I have a model 63, 2" with what I believe are the factory rubber grips. I have a box,manual and Smith and Weson packing paper but it says it is for a 4"version.Serial # is 8fv9617.
I have been looking on auction sites and the values vary wildly from $650 to over 2 grand. Is the 2" version any more valuable/ rare?

Welcome to the forum! Your M63 in 2" might be worth a bit more than a 4", but not "rare." Depends on the dash number. If your box does not serialize to THE gun, it doesn't increase value much, if at all. I'm guessing the $650 GB value is near the top of the range. Pictures, dash number, and serial number will be needed to further establish value.

__________________
Some collect art; I shoot it!

Thank you. I have pics of the box, gun and serial #, but I'm not smart enough to post them. I'll see if I can figure it out and get back with you.

Attached Images

IMG_20200605_213609.jpg (73.3 KB, 116 views)

Is it the correct box?
You stated the 4" version. Is that what the manual defines?
The two inch guns do bring a large premium over the four inch guns.
A properly boxed set in like new condition has brought a price tag north of $1,500.00.

If your gun's condition is like new, but, the box is incorrect for the package then I would say your gun could easily be a little north of $1,000.00.

I believe the one I have pictured is a Model 63-3. And, I would not sell it for a thousand.

bdGreen

Obviously I was typing when you posted this picture. Ha.

The box is marked 4" for sure.
Is the serial number of the gun the same as the box serial number?
We will wait for your pictures.

bdGreen

IMG_20200605_221642.jpg

IMG_20200605_213609.jpg

IMG_20200605_213621.jpg

IMG_20200605_221356.jpg

That box doesn't appear to be the correct size for a four inch gun.
Your serial number is much later than the serial number on the box.
The serial number on the butt of your gun looks like it begins with an '8'. But, it has to be a 'B'. Right?

The '8' looks kinda strange.

With the triple-alpha numbers it's not easy to pin down the ship date. I am suspecting that yours shipped in 1990-91 time period.

From your pictures it appears the gun has seen some use and has some wear and tear on the outside.
That will affect value, for sure.

Hard to tell.

That box, with the 'M' series number, would be from the 1978-79 time period.

bdGreen

It's an 8 for sure.
Sorry if I post this twice. Not very good at this. Lol

Attached Images

Screenshot_20200605-235311.jpg (20.0 KB, 95 views)

An '8' does not follow the serial number protocol of that model.
A 'B' does.

There aren't any serial numbers that begin with a number, two alphas, and then, four numbers.

I am not aware of any for that model.

The description for the serial numbers for that period are referred to as 'Triple-Alpha'. Not preceded by a number.

bdGreen

I see it too. Looks like the B has been changed to an 8. I wonder if someone changed it in purpose.....

Agree that the 2" guns bring much more that the standard 4" model 63s.

There is a possibility that this one had a parts swap (barrel, shorter extractor rod) from the longer barrel. The only way to confirm it is an original 2" is a letter of authenticity:

http://www.swhistoricalfoundation.com/swhf_letter.pdf

Also agree that someone has changed the SN prefix from the correct BFV to "8"FV by engraving the stamping more deeply. I don't know what would motivate someone to do this but the original SN has been altered...tricky situation from the legal standpoint.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Unfortunately, I know what would motivate someone to do it.... 😕I have connections with our Sheriff's Department. I'll have them run the numbers for me.

That is the best move.
I am anxious to see how it plays out.
Good luck on the outcome.

bdGreen

Thanks for the help. I'll let you know how it turns out.

It may have been an innocent error - have the sheriff run the SN both with the B and 8 just to be thorough.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I took the grips back off and looked closer. You can not tell with the naked eye. They did a really good job, except for the fact that it's a bogus number. Sent the Sheriff a text. He hasn't answered me yet.

Attached Images

Screenshot_20200606-112218.jpg (19.5 KB, 31 views)

Back to your original question: the 2" is definitely more desirable than the 4". Around here a 4" sells for around $700 & the 2" close to double that... presuming both have correct grips, box, etc.. I've only seen 2 in 2". Those grips look like from a later gun & the wrong box adds little, maybe $20. If the serial # comes out clean I'd say yours is in the $700 range. It's a shooter, not a collectible.

I've had it for 15 years or more and shot a few hundred rounds through it. I traded an old rusty Winchester model 94 for it and figured I did pretty good. I had no clue that it could be collectible. Figured it was worth 300 or so.

I think you did good in the trade. It would be a very nice kit gun, I usually have one handy for whacking rattlesnakes, packrats, small game, etc..

Agree a 2 inch 63 is worth North of $1,000.
Did you say Bogus Serial Number?
Possible barrel swap?
I’m out!

Attached Images

186ADADC-E233-48AE-B29E-315D97B67511.jpg (93.7 KB, 27 views)

__________________
NRA LIFE MEMBER

Your last pic definitely is a B.
As far as value I’d say $800-$1000 in good condition

__________________
I told you not to use Lifebuoy

I took it to my gunsmith and he thinks the # is legit.. A and B prefix = 2".... M prefix= 4". According to his research.

Going to run the serial # and confirm that it's not stolen this afternoon.

The box is for a different gun.
IIRC the 4" Model 63 had a square butt.

Well...no.

The single letter M prefix was used from 1969 to about (edited) 1983.

In about 1980 S & W switched nearly all their serial numbers to three letters/four digits; everything from revolvers to pistols, .22s to .45s. They went roughly in alphabetical order, so you can guess about when a particular prefix was manufactured.

The 2" model 63 was made for a relatively short period of time and the few that I have seen had three letter prefixes starting with B - but these (BAA to BZZ, if S & W used all the letter combinations) are seen starting in mid-1988 through late 1995. There were plenty of 4" model 63s made in the early part of those years so they can be found with serials starting with both A and B.

Clear as mud.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I would have to question the info about the serial numbers and dates of change. Here is a picture of the box that my M63 no dash came in. It clearly is a 'M' prefix, which matches the gun, and shows a build date (maybe shipping date) of January 31, 1983. Am I missing something in reading this end label?

Attached Images

Mod 63 Box.jpg (107.1 KB, 21 views)

__________________
John
SWCA #3401 SWHF #737

No, S & W did not assemble or ship guns in numerical order, so it is not only possible to have an M prefix model 63 from 1983 - you have the proof.

Edited the above post because I failed to turn the page in the SCSW showing the last M prefixes. Sorry!

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220