Explain model 51, 650/651 pricing

[glenncal1]

So I saw a model 650 for sale. J-frames are a little small for me so I was not really looking to buy. Well I looked back today and the gun is at $1400. This gun has aftermarket grips and a generic S&W box.

So I looked at the 51 and 651 guns as well and they all seem to start at $1000 and go up from there. These are completed auctions.

What am I missing .22mag J-frame is a handy little gun but not at these prices. ???

 

[22hipower]

$1400 seems a little high as described but the 650 has a bit of a "cult following" in that there aren't many 22s with fixed sights. The 650s I've watched tend to sell about $200 higher than the 651s, probably fewer of the 650s too but I don't know the numbers.

They're handy little guns although I have to admit I don't shoot my 651 much. I'd like to snag a 51 but so far they've been either too pricey for the condition or someone wanted them more than I did.

I paid $400 for this one with the auxiliary 22LR cylinder but that was 20 years ago.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qZ6Ruc https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

 

[Dino44]

I spoke to an FFL friend on Saturday who said he has a model 51 coming into the shop. I already own this one. Mine cost me $750 in April 2023. I'd be happy to share its condition, price, and location to an interested party.

 

[murphydog]

It’s partly the guns in question and partly their collectible status.

 

[dickydalton]

I bought mine new in 1970. Wow, 55 years ago...

 

[Tom S.]

Picked up at the last Symposium I attended:

Neat little gun!