Model 1076 from FBI agent

[NavyvetHPD1]

I inherited a model 1076 from my dad (HPD Sergeant retired and now deceased for about 2 years). He left a note saying it was worth a little over $2K if I get a letter from S&W verifying it was originally sold to FBI. Any advice, history, or estimated value would be appreciated. Gun not for sale. Will shoot if not terribly expensive, but won't shoot if valuable. Just need to know. Thanks!

 

[NavyvetHPD1]

Here is more pics

Here is more pics

 

[tlawler]

Welcome to the forum from Southwest Florida. That's a nice looking 1076. Being a FBI gun with provenance does increase the value considerably, but I'm not enough of an expert to nail it down to a dollar amount. A garden variety 1076 in the same condition would fetch about $1K I think.

 

[GaryS]

That's a nice firearm. The were some FBI issue guns with THB prefixes. The FBI guns didn't have a magazine safety, but some that were returned and reworked for commercial sale had that added.

There was also, according to the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, a FBI commercial variant.

The SCSW says that authenticated FBI guns are worth double the regular price.

I think it would be worth your while to pay for a letter from Roy Jinks which would provide provenance.

At least that is what I would do.

 

[Geno44]

We have a few experts on these in the forum and I'm not one of them. There are a couple of ways to verify the FBI connection. The factory letter is certainly the best way to go. Another way are the markings on the box the gun was shipped in when it was resold used by S&W after being returned to them by the FBI. At that time the selling price was about $300. I have the original box and it is clearly marked FBI. I think these have sold as high as $2200 and probably a low number would be $1800 if verified as an FBI gun. I believe almost all of these were shot when the FBI owned them so I can't see how firing it would lower the value unless you happen to own one that never got shot. There are a number of 1076's that are identical to the FBI model and they are worth about half the authenticated FBI guns. Magazines are also expensive.

 

[Gunhacker]

One of the tell tales characteristics between the FBI 1076 and subsequent "commercial" model that S&W added to their catalog, is the frame front strap.

The FBI version is usually checkered, with vertical and horizontal cuts. The regular 1076 only has vertical lines... but with S&W there are always exception as this thread show a lettered 1076 FBI with just the vertical cuts:FBI 1076 added info/multiple pictures.

Here's another FBI 1076 thread with a lot of good info for you: FBI 1076

 

[dacoontz]

Navy vet, first off, thank you for your service and Happy fourth of July. As for your 1076. There might be a very, very easy way to tell if your gun is indeed an FBI gun. I noticed you have a box pictured. What does the end label show? Most, if not all, former FBI guns would have left S&W the second time in a box labeled "USED" and some may actually say "FBI."

It you can get us a picture of that end label than that would be great to help authenticate. If the end label matches the serial number and has that FBI or USED marking than that also helps. Of course, I should say that some 1076's that were returned from agencies other than the FBI could have also been refurbished and sent back out depending on the kind of contract they had with S&W. That's what makes the FBI 1076 guns so interesting is that many of them saw real action in the field and then were returned and resold, which is unheard of for firearms used by federal agents.

Outside of that, the only sure fire way is to get a letter.

 

[NavyvetHPD1]

Here are the labels on the box

I can't believe I never saw the "FBI Academy" on the label! Good call. And since it's been shot before, I'll be taking this to the range and showing off a bit.

Thanks y'all!!

 

[Lonestar57]

I can't believe I never saw the "FBI Academy" on the label! Good call. And since it's been shot before, I'll be taking this to the range and showing off a bit.

Thanks y'all!!

Looks like you have a winner. Also, great of Dad leaving you that bit of information.

 

[hkcavalier]

I would still get a letter. The additional history provided is worthwhile.

Sounds like you have my favorite type of S&W --- a collectible that can be shot and enjoyed.

 

[MattyD380]

That is a sweet gun...

I love my 1076. Great shooter, and nothing beats the 10mm in stainless for that old-school "heavy metal" feel.

As mentioned, the FBI guns didn't have a mag disconnect (or so it's said). It's also my understanding they had the requisite "lawyer text" engraved on the slide:

Maybe that's not entirely true. Or maybe it was added to the FBI guns later sold commercially.

This is making me think I should get a letter for mine; it has the FBI grips, and the front strap checkering. Just no mag disconnect or lawyer text.