The bug is back, now want a model 63

[superdutyscaler]

So I've been "good" lately after buying the last couple revolvers I've wanted. Been amazing shooting guns but with the added shooting the ammo cost is souring! So I've been looking around and I've found the next one to match my collection. Model 63 in .22LR in polished stainless with 4" barrel I assume.
So what's a good price i should be at? Gun brocker has them from 400 up to 1500...i don't see the difference all of them are matching numbers with original matching boxes. And descriptions all say A+ in fit and finish

[THE PILGRIM]

Hold on - you can get a 63 for $400?
I want another one!
Here’s my 2 inch hanging with some Mouse guns.
I also have a 4”.

[superdutyscaler]

Well let me correct my statement, starting bids at $400. And I'm confused on one other thing, the guns of original should be in a blue cardboard box with matching tag...yet I keep seeing them in modern blue plastic Smith boxes? The guns have the red plastic front sight I set and open cylinder release...only the new updated non pin and trigger lock guns have enclosed release and new black sights that come in blue plastic boxs....are the sellers trying to give you a plastic box because the original cardboard is long gone?

[Gripgrabber]

I paid 7 big ones for my 63-0, 4” last year, no box.
Semper paratus

[raylan007]

Originally Posted by superdutyscaler

So I've been "good" lately after buying the last couple revolvers I've wanted. Been amazing shooting guns but with the added shooting the ammo cost is souring! So I've been looking around and I've found the next one to match my collection. Model 63 in .22LR in polished stainless with 4" barrel I assume.
So what's a good price i should be at? Gun brocker has them from 400 up to 1500...i don't see the difference all of them are matching numbers with original matching boxes. And descriptions all say A+ in fit and finish

After letting 2 go the past decade I found myself with the same calling as yourself and had to have one. Being forced to buy on the 3 big auctions most typically GB I just bookmarked quite a number of them till I found one to my liking, 95% with no box or papers for $590. It was owned by a gunsmith so I took a chance hoping it was finely tuned as a result plus the fact that I had some great interaction with the seller which always makes a difference for me. So if your content with the gun only status I would say for GB sake that $600 is the sweet spot. I saw in the 2 months or so of looking nothing in the $500 or under category but plenty of $800-$1000 range that was to rich for my budget. Box and papers would have been nice but being that I do not collect on that level the gun only made sense. When I get it home and cleaned up I intend to show it. Next conquest will be the equally sought after M18.

[youngwill]

I traded two guns for mine. Box and papers. My wife will sell it if I go first.
Fun to shoot. That and the M650 are my favorites. Someday maybe a M651.

[VaTom]

The pinned barrel ones (pre-1982) in excellent condition fetch high prices. The ones I have seen at gun shows are priced at around $900. I bought mine several years ago off GB and paid $650. Glad I got it then.

[DADoser]

The "bug" never goes away, it just gets subdued for awhile. I had the "bug" for awhile and thought I was over it - then (Jan. 2018) my LGS had a 63-5 (3" barrel though) listed on an auction site for $569 in excellent condition with original box.

Went in to take a look and walked out with it and a model 39-2. Ended up with the 63-5 for $549 and tax. I was happy with that price.

Good luck in your search or finding any type of cure for that "bug."

[H Richard]

A friend of mine just paid $700 this past weekend for one without a box in 95% condition.

[Hondo44]

Originally Posted by superdutyscaler

So I've been "good" lately after buying the last couple revolvers I've wanted. Been amazing shooting guns but with the added shooting the ammo cost is souring! So I've been looking around and I've found the next one to match my collection. Model 63 in .22LR in polished stainless with 4" barrel I assume.
So what's a good price i should be at? Gun brocker has them from 400 up to 1500...i don't see the difference all of them are matching numbers with original matching boxes. And descriptions all say A+ in fit and finish

Gunbroker is only useful for pricing by looking at the completed auctions to get "sold" prices. "Asking" prices are worthless.

Also you must compare same dash # guns, otherwise you'll be comparing apples and oranges.

Good luck on your hunt!

[Florida Guy]

Funny, no one has mentioned ejection problems.
I can't be the only one that has owned 2 of these and had problems getting the casings to eject?
Mine were early models, dash 1 if I recall.
I sent them both to S&W for service, and they made them better, but not perfect.
I don't see another 63 in my future.

[Rpg]

Originally Posted by Florida Guy

Funny, no one has mentioned ejection problems.
I can't be the only one that has owned 2 of these and had problems getting the casings to eject?
Mine were early models, dash 1 if I recall.
I sent them both to S&W for service, and they made them better, but not perfect.
I don't see another 63 in my future.

These things frequently need the chambers polished to get good extraction.

[JKT119]

Originally Posted by Gripgrabber

I paid 7 big ones for my 63-0, 4” last year, no box.
Semper paratus

I PAID $700 WITH BOX JUST ON 27 APRIL FOR MY BEAUTIFUL 63

[H Richard]

One of the few advantages of being old and having been around guns for a long time is having bought mine a long time ago at prices I would have to look up to recall. The 34 and 63 shoot the same and are the best new shooter training guns around.

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Originally Posted by H Richard

One of the few advantages of being old and having been around guns for a long time is having bought mine a long time ago at prices I would have to look up to recall. The 34 and 63 shoot the same and are the best new shooter training guns around.

I've got your 63's twin down to the grips add pinned barrel. Bought it in May of 1982 with my first paycheck as a licensed attorney

[raylan007]

You know what they say " All good things come to those who wait". I have to pound that process into the part of my brain that is calling out, " I just gotta have it" and did so in this case and ended up paying $575 on GB. It came with the original grips which I have now replaced with these Thai finger groove.
I waited about 3 months before this M63 showed up and it was out of both feeling I shouldn't pay over $600 for a shooter and the ridiculous prices up to $1200 for a true complete original package. I did see many 63's no nicer than mine with a box and papers for over $800 that just spoke to how over inflated some of the more sought after models as the 63 are. Good luck

[ACORN]

I had no idea pinned 63’s we’re bringing that kind of money!
I have a pinned 4 inch and an eight shot 5 inch. I don’t remember the dash number.
I guess I need to re-evaluate my accumulations value.

[S.B.]

Some eye candy for OP, sorry

just to increase your pulse.
Steve

[Ranger98]

Had to ream the chambers on mine to correct the ejection problem.