Need advice on a model 66 Border Patrol

[Mstorm]

Found a model 66 in nice shape, Model 66 Border Patrol edition (4", no dash, P&R manufactured around 1976), shot but not a lot, SW wood grips but not originals. No Box, or papers and such (these originally came in a cute wood presentation box with a matching knife---the dealer lamented that he could ask twice as much if he had that stuff). Finally, dealer very firm on $950.
Here's my dual question: Doesn't that seem about $200 too high and secondly, is the Border Patrol edition a commerative in the classic sense? The dealer spun the tale that you either had to be a BP agent or a family member of a BP officer to get one of them and the run was limited to 3000 units---I was under the impression that anyone could buy one of these back in the day. I'm going on about the "commemorative" part because I have a great advisor on firearms that always suggested that I steer clear of commemoratives.
I of course called him, and he advised: "Just keep looking to try and find a P&R 66 that is not a BP Commemorative, you said it was fired right". I said: "yes" and then he followed with: "then it's just another used gun, subject to used gun prices". What do you guys advise??????

 

[John Patrick]

I’ll buy commemoratives if the price is similar to the non commemorative version. I think the commemorative versions have usually seen less use, less holster time. So, in essence “about the same price” is a discount on the commemorative, as I look at it.

 

[sodacan]

Commemoratives are pretty much marketing gimmicks.There are collectors for them, but any added value is generally perceived and not real. Sounds like you're getting good advice.

 

[biku324]

I love buying commemorative as they are often unfired models out of production for years. I always shoot them.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I only have one S&W commemorative revolver, a Texas Ranger set from 1973. I'm not sure if all commemorative revolvers are manufactured with the same care, but the 19-3 in the TR set is worthy of the Performance Center. The blued finish is outstanding, the smooth target presentation stocks are beautifully matched, smooth trigger, it shoots like a tuned revolver (yes, I shoot it!), and the trigger guard has been narrowed. It has a nice wooden case and a matching s/n bowie knife/sheath (I'm not wild about the bowie knife, but it is what it is). If you can buy that Border Patrol Model 66 for about the same price as a standard Model 66, grab it. If not, without the original box and stocks, it's priced at least $200 too high. Good luck!

 

[mchom]

IMO it depends. I collect LE marked S&W revolvers. My USBP 66 is used. I suspect it was carried by someone in LE. It has all of the signs of being a duty carried gun. I plan to get it lettered just so I can know who it shipped to.
It is marked on the left USBP - 0103. Presumably a rack or badge number. BP Badge on right side plate. Smooth presentation style target stocks.
I am pretty sure it came with a wood box (I have it stored away and I can't recall exactly what it looked like but I think similar to other commemorative boxes with an embossed top lid. But no knife or knife box.

If your not into the LE revolvers then its probably not worth it. On the other hand, for the LE marked gun collector, the asking price is not obscenely high for a gun that possibly was an issued duty gun. And I don't see these USBP revolvers all that often. Just my thoughts on it

 

[ken158]

Your friend gave you good info. There were commemorative guns but not issued guns. They were first available to employees only who then flipped them to the pubic. If unfired in box with accessories, then the market will set the price but if fired, the value drops to any other gun of the same model… IMO. Lots of LE commemorative guns were not even a representative of what the LE dept even carried… maybe some wishful thinking?

 

[Heinz]

I got my 66 here about a year ago for 25% less. Just sayin

 

[Tam 3]

I don't think there was a knife to go with the BP 66 like the TR version.

Regards,

Tam 3

 

[Gunblue]

Strange 66, no dash

On the subject of the Model 66, I picked up a no dash recently. When I got home I removed the cylinder and to my surprise it had the gas seal on the cylinder. Everything else seemed in line with the no dash features (SS front and rear sights, recessed cylinder and pinned barrel. S/N puts it as 1974. Is this some kind of variant? BTW, I do have a correct Yoke and recessed cylinder in my spare parts box that I tried swapping but I end up with a cylinder to barrel gap of about .024! Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Nightowl]

Maybe not so strange. Being an N frame person mostly, I'm not versed on the gas blocks on the 66. But, I have a 66 no dash with stainless sights, so it's an early one. It does not have the yoke with the slits in it and neither does a 66-1 I have. I think the change occurred and changed back sometime in between. The slits were not the solution and did not last long, to my recollection.
I would imagine those more knowledgeable will be along to clarify.

 

[biku324]

I don't think there was a knife to go with the BP 66 like the TR version.

Regards,

Tam 3

My Treasury commemorative 686 had a numbered belt buckle.

 

[Ingramite]

I can talk myself out of buying anything and find lots of people to help me.

If you peel back the story with the rule..."buy the revolver, not the story" you still have a very desirable model 66 in the one you are looking at. Is $200 bucks too big of a pill to swallow? If it is, then you will just have to settle for dreams of owning one.

I don't think anyone is saying that being a Border Patrol revolver diminishes it's value. Personally, I think it's a cool thing that would tip me towards probably spending more money than I should....but have you been to the grocery store lately?