Model 68 Value?

[stevo4204]

Was a local gun show last weekend and happened upon a very nice Model 68. Never came across one of these before and didn't really know what I was looking at until I got home and researched it . Function was smooth and tight. Did not appear to have been shot much. On the same table was a Model 15 that I wanted so I passed on the model 68. Did I make a mistake on passing it up? The seller was asking $650. I know where this gun lives and cant stop thinking that it should move to my place. Would one of you wise Smith and Wesson guys give me an idea of what this gun is currently worth? I know, I know, its worth what I am willing to pay, I just want some input other than my own.
Thanks for any input,
Steve

[Engine49guy]

Strictly my opinion but the Model 68 is basicly a 6" Model 66 that is chambered in 38 special only.

If you collect model numbers and need to fill a blank in the collection they dont pop up for sale too often....
...;On the other hand a 6" Model 66 costs about the same and can fire .357 Magnum as well....

[Model39]

I had one which was originally a California Highway Patrol gun which was originally marked CHP, and then stamped over to show OHB to try to cover up that it was one of the former CHP trade ins. There are not that many of the original CHP issued guns, however there were some over run guns which were not sold to the CHP, and not marked which are quite scarce, and worth a lot more than a CHP turn in gun. You didn't say if the gun was one of the CHP Commemoratives, which came in a presentation case and had special CHP markings. Those are not that desired unless you collect Model numbers or Commemoratives. If the gun you looked at was as you described, then it would be something worth obtaining for $650, just for it being a special made Model in somewhat limited numbers with a unique history.

[KEN L]

I paid $750 for this one about 2 years ago.....

and was happy to get it. They're pretty scarce!

Was actually gifted this Safety Speed holster the day before I found the gun. Now that's Karma!

[stevo4204]

The one I found had "Los Angeles Police Dept." stamped on the right side of the barrel. I take it this would be a different gun than the CHP stamped ones?? I am not a collector, simply an accumulator of Smiths that I love to shoot. Since I had not come across one of these before, I thought it would be fun to own and of course shoot the heck out of. I do have a couple 27-2s along with a 66 and 686 so no shortage of 357s.
Is the LAPD model any less or more desired or valued than the CHP model? Hard to find others for sale to compare pricing. I am going to call the owner tomorrow to see what he will take OTD.

[44wheelman]

While a stainless K38 seems interesting, you could find better deals on other guns, so if it didn't talk to you, don't worry about it. Save it for the guy really looking for one.

Twice I've had the opportunity to buy a 68, but was on the fence; neither time was the price a good deal, so I kept shopping, and don't regret it.

[pharmer]

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

If you collect model numbers and need to fill a blank in the collection they dont pop up for sale too often.....

I've got 63 through 67. I'd like a 68 and might buy the one you're looking at at the price mentioned. It'd definitely be sold if'n the owner knocked off a hundred$. Joe