Model 66-5 3" Value

[Eddietruett]

I know that the earlier Model 66 with 3" Barrels are hard to find and prices keep going up. My -2 would probably be the last to go if I had to sell out. I have recently run across a -5 with a 3" Barrel. Being that the -5 models with internal firing pin don't seem to have quite the following as earler models, what would you guys see the value in a Model 66-5 with 3" Barrel? I had to look hard, but finally did find a product code. I've never heard anyone on the forum mention a -5 so I'm at a loss as to what to offer. Gun is in the condition most of the stainless Smiths I run across. Original Hogues and normal handling marks but no damage. Looks to have been fired very little. I have 2 dash 5's, one 2.5" and other 83/8. I can't tell the difference when firing versus the hammer mounted pin but was curious if they are as desirable as the earlier models.

 

[OldChief]

It's hard to give a value without seeing the revolver. Many things effect value the biggest being condition. Then you have to consider what they're going for in your area, availability and etc. Anyway, edition 4 of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson lists the value of the model 66 as: As New In the Box - 800, Excellent - 575 and Very Good - 350. Now consider how bad you want it and how bad does the seller want to sell it!

 

[WCCPHD]

I will try to help, but you will have to answer several questions to help me/us assess what you are looking at.

First, does it look like this one?







Second: Does it have grips like this?



Third: Does it have a fiber optic sight and is the barrel three inches or 3.2 inches?

If it looks like the one above, it may be one of approximately 300 made for Lew Horton Distributors. The Horton guns came with the faux ivory grips. Another difference in the "-5" guns is the smaller sight base. You can see the difference between the two guns pictured above. The "-5" sight base does not go all the way to the the frame as does the "-2" and others.

I hope this helps in identifying the gun, but I don't know if having a smaller run increases the value or not. There are so few of these guns and the fact they don't change hands often makes a value assessment tricky. I was watching a "-2" on a popular auction sight this week and a very clean, in the box, example went for $1525.

 

[Eddietruett]

I hope this helps in identifying the gun, but I don't know if having a smaller run increases the value or not. There are so few of these guns and the fact they don't change hands often makes a value assessment tricky. I was watching a "-2" on a popular auction sight this week and a very clean, in the box, example went for $1525.[/QUOTE]

Your pictures didn't come up for me, but it has regular Hogue Grips with the S&W Logo. No fiber sight and it is 3" on the button. I agree assessment is tricky. The -2 models seem to be going off the chart. I didn't even know there was a -5 with 3" until I saw this one. The owner of the Pawn Shop was a little confused as well and he knows guns as well as most anyone I know. We thought initially it was a re-barreled gun but we did find another -5 on GB and if I remember correctly, it had a buy it now of around 1800.00. I'm probably going to buy it just to shoot and I think we will come up with an agreeable price where at the worst case I can get my money back if I decide to sell

 

[WCCPHD]

I hope this helps in identifying the gun, but I don't know if having a smaller run increases the value or not. There are so few of these guns and the fact they don't change hands often makes a value assessment tricky. I was watching a "-2" on a popular auction sight this week and a very clean, in the box, example went for $1525.

Your pictures didn't come up for me, but it has regular Hogue Grips with the S&W Logo. No fiber sight and it is 3" on the button. I agree assessment is tricky. The -2 models seem to be going off the chart. I didn't even know there was a -5 with 3" until I saw this one. The owner of the Pawn Shop was a little confused as well and he knows guns as well as most anyone I know. We thought initially it was a re-barreled gun but we did find another -5 on GB and if I remember correctly, it had a buy it now of around 1800.00. I'm probably going to buy it just to shoot and I think we will come up with an agreeable price where at the worst case I can get my money back if I decide to sell[/QUOTE]

I don't understand why you can't see the photos. Probably something I'm doing wrong.

I looked at the gun you referenced on GB. It is one of the 3.2 inch guns with the fiber optic sights. I don't know how many of those were made. I believe they were a run for stocking dealers.

I found a thread from 2013 that I started when I found the gun.

Its linked here:

Model 66-5 3 inch barrel -UPDATED with Photos

I copied my post #20 from this thread about the gun.

"I took your advice and called S&W Customer Service today.

The gun was shipped in January of 1999 to Lew Horton Distributors. It was shipped with a 3 inch barrel. Customer service had no further information, so I do not know if this was a one off order or one of a group of a larger special order.

Edit:

I called Lew Horton. It was one of 300 in a special order. It shipped with red ramp front sight, white outline rear sight and white grips (I assume faux ivory) with S&W medallions. The retail price in 1999 was $540.00. So at $600 for a pristine gun I did not do so badly. "

I had them send me a letter on the gun, but in my infinite wisdom, I can't find the hard copy or the electronic copy today.

 

[Eddietruett]

I will try to help, but you will have to answer several questions to help me/us assess what you are looking at.

First, does it look like this one?







Second: Does it have grips like this?



Third: Does it have a fiber optic sight and is the barrel three inches or 3.2 inches?

If it looks like the one above, it may be one of approximately 300 made for Lew Horton Distributors. The Horton guns came with the faux ivory grips. Another difference in the "-5" guns is the smaller sight base. You can see the difference between the two guns pictured above. The "-5" sight base does not go all the way to the the frame as does the "-2" and others.

I hope this helps in identifying the gun, but I don't know if having a smaller run increases the value or not. There are so few of these guns and the fact they don't change hands often makes a value assessment tricky. I was watching a "-2" on a popular auction sight this week and a very clean, in the box, example went for $1525.

Bill,
Pictures are up now. I'm sure its my computer or either operator error. If my memory is correct, it is just like the top picture but I'm almost positive it has Hogue grips with logo but I could be wrong. I didn't compare gun in shop with one on GB, just saw that he did indeed find a -5. I'll have to check the sight rail next time I'm in his shop. He's not gonna sell to anyone else and maybe not to me either. He's scared its value is equal to the -2 but with the internal firing pin, I don't see the value as equal in the market place. It would be of the same value to me as a shooter but I don't plan on paying top dollar either.