A fair trade or am I nuts??

[S&W Fan]

A few months ago I grabbed a very very nice 1980/81 63 in original box with papers and added some nice target grips I bought on here. Originally this was to share with my 11yr old grandson however last time we went out he tried a 18 a friend of mine brought along. My grandson liked that better than the 63. I had my gunsmith give the 63 a thorough going over and internal cleaning as it had 40+ years of gunk on the inside, functions perfectly now and doesn't show much use, in excellent condition.

Should I expect to be able to do an even trade for a nice 18 (doesn't matter to me if it has the box or not)? Just trying to avoid selling the 63 then searching for a deal on an 18.

**This is NOT a current offer to trade, IF I decide to try I will post in the classifieds**

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I would NEVER sell that 63..........18's and pre 18's (combat master piece) can be found if you look.

 

[HeloMt]

That's a very nice looking model 63. If you are looking at a similar condition model 18, you might get lucky, as someone might really want that 63. But where I live, my gut tells me that you'll probably have to "pony up" a little to make the deal. I'd expect you would have to add somewhere between $100 to $200. Again, that would be for a like condition, like vintage model 18.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

That's a very nice looking model 63. If you are looking at a similar condition model 18, you might get lucky, as someone might really want that 63. But where I live, my gut tells me that you'll probably have to "pony up" a little to make the deal. I'd expect you would have to add somewhere between $100 to $200. Again, that would be for a like condition, like vintage model 18.

I disagree. Go to closed auctions on GB and check the prices......The 63 is worth more than an 18.

 

[chief38]

I too think a M63 w/ the box and paperwork in great condition would be worth more than a M18 since the M18 is much more popular and abundant. I have a few M18's and a M63 as well and the only reason I have the M63 was as a field carry gun for squirrels while Pheasant hunting. I just wanted something small, light and in stainless steel. For Range sessions, the M18 is the preferred choice for me. While the M63 should be worth more, the M18 is the better all purpose revolver IMHO.

 

[Narragansett]

I might think you should get a some money along with the 18 for your 63.
I just got a text from my LGS in RI. He said he has an 18-4 in nice shape with box and tools for me. Do not know the price yet, but I think I am going to pass on it

 

[S&W Fan]

I appreciate all the comments. I was lucky when I found the 63 and any 18 I would get wouldn’t need to be in pristine condition but not a junker either. It’ll be a range gun for my grandson as well as his younger siblings as they grow too.

 

[Ameshawki]

Tough call. Around here 18's rarely surface, 63's are somewhat common. I have a two inch 63 I picked up a year or so ago for $500 (which was a steal I'll admit). My 18 from about that same time frame was $675.

Even up is possible on a private trade. No way a dealer is going even up.

 

[murphydog]

Depending on the condition of a model 18, I would call a value about even with your model 63. But keep yours and buy a model 18. You’re welcome!

 

[peterdeb]

IMHO I would never listen to an 11year old. Their likes and dislikes changes like the weather. Keep what YOU like. Your grandson, as he matures into manhood will decide.

 

[cd228]

Not an apples to apples comparison, but I have a 63 and a 617.

Both are a joy to shoot. the 63 is a joy to carry due to weight overall size. I suspect as I get older the 617 will spend more time in the safe and less time on my hip.

I'd hold on to the 63 and start pricing 18s. you might be able to afford both.

 

[S&W Fan]

IMHO I would never listen to an 11year old. Their likes and dislikes changes like the weather. Keep what YOU like. Your grandson, as he matures into manhood will decide.

I learned to shoot at 12 (just turned 68) with a Colt 1911 5” and S&W M&P 2”. My tastes haven’t changed one iota. 99% of the time a 1911 of one sort or another is on my hip and has been through Gunsite, Thunder Ranch and some sketchy times/situations with me. My S&W revolvers are regulated to range time or carrying when I’m up in the Colorado high country.

My grandson liked the 18 and shot it better. If that keeps him interested I’m good with that.

 

[CH4]

2” 63s notwithstanding, I think 18s are more desirable. If you can trade for a similar condition 18, I’d do it. That said, you can’t go wrong with any 22 Rimfire revolver.

 

[Birdhunter6]

I have a 63 that isn't going anywhere. I don't have an 18 and want one in the worst way. I've quit letting guns go to get other guns. Both is better than either one.

I would expect to have to kick in cash to get an 18 for a 63. Of course, there is a guy out there somewhere with an 18, who REALLY wants a 63. You just have to find him.

 

[Sevens]

63 in phenomenal condition and with original box is a valuable item, and likely worth more than most 18's, especially one that you'll be shooting a bunch.

At the same time, if you asked me a hundred times which between a 63 and an 18 that I'd rather shoot, it's gonna be a hundred answers for anything that isn't a S&W J-frame.

Keep the 63, go buy an 18.

 

[Nightowl]

Back years ago, I mean many years ago, I learned that if i let a gun go, that I wanted it back and had to pay more for a like one sometime later. This day, I rarely let one go!!

 

[VaTom]

Nice 63. Pinned barrel (pre 1981), box and papers and hard to find J frame square butt target stocks. All are premiums. I have the same except without box and papers. The target stocks as well as standard stocks add about $100 IMHO. I think the value would push around $900+. Keep it.

 

[Repeater]

Me? I'd keep it and keep searching for a good 18!

 

[.38SuperMan]

I’ve been to several shows in the past six months and seen a couple of very nice 18’s with an asking price of $900. A friend traded his like new in the box with papers for north of $1,100. There’s also a dealer that’s at all the bigger shows that will generally have 6 or more 63’s and 34’s. I bought an otherwise mechanically perfect no dash 63 that was finish challenged for $700 (traded) and felt it was a good deal. Someone had tried to polish it and gave up. A little scotchbright and elbow grease restored it to near new.

The same dealer will often have ones ranging from rough to like new with a no box like new typically going for $1,100 to $1,200. I can’t remember if I’ve seen one in the box but I’d expect one to bring north of $1,200.

I always say something is worth what someone is willing to pay and people are paying these prices. So I guess they’re worth that. Personally I like my 63 and 34. I had a 17-6 4” with no underlug which is almost identical to the 18. It only differed in the barrel profile. I liked it but didn’t love it so I traded it at the last show.

I bought a 4.25” Colt King Cobra 22 and that’s what pushed me to trade my 17-6 4”. The 17 was fine but the Colt had it all over the Smith. Consider a new Colt King Cobra 22. They’re new and can be bought for about the same price as a used 18. In my opinion the KC is a much better looking gun, it’s stainless, the price is right, it’s 10 shots, it’s under warranty and service is readily available if needed. Also the action is every bit as good as the Smith.

Just my 2 cents.