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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 03-10-2015, 01:21 PM
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Default Model 56, what's it worth

Good afternoon all,

I know the 56 is a rare one, so I'm not sure if I want to jump on this one. The rust and grips are what's bothering me. This one also isn't lettered yet. I would get it lettered prior to the sale. Take a look at the pictures and let me know what you think for a percentage and value.

Thanks in advance.

Will post pictures in reply.
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Old 03-10-2015, 01:23 PM
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ImageUploadedByTapatalk1426008187.670120.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1426008196.050562.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1426008203.852513.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1426008212.220895.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1426008219.435734.jpg


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Old 03-10-2015, 02:50 PM
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The Model 56 is a rare one if your trying to fill out the S&W card with all Models or collect K snubs etc, last one I saw was over $2500 IIRC..

Very similar to the snub Model 15 but with smooth tangs.

Can you post a picture showing the the barrel rib and rear site from above ?
Wondering if they are smooth or serrated ?
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Old 03-10-2015, 03:04 PM
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Those are the only pictures I have at the moment. Will see if I can get more.
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Old 03-10-2015, 03:59 PM
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That is pretty sweet! Wish it were mine. From what I know it looks legit. Thanks for sharing the photos. Kyle
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Old 03-10-2015, 07:54 PM
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Old 03-10-2015, 08:27 PM
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Thanks for the top rib pic,
The Model 56 was a Military contract gun and the predecessor to the Model 15 snub, smooth barrel rib and rear site were cost cutting measures as were the smooth tangs.
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Old 03-10-2015, 09:20 PM
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So I'm pretty sure this is a true model 56. Now what would you appraise it at percentage wise and value?


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Old 03-10-2015, 09:58 PM
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The cylinder is obviously rough but these do not come up for sale so hard to say... What is the seller asking ?

I would buy it priced under $1000 ... the more under the better.
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Old 03-10-2015, 10:13 PM
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I believe this is the same gun I looked at too. Someone was asking around for value estimates. I looked at it close and other people were telling the owner it was very valuable. He believes it is a $2500 + gun. While it is rare, IMHO I believe in that condition, no letter and no original grips, it is an under $3K gun.

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Old 03-10-2015, 10:19 PM
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A nice one is $5k+


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Old 03-10-2015, 10:58 PM
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Must be rare. I never heard of a M 56 before now.
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Old 03-11-2015, 09:21 AM
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Yes seller is asking North of what I feel that it's worth because of the cylinder, grips, lack of letter, etc. That's why I'm trying to get a better estimate.

Thank you to those that have responded so far, I look forward to further response!
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Old 03-11-2015, 09:22 AM
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Must be rare. I never heard of a M 56 before now.
They are rare, was at one time issued to the USAF, but they were recalled and destroyed. Very few remain and from what I gather there are no good estimates on how many remain.
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Old 03-12-2015, 04:33 PM
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Bumping this one back up.
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Old 03-12-2015, 07:23 PM
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I had read on another forum that only a handful of these exist. Does anybody actually know how many. Thanks, Theo
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Old 03-13-2015, 08:33 AM
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Best I can gather, no one really knows how many are out there.
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Old 09-10-2017, 11:14 PM
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FWIW, I saw/fondled a legit M56 a few weeks ago at the Big Reno Show. It was in 98+ original condition with letter. Seller was asking $5500.

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Old 09-11-2017, 09:34 AM
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Dummy Jimmy would like to know what is a "Model 56"

Thanks,
Jimmy
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Old 09-11-2017, 09:44 AM
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Quote:
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Dummy Jimmy would like to know what is a "Model 56"

Thanks,
Jimmy
It's essentially a 2" M15 that was made in the early 60s for the USAF. The contract was for 15,000 revolvers - S/N K500001 through K515001. The government destroyed all but a very few. Those that escaped death are very desirable and command $$$$$. I am not sure of all the differences except the barrel rib, rear sight base and tang are smooth instead of serrated. I think the backstrap is also stamped "US."

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Old 09-11-2017, 10:43 AM
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Yes, a rare gun.
Yes, I would like to have one.
But if I pay 'the price' I want one better than this one.
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Old 09-11-2017, 11:01 PM
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I have a 2 inch 15. Think I got it for around 4 bills several months ago. I understand the desire for a rare gun, but a 1000% mark up.....well, I'll pass.
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Old 09-12-2017, 02:41 PM
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I'd like to hear thoughts on whether a restoration and refinish by a company like Ford's would increase or decrease the value of the OP's gun. In that condition, if I were the potential buyer, the refinish would increase the value. Usually a refinish only devalues a gun, but is that true here?
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Old 09-12-2017, 02:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Goblin View Post
I'd like to hear thoughts on whether a restoration and refinish by a company like Ford's would increase or decrease the value of the OP's gun. In that condition, if I were the potential buyer, the refinish would increase the value. Usually a refinish only devalues a gun, but is that true here?
A refinish would probably decrease the value of the revolver by 50 to 75 percent. You would be taking it from a rare collectable in fair condition to a rare shooter in refinished condition.
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