I would be interested to know which model in .357 I would have a better chance of acquiring with a 3-inch barrel in a $500 or so price range: 66? 686? others? I am looking at it as a HD gun / vehicle carry, possibly occasional CC. I have a 4-inch model 65, and would really like to get a good .357 with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights, without paying a premium for a new one. Looking for a shooter, not a collector. Appreciate any advice/opinions.
Model 66 3-inch availability
- Thread starter calward
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Decent 3 inch Model 65's can be had for the price you're looking at. Oh, you said AS.
The 3" K frames have been hot for some time.
The biggest problem is that the "shooters" have been bought up, polished up, and then advertised and sold on GB as coming from "the Doctor's Estate" - they bring ridiculous money.
Best advice I can give...........be patient! Put yourself a wanted ad in the classifieds and Good Luck with your search!
sw44spl
Member
I hunted for a few years for a SS 3incher.found a 65 for $325 2 years ago but didnt have money to get it.then 3 weeks ago I find a 3inch 64 and I did get it for $450.so keep looking and hit all gun spots you will scare one up.I would love a 3inch 66.
357larry
Member
It seems to involve a lot of luck anymore. I went to a gunshow a couple of years ago looking to buy a 2 1/2 inch barrel 66. I was planning on spending around $450 to $475 for a good one. I happened upon a table that had a 3 inch model 66-4, double action only, with the factory round butt combat stocks, did not have a price on it. I did some haggling and walked away with it for $500. I wish I could do that again.
handgunner356
Member
I'd put the chance of finding a 3" 66 for $500 somewhere between slim and none. Really the best price I've seen one go for was $650, and that was well used, no box, rubber grips. I do see decent 2.5" ones in the $450-500 range every now and then, a new 686+ 3" runs about $700.
.357magger
Member
One other thought in addition to the excellent previous posts.
During your search you might ask your local dealers who does lay a ways. And ask if they have a "tickler" file of who is wanting what gun. You get to know who will be on the look out for you (and where do you think lots of folks go when they want to sell a gun?) and I've used lay a ways over the years to stretch my dollar and get either higher priced, or higher grades, than the cash I had in hand.
One other thought, in your search, don't neglect pawn shops. LOTS of revolvers end up there and I've found some true goodies and hard to locate models over the years in pawn stores. It seems pawn owners are getting smarter these days about collectability, but most seem only to want to recoup their loan value, plus whatever that owners usual markup is.
Good luck in your search.
During your search you might ask your local dealers who does lay a ways. And ask if they have a "tickler" file of who is wanting what gun. You get to know who will be on the look out for you (and where do you think lots of folks go when they want to sell a gun?) and I've used lay a ways over the years to stretch my dollar and get either higher priced, or higher grades, than the cash I had in hand.
One other thought, in your search, don't neglect pawn shops. LOTS of revolvers end up there and I've found some true goodies and hard to locate models over the years in pawn stores. It seems pawn owners are getting smarter these days about collectability, but most seem only to want to recoup their loan value, plus whatever that owners usual markup is.
Good luck in your search.
Good ideas, thanks to all! It sounds as though I might need to set aside a few more shekels than I thought. About a year and a half ago, I saw a used 2 1/2 " 686+ in a local shop for $500. I was not at that time really looking for one, and did not have the money set aside, so I passed it up. I don't think I have seen a deal that good since.
stiab
US Veteran
In the last three years I have found two 3" M66's at gun shops, a 66-2 and 66-3 were each less than $500. I sold them. I also found at a local gun shop a 13-? 3" barrel for $350, and a 3" M64 for $395. Sold them also, the M13 to a friend for what I paid for it. They can be found in my area because most gun store operators do not spend time on the S&W forum and are unaware of the 3" premium. My suggestion is to look in shops, not on the internet.
so true. this site or GB will not yield you any cheap 3" S&Ws.
you may get lucky at a gun show. i wasn't really looking for any 3 inchers when i noticed a private seller carrying a 3" 66-4 to sell at a gun show. some dealers had foolishly passed on giving him his asking price. it didn't take me any time to get out the cash.
good luck!!!!
Sportsterguy
Member
That 66 and other K frames mentioned are much easier to pack compared to the 686 speaking from experience. The 686 is alot heavier and protrudes more under your shirt due to the cylinder diameter. My 3" 66-2 is my all time favorite revolver since 85. I used to pack it as my CCW till prices went way up on them. Back when my eyes were better a milk jug was not safe at 100 yards as its extremely accurate. The 3" barrel allows positive ejection of spent cases and shoots great. I do believe you would love that 3" as its the perfect size for doing just about anything.
Here is another pic that I've posted many a time. It will NEVER leave me.
Going back to my roots and just bought me a 2.5" 66-2 in great shape for a carry weapon. Holster and revolver should be here next week. Combat Commander is going to be pulling duty in the bedroom. Grew up on 1911's but am giving the watch to S&W for now.
I have zero luck with my local shops and do way better here on the forum for great buys from folks you can trust.
Here is another pic that I've posted many a time. It will NEVER leave me.
Going back to my roots and just bought me a 2.5" 66-2 in great shape for a carry weapon. Holster and revolver should be here next week. Combat Commander is going to be pulling duty in the bedroom. Grew up on 1911's but am giving the watch to S&W for now.
I have zero luck with my local shops and do way better here on the forum for great buys from folks you can trust.
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hoek48
US Veteran
stiab, where in NC are you finding the 3 inch K Frames? I am in the Piedmont, and would be like to check those stores out.
Doug Add
Member
I'd like to know this, too. A 3" K frame is at the top of my wish list (especially a 13). You can send me a PM if you don't want to post it on the board.
stiab
US Veteran
Here's the answer: You will note that in regard to the M64 and M13 I said "local" gun shops, but did not use the word "local" in regard to the two 3" M66's. The M13 came from Jim's Gun Shop in Raleigh, NC, and the M64 came from Lawman's Supply, same town. Both M66's came from gunshops in S. Central PA, and including transfer back to NC were under $500 each.
Doug Add
Member
Nice finds! Thanks. A buddy of mine trades regularly with Jim.
If you come across any more that you want to sell, let me know.
If you come across any more that you want to sell, let me know.
Shooting4life
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I got lucky and found my 13-3 3 inch at a gun shop. Person brought it inthe day before and they just put it out in the case. I was given a lead about a couple of Dan wesson supermag revolvers at the same shop. I got lucky the DW were real cheap so I had the extra 450 for the 13.
stiab
US Veteran
Jim is a great guy. He recently sold me 3 full boxes of 1980's or 90's vintage Winchester .38 Special +P FBI load for a total of $25 out the door, about $8 per box. These are the boxes that have red plastic and white foam in the bottom, they look crisp and new.
As to finding guns in gunshops, last year I found a 940-1 at a shop in West Virginia, total including transfer back to NC less than $400. Try doing that on the internet!
twomoons
Member
stiab,
your pictures are great.
love that 65 with polished t grip and white grips.
great pictures and beautifull guns.
your round butt combats really make those guns look great also
your pictures are great.
love that 65 with polished t grip and white grips.
great pictures and beautifull guns.
your round butt combats really make those guns look great also
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