin priced low mileage k frame. This past Christmas I found a nice model 10-5 in my stocking. Low miles, excellent shape, very light holster wear for 235.00 Wish I could buy ten more just like it..
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Old 04-05-2012, 08:41 PM
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Default 66 Marked APD

I have a M-66 4" marked "APD". I know for a fact that it was issued by the Austin Police Department. I can e-mail you a picture of the markings.

Larry R. #2494
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Old 04-05-2012, 08:52 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ringo1597 View Post
I have a M-66 4" marked "APD". I know for a fact that it was issued by the Austin Police Department. I can e-mail you a picture of the markings.

Larry R. #2494
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Old 04-05-2012, 10:30 PM
minconrevo minconrevo is offline
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Some might have had the internals messed with, but these would be the exception. A very few might have been shot a lot; a very few. I've seen some of both, mixed in with the run of the mill police guns.

Most were simply carried a lot and shot seldom. Do all the usual function checks first.

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Old 04-05-2012, 11:01 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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I have two ex police/security S&W revolvers. Got them at a low price, they function flawlessly and I like them a lot.
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Old 04-05-2012, 11:07 PM
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I have purchased 5 64-5 S&W revolvers, happy with all of them. I bought these online, seller had pictures posted, but one has minor throat erosion and one cylinder sticks slightly. Other 3 are fine. All shoot very well. If you can examine the gun, I would not hesitate because it was a cop gun. ( Idid polish them a little, after almost 20 years on the force, I thought they would enjoy a little TLC). Another thought, because you are looking at a magnun, i would examine closely for the extent of the flame cut in the top strap and the forcing cone for damage. S&W did create the L frame for a reason. Find the Revolver Checkout, by jim March, very good info for evaluating a used gun.
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File Type: jpg Spring , Mod. 64(3) 009.jpg (35.3 KB, 234 views)
File Type: jpg 64 redo 006.jpg (70.5 KB, 207 views)

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Old 04-06-2012, 08:32 AM
PeterCartwright PeterCartwright is offline
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I'm hoping to pick up a round butt 64 today, provided it has made it to my FFL. Guess I'm gambling a bit on J&G's judgment, but with K frame .38 spls., I'm willing to make that bet. Looking for a good shooter, not a show piece.

PC
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Old 04-06-2012, 08:47 AM
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Others has addressed the wear question. You mentioned some concern that it might have been stolen. That's no more likely than that any other gun might have been stolen.

When police departments/security companies changed over to a new gun, they didn't just throw those old ones away. They traded them in just like you'd do yourself when you had a gun you didn't want. They didn't take those markings off.
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Old 04-06-2012, 09:20 AM
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Default carried a lot means something.

I was issued my model 60 in 1970 and I was not the first to have it. We carried them in old swivel holsters and they were exposed to rain, snow and lots of sweat. Once, the cotter pin on the swivel broke (rusted) and the holster with gun in it fell down a flight of marble stairs. I was given another holster and told to go back to work. I chased a guy who I had caught breaking into a truck, he ran into a creek and when I grabbed him we fell into the water. This creek was basically an open sewer which ran thru a large housing project. I was covered in s__ and I had to throw my entire gun belt and gun, cuffs etc into a large janitor's sink and run clean water over everything. Another time my gun was pulled from my holster by someone in a crowd while I was trying to wrestle a prisoner into the back seat of my cruiser and I was bent over. Luckily, another officer drove right thru the crowd at that moment and the gun was dropped and drove over. We qualified twice a year and shot a box to practice, then a box to score with. Carried a lot means something. I bought that gun when we upgraded to semi's about 1990. I sent it to Smith and they had to replace the ejector star and some internal stuff they said was worn out. I had them reblue it while they had it too. It had earned a new coat. What Jimmy said is true, some guys never cleaned their guns. Have a nice day.
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Old 04-06-2012, 09:36 AM
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I have a 64 that is marked APD but bought it in colorado. Gun functions and shoots fine and doesn't look that bad either. It is my boat gun, I only paid $250 for it and you would probably have to pay $100 more to buy a used gun in similar condition. Also bought a 3" model 10 from Bud's that was an Australian police gun. Gun functions great and the finish isn't too bad. Got a total of $290 in that gun. I carry that one a lot. For very well priced shooters there is nothing wrong with ex-police guns. IMHO
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Old 04-06-2012, 06:30 PM
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I have bought at least 12-15 police trade-ins over the years and have been pleased with them all. They usually are good bargains if you are looking for good shooter grade guns.
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Old 04-06-2012, 06:43 PM
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I bought a 3IN 10-5 that was a centry aussi trade in. I have 300 in it and it is a vary good shooter.
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Old 04-06-2012, 07:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Pokeyman View Post
I was issued my model 60 in 1970 and I was not the first to have it. We carried them in old swivel holsters and they were exposed to rain, snow and lots of sweat. Once, the cotter pin on the swivel broke (rusted) and the holster with gun in it fell down a flight of marble stairs. I was given another holster and told to go back to work. I chased a guy who I had caught breaking into a truck, he ran into a creek and when I grabbed him we fell into the water. This creek was basically an open sewer which ran thru a large housing project. I was covered in s__ and I had to throw my entire gun belt and gun, cuffs etc into a large janitor's sink and run clean water over everything. Another time my gun was pulled from my holster by someone in a crowd while I was trying to wrestle a prisoner into the back seat of my cruiser and I was bent over. Luckily, another officer drove right thru the crowd at that moment and the gun was dropped and drove over. We qualified twice a year and shot a box to practice, then a box to score with. Carried a lot means something. I bought that gun when we upgraded to semi's about 1990. I sent it to Smith and they had to replace the ejector star and some internal stuff they said was worn out. I had them reblue it while they had it too. It had earned a new coat. What Jimmy said is true, some guys never cleaned their guns. Have a nice day.
How can you reblue a stainless steel model 60?
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Old 04-06-2012, 07:12 PM
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My bad. It is a model 10. Sorry about that.
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Old 04-06-2012, 07:20 PM
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This "flatfoot" has purchased ex-police weapons, but mostly "in-person." I did purchase an un-fired NYPD 64 which is DAO and is on the way to Clark Custom to have a Bo Mar "cover-up" rib installed as I type this off of Gunbroker, but the seller is well-known and he provided pleanty of pictures. Illinois State Corrections Officers in Joliet use stainless 64s and I have seen some of them ram the rod and brush through their service weapons, most likely "peening" the recoil shield and nicking the muzzle crown. That's why I prefer to look at the gun "in-person" first. I cruise the local gun shops and I check the used gun section for any guns that have not been abused. Many well-known gunshops get police "overruns" in, and some guns were never even issued. Those are the guns I am really looking for. Timing, crane gap, top strap cutting (magnums), etc., are what to look for. If it looks like a tornado hit the outside, beware. When in doub't, go with someone that knows a little about the model or models you are seeking and ask to check a bunch...then get the best of the litter. Some dealers will let you do that.

Overall, "flatfoot" guns can be risky, unless you know what you are looking for.

This "flatfoot" is now going 10-42!

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Old 04-06-2012, 08:37 PM
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Heh, nearly all the handguns I own are police trade-ins. I would never be able to afford such a varied collection if I had to buy new. My current favorite is an original 686 with the M update. They're all good to go with typical wear and handling, but I bought most of them in person, so I could take my pick. I frankly don't see the benefit of buying new unless it is something special. If you're going to shoot it, who cares if it's used? The police armorers were better than the average bubba home gunsmith.
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Old 04-06-2012, 08:48 PM
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I'd be not concerned in the least.
I still have my old duty 4" M66 that I was issued in 1980 and carried until 1990 when my agency went to autos.
Yes - it's been carried ALOT. And shot ALOT. Still in fine shape and would go for years more before any attention was required.

Good luck.
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Old 04-07-2012, 02:08 PM
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I'll chime in here with my opinion (which is worth every penny you are paying for it!) Sometime in the mid- to late '80s I bought a police trade-in Model 66 (no dash) that has been with me ever since and would be one of the last of my guns I would sell. My situation was a little different from what you describe as I was able to take my pick from a table full of them, then go to a friend's parts bin and completely "blueprint" it with hand selected parts. Actually, it's about due for another such rebuild now, but is shot so infrequently that it is no longer an issue.

The point I would make here is that as long as the frame is not significantly damaged, all the other parts are readily available and easily replaced, so even if something is wrong with a police trade-in K-frame, you are not out of business. If the price is fair and you have an inspection with return option, just get the gun in hand and inspect it (or have it inspected) for severe damage or wear, and then enjoy it. The only specific check I would urge would be for throat erosion and/or barrel cracks caused by excessive use of the old high speed 110 and 125 grain bulleted loads, and even this, unless the frame has sustained damage, would not eliminate the gun from a potential rebuild. If you want it, then by all means buy it and enjoy!

Froggie
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Old 04-07-2012, 02:15 PM
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I love my Mod 10-6 Hb.It has a great trigger and right on point with 146 cast WC's.Cost $199
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Old 04-07-2012, 02:21 PM
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My police trade-in 64-5 RB arrived this week from Robertson's in TN, and it's a beauty. $289 + $10 shipping. I'm seriously considering getting a 3" barrel and converting it.
They also have some 67s, 6906s, and a few others on GunsAmerica.
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Old 04-07-2012, 03:04 PM
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I'd rather buy a Smith & Wesson used on duty than a Crown Vic used on duty.
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Old 04-07-2012, 04:09 PM
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Two of the three firearms issued to me by my department over the past 30 years were worn-out, badly refinished pieces of junk. One was a Remington 870 that had been allowed to rust (patrol cars are a harsh environment, both trunks and passenger compartments) and pit before it was crudely taken apart, wire-brushed and then reblued. It had then gotten all beat up again. Besides the pitting, the shell latch bars were not fixed in their grooves and I needed to restake them. The other was a Model 15 Combat Masterpiece that had been similarly refinished after neglect and abuse. The screw holes were dished out, the sharp edges were rounded, the roll markings were nearly unreadable, the springs had been cut quite a bit. I would never have bought either of them if found in a shop or garage sale.

Luckily, my department is far better funded now and issue guns are not allowed to deteriorate like that.

I don't think that being a "police gun" should have any bearing on a purchasing decision at all, they are subject to the same damage, neglect and poor maintainance as anybody else's guns. You need to decide on potential puchases on a gun-by-gun basis.

An exception for this might be somebody collecting police-marked guns just as artifacts, not intending to use them as guns.
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Old 04-07-2012, 04:53 PM
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My 6906 was a police trade in. It was used by a college police department captain and he only shot at qualification time. It came with box, papers, and three magazines. It's still like new.

I have a Remington 870 and Savage 69RXL that were police guns. The Remington needed to be cleaned and I refinished the wood. Other than that, they needed nothing.
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Old 04-07-2012, 05:23 PM
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Hopefully you can see it in person and examine it. If you're $50 curious you can have it "lettered" and find out who S&W originally sold the gun to. Maybe that will solve the APD question.

I have a 4" M64 that is ex DOC and it was a good deal for the money. And a 3" M65 that may be, not sure.

Not so good was the 1968 Ford Custom Police Interceptor I bought in '73 that was Ohio Highway Patrol then the Village of New Boston before it was mine. Ragged out and stinky it was. But for $400 it got me around.
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Old 04-07-2012, 08:50 PM
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I LOVE ex PD guns, I have picked up allot of agency guns over the years, be it S&W wheelguns or others(Sig, HK ect) and have always been more than happy, some have history too me that is important, too other they wouldn't care

if i guessed I would guess at 40-ish ex PD guns in my stable, not counting the evidence guns(such as NIB 1947 2" RB M&P)

now I got to handle most before hand so thats different then just hoping you get a good one
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Old 04-07-2012, 09:52 PM
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All police trade-ins, with a little work, and new grips, they move up from shooter grade. Wonder if any of mine went through a sewer? They didn;t have enough scatches to be run over. Cops lead interesting lives, God Bless Them.
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Old 04-07-2012, 10:47 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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I bought it. Pictures will follow in the next couple of days.
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Old 04-08-2012, 12:43 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Pokeyman View Post
My bad. It is a model 10. Sorry about that.
Pokeyman, No bad here. Back then we were all issued model 10's. And with good reason since they were one of the best reliable guns made. Go to "thesnubnosefiles.com" and check out the Smiths Workhorse site on the 10.
Of course we still went out and bought 19's and Pythons!
Man, what a great decade that was.

Last edited by guardjim; 04-08-2012 at 12:45 AM.
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Old 04-08-2012, 01:02 AM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyj View Post
Exam carefully!
They are not always "CARRIED A LOT, SHOT LITTLE".
So many never were maintained/cleaned regularly.
Ain't that the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old 04-08-2012, 02:42 AM
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Of all the PD guns I have bought in the past 10 yrs, one was broken,( replaced by distributor ) and one's finish was not quite as described, considering the # I have bought that is not a problem. Price is generally right, it is very dependent on if it is for collecting, or shooting. Check it well and enjoy
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Old 04-08-2012, 10:37 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Ok, here you go!

A 66-1 with Hogue grips.

Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?-66-1l-jpg
Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?-apd-jpg
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Old 04-09-2012, 12:59 AM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Check History of Ashville NC police firearms. Good Luck.
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Old 04-10-2012, 09:05 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by guardjim View Post
Pokeyman, No bad here. Back then we were all issued model 10's. And with good reason since they were one of the best reliable guns made. Go to "thesnubnosefiles.com" and check out the Smiths Workhorse site on the 10.
Of course we still went out and bought 19's and Pythons!
Man, what a great decade that was.
I absolutely love my model 10's, especially my old duty gun. When my dept bought new guns, they discovered that they couldn't trade the old ones in, nobody wanted them I guess. They were in rough condition. They offered to let us buy our guns for $100. I don't know how many officers bought them but I heard it wasn't too many. I wouldn't sell mine for anything. All I have tried to say is don't assume all police trade in's are going to be in good condition. On the other hand, probably anything on a model 10 can be fixed. They really are great guns.
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Old 04-10-2012, 11:42 PM
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I have two surplus revolvers (presumably police) - one is a model 10 from overseas (South America maybe?) and the other is a post lock model 64.

The model 10 is scratched a lot and original grips were trashed enough to be replaced with second pair (which were also trashed, so I replaced with new diamondwoods). But cylinder lock up is as good as any revolver I've owned. Excellent bore, though cylinder gap is a bit excessive. Great shooter. Shoots tight groups, though not point of aim/impact. All this implies "carried a lot, shot little". Very solid gun.

I haven't shot the post lock 64 (just bought it last week), but it's in great shape and bore looks darn near new. Looks "carried some, shot once or twice". Another 64 I have is older, and may be a surplus gun as well (since so many were). Also a good shooter.

The old 5 screw Highway Patrolman I have was undoubtedly a police gun way back when, too.It's lock up isn't what it used to be, and it was refinished somewhere along the line, but it's still solid and shoots straight. I'll get it tightened up at some point, but considering that it's close to 60 years old, it's doing pretty good.

So I guess I'd give a thumbs up to police surplus.
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Old 04-11-2012, 08:25 AM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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i just bought a 1967 k38 14-2 that came from the los angeles county sheriff's dept. the ad pix and text for the gun was very detailed, complete, and on the money. just a great s&w and i'm a very pleased new owner.

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Old 04-11-2012, 08:35 AM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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I just put this on another thread, and I'm pretty sure this M15-3 that I acquired last week is a prior LE gun, since it came in a well-worn Border Patrol rig. Roy has dated it as a 1970 ship date gun.
This is it after clean up.
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Old 02-19-2015, 08:13 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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I know this is an old thread, however, in the event anyone is still interested:

The OP's 66-1 is a former Abilene (Texas) Police Dept weapon. Officers were given the option to purchase them when the department completed their transition to Glocks in 2006. The remaining guns were sold off to a broker. I was employed there at the time, and purchased APD-96, a 66-3.
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Old 02-19-2015, 08:39 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Nope. Buy 'em.
I have five former LEO 65's, all excellent guns purchased through CDNN Sports, some showing intriguing wear, but that's all. Two have department markings, which I like.
Three 66's, also excellent. The department markings just add to the interest for me.
A 28 that was WELL used and shot a lot. Sent it to S&W for internals rework. Purchase price plus S&W work was STILL less than I'd have paid for a LNIB on Gunbroker.
586 beat to pieces. $380. Sent to S&W for rework and reblue, $125. An EXCELLENT revolver. Worth every penny.
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Old 02-19-2015, 09:25 PM
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My service revolver went to the range twice a year for qualification and was closely inspected by my supervisor weekly. It was carried openly in all kinds of weather and wiped down at the end of my shift and left in my locker until my next tour of duty. These guns are usually a good deal.
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Old 02-22-2015, 06:02 PM
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I have bought three ex-police revolvers in the past A 66 no dash, a 15-3, and a 681. All three were very dry internally. I tore down all three and scrubbed them out with carb. cleaner and a toothbrush. Thy were relubed properly. That made a huge difference.
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Old 02-22-2015, 07:28 PM
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It has been my (non-scientific) observation, that ironically you need to be more careful and more thorough doing your pre-purchase inspection with more recent revolvers than with older ones. In my collection I have police revolvers with decades of confirmed service history from 1915, 1923 and 1951 that are still in very good shape with crisp actions, no corrosion and little wear besides holster wear. In my search for police-marked revolvers, the heavily used and sometimes basically trashed guns I come across tend to be K-frames from the 60s,70s and 80s.
I believe the officer safety movement after Newhall with heavier emphasis on better training, more shooting and in many departments more potent ammo may well have something to do with that.
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Old 02-22-2015, 07:36 PM
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I would love to have a Dept. marked handgun.
A year ago some PD trade in mod. 10s were in the LGS. I didn't have the extra cash or one would be with me now.
Someday.
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Old 02-22-2015, 07:39 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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My only experience with a police trade in was excellent, bought a 5 year old 40 M&P and it has been flawless...

I shoot it a lot
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Old 02-22-2015, 07:47 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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MOST WERE CARRIED A LOT, SHOT LITTLE, AND MAINTAINED EVEN LESS. TEST IT FOR FUNCTION, AND ATTEMPT TO RETURN IT IF THERE IS SOMETHING MAJOR AMISS. OTHERWISE, A THOROUGH MAJOR CLEANING AND LUBE WILL PROBABLY PRODUCE A VERY SERVICEABLE WEAPON………...
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Old 02-22-2015, 09:03 PM
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Most police gun have not been shot very much, my biggest worry about them are a lot of the guy's that carry them do little to no maintance.
I've seen them with green ammo in them.
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Old 02-24-2015, 11:55 PM
remusn remusn is offline
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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I've two police turn ins. One is my own service revolver that I was issued in Nov. of 71 and carried it for eighteen and a half years when they went to Glocks. We were offered the opportunity to buy our issue guns for $65.00. Mine is a Colt official police with a lot of holster wear and the grip panels are almost smooth. Probably made sometime in the fifties.

The other is a mod 59 smith that I bought off an old guy that likes to trade and deal with all kinds of stuff. This one is a Fresno Ca. turn in. Came with two mags and bought a five pack of mags from CDNN when they had them. Has a lot of holster wear too but has the original grips.

Both shoot well and I shoot them both frequently. I really like my old revolver, we been through a lot together. I didn't like the Glock they gave me. Still don't like Glocks.
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Old 02-25-2015, 01:11 AM
Lt.cap'nadmiral jeeves Lt.cap'nadmiral jeeves is offline
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Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon? Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?  
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Ex police guns are usually a good deal. I've never bought a police revolver but I've bought a couple trade-in semi autos. They had significant carry wear but looked like they had been shot very rarely. As far as the collectibility and that APD stamp, I would venture a guess that it will probably hurt the value with collectors. I recently saw a colt python on a local forum that was in very good condition but had a big ol Wyoming game dept. stamp. His asking price started north of $1800 and last I saw he had dropped the price down to $1200. I think he pulled it due to lack of interest. Deptartment markings usually shrink the pool of potential buyers. Unless it's something that has significant historical value. Anyway that's just my $.02.
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