66-1 2.5"NIB value???? Help me learn.

[Jamesatrange]

I was at a LGS today and saw a 66-1 2.5" NIB. the original owner never shot it and it looks to be true to my eyes. So what is a fair price? Box is in nice shape and papers were there, I didn't see the anti rust paper though. Dealer said it was brought in by a secret service employee but wasn't used for duty obviously. It was marked $930.00 I suspect I could get some off but not much and I didn't ask as I didn't feel educated enough on this one yet to dicker.... Is this worth it? I thought it was sort of high and I have a 19-3 2.5" I love. My one issue is it's NIB and I'd hate to shoot it but want to if I buy it as I love to shoot the 19-3. Opinions on value would be much appreciated by all. Thanks

 

[GF]

Yes I believe it too expensive.

And I've learned that as of late I don't know NEAR as much about current S&W pricing as I thought I knew!

I try to not discourage and will say that condition remains after price is forgotten.

GF

 

[flundertaker]

$930 is on the high end for sure. Online someone would pay that no doubt. If it was a no dash I would feel a bit better about it but the -1 still has the P&R. I'm like you though and would much prefer a lightly fired never carried specimen for about $250 less. The box and goodies dont add value to me at full price. If its a deal, I will hit on it but I am about done paying top dollar for stuff I know I will never shoot.

 

[srsmyth]

I'm with GF on every point he made. Unless your crystal ball is operational, ( mine broke), it is a tough call. It sounds like a nice 66-1, I got one last February and they are very nice but expensive.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't encourage you like that.
Steve

 

[srsmyth]

I am about done paying top dollar for stuff I know I will never shoot.

I like this quote! I need to pay more attention.....
Steve

 

[Jamesatrange]

Lol all good responses. I think I'm part raccoon as I love shiny Smiths. I just don't see them often and then never in this condition, but I would want to shoot it and paying such a high price I hate to...darn it.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I sold my S&W 66-2 about a year ago, no box or papers, for $650.00 with a Bianchi holster. P&R, box, papers, NIB...it might be worth $300.00 more than mine sold for.

 

[Jamesatrange]

I guess I can call him and see how much he may shed off the price. Darn I wish it was a smoking deal and not one that I'm on the fence about...

 

[srsmyth]

Darn I wish it was a smoking deal and not one that I'm on the fence about...

Ha ! If it was a smoking deal you wouldn't be asking us.

 

[Jamesatrange]

True I'd be posting pics and gloating...

 

[Todd K.]

I can tell you I have passed on guns like you are describing because of price in the past. However, two years later, that price seemed low and I wished I paid it when it was available. After a few weeks you'll forget the $100 or so you are fretting over and have a gun you love. I wouldn't hesitate on the gun as you describe it.

 

[Todd K.]

And I'll add, I'd go in with cash in hand and make him an offer. In person. Crisp dollars in hand have a powerful attraction and even more powerful smell.

 

[5Wire]

Sounds to be at the high end to me.

Smith & Wesson 66-5 2-1/2 inch barrel. Revolver in .357 Magnum,.38 Special, Plus P. Blue Book of Gun Values (35th Edition) indicates between $561 in 95% condition and $754 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 73 recorded prices for this model gun from $423 to $1095 over a period of 3 Yrs 4 Mos ending March 19, 2015. The average price as of that date was $692. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $614.

The last 15 prices I have for this model since 9/11/2014 range from $575 to $900 averaging $725.

 

[KEN L]

I don't think it's all that high. Not sure what you can get them down to or why you want it. Doesn't matter, safe queen it or shoot it. It's worth what you're willing to pay for it.

I sold this one about 6 months ago for $1000.

It wasn't unfired, but hadn't been shot much. I didn't have to sell it and the buyer knew it, so there wasn't much in the way of negotiating involved. Both of us were happy with the transaction!

Since the one you're looking at is unfired, do the math!

Oh, and we expect to see pics as soon as you liberate it!

 

[raylan007]

Spot on price average

I have been watching any and all variants of the model 66 2.5" for the past 6 months after I good lucky and one found me for $500 on GA. I was never that interested in that barrel configuration until I got one in my hand. I should mention I shop mostly on GB but get a daily email featuring revolvers from GA which as I mentioned is how I found my first, a M66-4 2.5" %90-95 (gun only) condition.
After reading your average prices as diligent as I know you probably are and the fact that you take the time to do so and share the information I was thinking NO WAY, I then read the final line on the past six months and it all became clear I shouldn't have doubted you as I think you are right on the money. Last week on GB I was bookmarking new listings and I came across a M66-2 2.5" %95 starting price $500 (gun only) and a "BUY IT NOW" for $600. After looking it up and down I only questioned why it was still available with a BUY IT NOW of $600 and then I noted the posting time of less than 3 hours so it took me about a heart beat and a half to buy it.

If you have the ability to buy a P and R model for $900 that is a tough call especially if you are reluctant to fire it, then your back in the same boat. As high as that sounds I still wouldn't hesitate to buy due to the large number I have seen in below 90% condition sell for $700, take into account this is GB. If you can close the gap you need to factor in the value of the unfired w/box and as someone pointed out $900 may not seem so high next year. I know it's not a fair comparison but here is what you would pay for a NIB M66 4"
1972 Smith Wesson 66 Stainless Sight New | Fugate Firearms
The Tulip wood Hogues were added, it came with Pacyhares.

 

[raylan007]

Services Rendered

Sounds to be at the high end to me.

Smith & Wesson 66-5 2-1/2 inch barrel. Revolver in .357 Magnum,.38 Special, Plus P. Blue Book of Gun Values (35th Edition) indicates between $561 in 95% condition and $754 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 73 recorded prices for this model gun from $423 to $1095 over a period of 3 Yrs 4 Mos ending March 19, 2015. The average price as of that date was $692. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $614.

The last 15 prices I have for this model since 9/11/2014 range from $575 to $900 averaging $725.

I just wanted to thank you for you diligent price averaging that you so willingly share. I am always impressed with your numbers and the service you pay all us challenged mathematical types.

 

[sheepdawg]

As the old saying goes, you're not paying too much, you're buying early.

 

[Jamesatrange]

So many of you so willing to spend my money... Lol I am appreciative of the feedback and am going to call tomorrow and feel him out, it's over an hour ride so a call is first approach. I'll report back. Thanks gents.

 

[Florida Guy]

I have had a few safe queens, but sold them because I never enjoyed looking at them as they were held captive in my safe.
Maybe if you could display this gun and enjoy seeing it, instead of locking it away, I'd say buy it if it doesn't place you in a bad position.
In general, I'd say better off with one that's been used lightly that you won't be afraid to shoot.

 

[old bear]

Jamesatrange, even for the as new package you are describing I believe $930.00 is somewhat overpriced.
But ask yourself four (4) questions:
1- How much do I want THIS revolver?
2- How easy would it be to find an exact replacement for THIS revolver?
3- How long will the asking price be somewhat to much?
4- Can I afford the asking price?

Keep us posted, Please