Can anyone tell me the value of a S&W 4566 melonite? In the box. Original mags and original backstraps both kinds.

That would be very difficult to ascertain.

Not a high production number gun nor frequently seen.

I have a Melonite WVSP that I paid over $1500 for.

It is hard to establish what a "reasonable" value for your gun is.

You could, perhaps, consult the SCSW 4th edition and get a pall park.

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Un-Reconstructed Southerner

It would depend on condition and whether the seller knows what it is - ie NOT a standard 4566.

Another factor would be WHICH Melonite 4566? RJF serial prefix? KJF serial prefix? Or a different one?

For a Melonite RJF Prefix, LNIB with 3 mags and matching box, I'd expect to pay $850 or a little bit more. As far as is known there were around 300 or less of those made.

For a KJF Prefix Melonite 4566, with the box, 3 mags and forward slide serrations, LNIB, I would expect to pay $1100........or more. Those were sales samples guns that didn't enter production - as far as is known today - and only number around 25 known examples.

Of course I would expect to pay less for no box, missing mags, or visible finish wear. Hope this helps! Good luck! Those are VERY nice 45s. Regards18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

It's a RJF. New.

Trying to establish a definitive value for a pistol which there are only around 300 known examples is a little difficult.

However, 18DAI is quite knowledgeable when it comes to this particular model. He probably has more experience with it than most here.

In my (limited) opinion, I would say his estimate is probably close to accurate. However, if it is indeed NIB as you say, I would increase the value and set my ceiling closer to $1000 or slightly more. Remember, these have been out of production for years.......there likely won't be any more made.

When it comes to purchasing any Third Genny, my driving factor is condition, condition, condition.....goes back to the fact that I can't just go to my LGS and pick one up.

I'd agree with 18DAI when he said it depends on if the seller knows what he has. If he does, then you'll likely pay towards the top.

At the end of the day, value is subjective. Only you can determine if you paid to much for the pistol.

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Un-Reconstructed Southerner

It's mine. Maybe the original post was confusing but I have the gun. I was asking for myself because I'm on the fence on if I'm keeping it.

I sold a LNIB RJF Prefix Melonite 4566 a few years back for $850. I would not let my remaining example go for less than $1K.

Good luck with your sale!! Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Got this one from a member a couple of years ago.

Has a different prefix than the ones mentioned above.

Any ideas on this one? Thanks.

S/F,

RAS

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A man's got to know his limita

rasmith3442 I suspect that your 4566 was given a Melonite finish after it left S&W.

All my factory Melonite 4566s have an "M" on the factory label under the finish type. My stainless 4566s have an "S" on the label. As does yours. Also, I have never come across a Melonite 4566 with a forged hammer. All of mine and those I've seen have MIM hammers and triggers.

Yours is one rare and VERY nice 4566! Best regards, 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

..and it looks like the rear sight has the white letters normally found on Night Sights. The box is coded "FS" (Fixed Sight), not "FNS" (Fixed Night Sight), so if they are Night Sights they were added afterwards too.

Nice pistol though!

I'm still looking for a nice 4566...some day.

.

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Waiting for the break of day

Semi-related question; Any idea why S&W didn't put bobbed-hammers on all the 4-1/4" bbl. large frames ? Looks like some models got them but not the 456x's ?

.

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Waiting for the break of day

There were some 4566s made with bobbed hammers. My old duty gun is one.

And two NC University Police Departments had them too. As well as Durham P.D. IIRC.


The LE Special order 4566s with spurless hammers usually had the decock only feature and Novak night sights too. And the majority had laser etched markings.

Mine saved me money on sport coat liners. Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

That really makes me curious about the history of my 4566. It has a spurless hammer, decock only, (dead) Novak night sights and laser etched markings. It does have a magazine disconnect. Practically no wear other than the grips. Also has one of the smoothest, if not the smoothest action of any of my Smith autos. S/N is TDMXXXX. I snagged it on GB a year ago for $360-ish.

I'm kinda tempted to letter it.

There’s 4566(M) on GB now with a bin of 975

There is a very nice example for sale, for less, in the classifieds here. Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Must be gone.

Withdrawn after being listed more than 2 weeks.

A 4566 Melonite was sold last night on GB for $825 (item# 776853142). This is the same pistol that was withdrawn from this forum days ago after being offered for nearly two weeks at $850 shipped.

Yep same one. Sold for $825+ shipping. Owner was tired of low ball offers....
Ask me how I know

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NO, I don't have enough!

I was surprised it went so low, no one bid on it till the very end & then only the buyer bid on it. Good looking gun but too rich for my blood.

Not everyone values everything the same.

.

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Waiting for the break of day

I took a hard look at dimedog's 4566 Melonite on the Classifieds here, it was very tempting. Two things kept me from jumping on it - the blemish on the front strap finish, and the fact that I just wasn't sure I needed an investment-grade 3rd Gen at the moment. Honestly, if it would have been an integral rail TSW model, I would not have hesitated. Glad it finally sold for you though dimedog.

Yeah, the "blemish" kind of spoiled its premium value. Not sure if it could have been fixed without a complete refinish. Besides, I've already got two Model 4566 pistols already, although not in Melonite.

I’ll be listing mine after the holidays. It’s a safe queen and if I don’t shoot a gun it goes.

I sold mine, anib, at a Ft Worth show a few months back. Guy came back 3 times but finally paid 1000. Wasn't gonna let it go for less , because of its condition. With guns that have a limited run, its all about condition, every time I go to sell a gun here, I get told Im asking too much, that there are several models of the same guns for less at the show. So I just ask why are they wasting time on mine then, well uhhhh, It because usually the others are beat up, so stick to your price, if you don't need the money quickly. Someone will appreciate spending an extra 150-200 for a specimen that is in great shape, even if they are going to shoot it.
I started going to gunshows lately to sell off a few guns that I only bought because they were a good deal at the time. One thing I discovered is most guys trying to buy your pristine gun cheap, is so they can make a profit on it down the isle. Don't fall into the I got to have it but I just cant pay that much trap. Folks that have been looking for a specific model, jump at the chance to pay a fair price for a gun in great condition. MY .02

There is one on GB now (I think) titled and priced as described.

Smith & Wesson Model 4566 45 Auto 4 1/4"

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Mostly Gen 3s

There’s one on AR15.com also

WTS - S&W 4566 Melonite ser# RJF31.. Mint Condition!
Comes with original box and three magazines.
$1300 shipped FFL to FFL insured to CONUS ONLY!
See pics! More pics available sent to serious inquiries.

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Not mine though 18DAI . lol
Couldn't resist the posting.
Ancient post, I know.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist