Decent price for a used 66 2.5"

2238945

Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2011
Messages
48
Reaction score
0
Hello,

A local gunshop that frequents a gunshow circuit near me had a used 66 2.5" with Pachmeyer grips marked at $479.

I did not get a chance to look at the gun as the show was pretty busy, but I remember 2 shows ago they had like 5 identical ones, and last show I saw two, so I hope to pick up one before they're gone.

Is $479 a decent price for say a 80-85% gun? They looked like possible department trade-ins since they all looked identical so its pretty safe to assume they arent goin to be perfect, which is fine as I plan to make it a heavy user.

Theres a show this upcoming Saturday so if everything checks out, I hope it will be coming home with me.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
I recently purchased a 66 ND in 4 inch circa 1974. Pinned barrel, stainless rear site....all the features of an early model for $450 out the door. I think $479 would be at the top of the price range. BUT...they don't make this one anymore and beauty-n-price is in the eye of the beholder. May be a decent price if it's a NL. I am not sure if the 66 was dropped before the locks went in or not, so all 66's may be no locks.

I think the general notion is that if you can find a good functional NL....buy it. Many will prefer a good used NL over a brand new IL.
 
Last edited:
I paid $500 2or 3 years ago with 2 sets of grips and a holster. That seems like a good deal in todays dollars.
 
These things are always regional to an extent and there is always someone who lucks up and gets his cheap from someone who bought a single gun 30 years ago, stuck it in the nightstand, decides to sell it and thinks he did great because he got what he paid for it.

Having said that, the price stated is not a 'bad' price. I've seen better, I've seen a lot worse. In my neck-o-the-woods you probably aren't going to find many with short barrels for that price. More like $500 +.
 
Depends on what the number after the dash is. I sold a 75% condition 2.5" no-dash at a show in January for $700. I bought a -1 for $550 at the same show.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
2.5" 66's are hard to find around here (especially P&R), as owners don't want to part with them. If that was a P&R gun I would buy it at that price.
 
My two #66-2's, <$250.00 each, no box or papers for either one. I have had them on lay-a-way since late February.
012150.JPG
 
Well, prices obviously are all over the map for these guns. If you check out the online sites like Gunbroker, however, you'll see that the 2 1/2" 66s are selling in the $475-600 range.
 
After searching for close to a year, this is really the only 2.5" 66 Ive found in my area. I grew up shooting a 2.5" 66 as both my father and LEO godfather have them and I've put close to 5K rounds threw both of them since I was about 7 (I just turned 22 in May).

Ive only seen one other one and really looked like cr*p, there was a ton of 1-2cm long scratches all over the gun and the previous owner (This was in a Pawn Shop) numbered the cylinders with a electric pencil.

Overall in my area (Southwestern PA, outside of Pittsburgh) there really is not alot of used Smiths at all (or at least ones I can afford). I wanted to get a 627 Pro, however since the 66s are out of production and theres only a limited amount out there and the 627s are currently in production (and will probably for awhile) I hope to get this 66.
 
Last edited:
I understand what you mean. The 66 has a sentimental value to me as well. Keep cruising the classified section on here and they come up for sale fairly regularly. There was a no-dash 2.5" 66 listed on there just a couple weeks ago. You'll find one and you'll love it. Just keep the faith.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
About a year and a half ago I walked into a small gun shop
and spotted a 2.5 inch 66.....been looking for one. Talked to
the owner and found out he had just taken 2 Smiths in on trade.
For $475 I walked out with those 2 Smiths, a 2.5 inch 66-4
and a 67-1, 4 inch. One of those few and far between deals.

Dennis.
 
I think its a very fair price for what I consider the best concealed carry revolver S&W has ever made. They are great shooters and very accurate for a snub. If you keep the magnum count down and stick to the heavier 158 gr. rounds it will last a long time.
 
1) List a vg condition 66 snub in the classifieds here for 479, with some pix.

2) Get out a stopwatch and see how long before the first "I'll take it!" is posted.

I put the over/under at one hour.
 
Don't be afraid of a LEO 66. My 4" 66-1 from the Minnesota State Patrol and is a fabulous piece. Tight lockup, very little wear, shoots excellent, etc. I wouldn't take less than $550 for it, and a 2 1/2" should be worth even more.
 
Last edited:
A savvy gun shop guy will buy one for $175-300. Going price for a -2/-3 is retail or on this forum or gunbroker $475-700. I would offer $400 and not chase.
 
What does the "-" designate? For example, I have a 3" Model 13-2 (according to the old blue riveted box, that matches the serial # of the weapon). It is one of two I kept (this one unfired) for SS Details at the time. The weapon is pinned bbl.recessesd cyl.
 
Demo, the "-" designated design changes, I believe though on some J frames the "-1" indicated a 3" barrel.
 
2 1/2" 19s and 66s seem to be climbing in value even faster than 19s & 66s in general. I have a 2 1/2" 19-6, 4" 19-4, and a 6" 66-1. I paid $425 (gun show dealer), $425 (trade value), & $400 (internet auction) respectively. The 2 1/2" 19 was a couple of years ago and the others were within the last few months. I would like a 2 1/2" or 3" 66 to come home with me but am not holding my breath.:( In the meantime I will just shoot the h**l out of my 2 3/4" Speed Six!:eek::eek: The rest of the story is I was actually looking for 6" stainless Security Six when I found the 6" model 66!
 
Back
Top