Model 63 age and value

Pick1962 · Jun 5, 2020

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?

Peak53 · Jun 5, 2020

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.

Pick1962 · Jun 6, 2020

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.

bdGreen · Jun 6, 2020

Pick1962 said:
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?

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

bdGreen · Jun 6, 2020

Pick1962 said:
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.

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

Pick1962 · Jun 6, 2020

bdGreen · Jun 6, 2020

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

Pick1962 · Jun 6, 2020

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

bdGreen · Jun 6, 2020

Pick1962 said:
It's an 8 for sure.
Sorry if I post this twice. Not very good at this. Lol

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

Pick1962 · Jun 6, 2020

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

murphydog · Jun 6, 2020

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.

Pick1962 · Jun 6, 2020

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.

bdGreen · Jun 6, 2020

Pick1962 said:
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

Pick1962 · Jun 6, 2020

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

murphydog · Jun 6, 2020

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

Pick1962 · Jun 6, 2020

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.

Injunbro · Jun 6, 2020

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.

Pick1962 · Jun 6, 2020

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.

Injunbro · Jun 6, 2020

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..

THE PILGRIM · Jun 6, 2020

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

Model 63 age and value

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