Model 65-3 Ladysmith Question

[luangtom]

I looked at a S&W Model 65-3 Ladysmith today at a local gun-show. The show was very small, with only 20 vendors and less than half actually selling firearms. I found a gent selling a Model 65-3 Ladysmith with a price-tag on it of $1,200. It included the soft-case and paper-work. He would go no lower than $1,150 for it. What would be a fair price for it in today's market?

I know that I saw this same revolver at an earlier show, before this virus-dilemma canceled shows. He wanted $900 back then. I mentioned this and his reply was, "Different times now." Should I have taken it for $1,150?

 

[murphydog]

I think $1200 (or $1150) is high, unless you really want one badly and you haven't seen any others.

I am not much into in-person haggling, but if you had the cash you might have offered $901, just to see the look on his face.

 

[oldgranddad]

You don't mention condition or grips. $1,150 doesn't surprise me but I think that's high in most any market. But then, I have a 3" 65-3 (not a Lady Smith) and I'd have to think about selling it if someone offered me that much. I was looking at a brand neww 686 with 3" barrel at the LGS for under $975 plus tax. If you want a great carry revolver, the K frame is perfect. If, like me, you just want to shoot it a lot, I'd look for a 686.
Just my opinion.

 

[Bullet Bob]

In mint condition, I'd have paid that. I've been looking for a K-frame round butt, and they're currently going through a bit of a price surge (probably because I'm looking for one ). Will that surge hold up? Not a clue. But because I like those, and got to hold it before I bought it, it would be worth it to me.

Now this thread can give others pleasure, saying "I'm glad I bought one for $3.50 two months ago".

 

[wood714]

I bought a 65-5 LS off a member for $1,000 shipped. It had all the original stuff plus the factory Rosewood combat grips.I don't think it had ever been shot.

A week later I found one on Armslist for $700. Bought it and traded the one I bought here to another member here even for a 696.

Sold the 696 local for $1,200 and bought my grail 3" 66 from someone here for $1,000 shipped.

 

[xfarfuldog]

I think that is a little too high. I own a 65 LS that I purchased a year or two ago for $ 650. Like new in the pouch. There is one for sale on Armslist locally for $ 900 with no takers.

 

[lawandorder]

It may be considered a bit high by some myself included but any 3 inch pre lock K frame S&W revolver has been crowding the asking price at around a grand for sometime now. 10s, 64s a bit lower but 13s, & 65s are close to that asking / auction price. Some of the ones that are a bit harder to find like the 66s and the 65LSs are at $1,000 or over.

Remember we never pay too much, just sometimes too early.

If you get the Ladysmith you will be happy, pretty near perfection. Good luck!

 

[WCCPHD]

I bought this one about three years ago at a gun show. The gun came with the soft case but not the box. It appears unfired since the factory. The BK adapter was added later. I paid $625 OTD and thought that was a very good price. Most of the ones I saw at that time frame were in the $900 range.

 

[22hipower]

$1150 would be too high for me even in the current "inflated" price ranges. I sold one (LS 65-6 with box) to one of our friends here at last year's Symposium for $800 which I believe he resold for just a tad more. I have a couple of LS 65-5s and value them at around $800 (without box/papers) but of course no interest in selling them. Keep looking, you'll find one for less.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[luangtom]

Well, today is September 5th, 2020 and I saw the same gent I mentioned in the original post at a larger show today. I brought it home with me today for ten-Benjamins. I walked out with a smile on my face.

 

[lawandorder]

Congrats! Enjoy it .

 

[Loyaljeeper]

That sounds about right.