Good price to ask for m696 .44 Special? Can you help?

[Sylvaticus]

Hi,
I need advice on pricing a handgun.

I am looking to sell a lightly-used (about 250 factory rounds) S&W model 696 SS five-shot revolver. It is an L-frame. The gun is marked as "696" with no hypen or other number. The handgun is in excellent condition. It is a lovely shooter. Although it has heft, it is a superb ccw handgun with the right ammunition.

It is fitted with excellent smooth Eagle walnut "Secret Service" grips which cost me around $70 around 1998 or so. I don't believe I have the original factory grips or box around, but I am looking. (An H&K speedloader goes with the deal, and maybe a box or two of Blazer ammunition.)

Right now, some bills have to be paid as my wife is temporarily disabled and can't work, or I'd definitely keep it. But it is one of several guns that have to go on the block. The problem is, I can't seem to find any recent examples of one of these guns for sale, so I have only a vague idea of it's value. So I have come here to seek a trustworthy answer.

Any help will be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Brian

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

These guns have a big following. It's waned a little recently with the introduction of the M69 -- a 5-shot L-frame that's chambered in .44 Mag.

The M696 is coveted by collectors, and anyone who wants a .44 caliber pre-lock gun. The no-dash version is built on the old style frame with forged parts and the firing pin on the hammer.

I think it a $900 - $1,200 gun, with no box.

 

[ColbyBruce]

One of my co-workers just gave $600.00 and a unfired NIB generation 1 Glock 17 for a NIB S&W 696. The Glock would of brought $500.00-$600.00 locally, as they are sought after.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I believe I paid $1K to a member here for mine.....

 

[Nemo288]

Gunbroker has these from time to time and you can get a handle on their worth there.
$1K seems to be the average price for an excellent condition one (with box etc.)
I actually prefer the -1 for some technical reasons that may help it shoot better.

 

[Sylvaticus]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I am posting for sale shortly.