Should I have any reservations in buying an ex-police weapon?

[nipster]

I have a line on a 66-1 for a good price (but not absurdly low), is marked APD. Obviously ex-police, there are hundreds of cities with police departments which start with A.

Should I have any reservations in buying this gun? I have no reason to believe it's stolen, but I guess this is always a possibility.

Weapon is stamped with what looks to be a punch type block letter stamp APD on the left side of the frame under the cylinder. Does this detract from the value for future reference?

Anything else I should think about? Anyone with a 66 marked APD out there?

 

[murphydog]

Generally, police guns have lots of carry wear but saw little use. Imagine being issued a 4" model 66 in the late 1970s and not going to the range to practice as much as possible...it happened! If you do the usual function checks and all is well, it could be a good deal.

I think the overall condition trumps any extra stampings, and an "APD" collector may pay lots! Hope this is helpful.

 

[jimmyj]

Exam carefully!
They are not always "CARRIED A LOT, SHOT LITTLE".
So many never were maintained/cleaned regularly.

 

[RussellD]

I have no reservations buying either police trade ins or guns that came from security companies. If they pass the function checks..they are frequently a bargin priced low mileage k frame. This past Christmas I found a nice model 10-5 in my stocking. Low miles, excellent shape, very light holster wear for 235.00 Wish I could buy ten more just like it..

 

[ringo1597]

66 Marked APD

I have a M-66 4" marked "APD". I know for a fact that it was issued by the Austin Police Department. I can e-mail you a picture of the markings.

Larry R. #2494

 

[nipster]

I have a M-66 4" marked "APD". I know for a fact that it was issued by the Austin Police Department. I can e-mail you a picture of the markings.

Larry R. #2494

PM incoming...

 

[minconrevo]

Some might have had the internals messed with, but these would be the exception. A very few might have been shot a lot; a very few. I've seen some of both, mixed in with the run of the mill police guns.

Most were simply carried a lot and shot seldom. Do all the usual function checks first.

 

[vytoland]

I have two ex police/security S&W revolvers. Got them at a low price, they function flawlessly and I like them a lot.

 

[OldBlood]

I have purchased 5 64-5 S&W revolvers, happy with all of them. I bought these online, seller had pictures posted, but one has minor throat erosion and one cylinder sticks slightly. Other 3 are fine. All shoot very well. If you can examine the gun, I would not hesitate because it was a cop gun. ( Idid polish them a little, after almost 20 years on the force, I thought they would enjoy a little TLC). Another thought, because you are looking at a magnun, i would examine closely for the extent of the flame cut in the top strap and the forcing cone for damage. S&W did create the L frame for a reason. Find the Revolver Checkout, by jim March, very good info for evaluating a used gun.

 

[PeterCartwright]

I'm hoping to pick up a round butt 64 today, provided it has made it to my FFL. Guess I'm gambling a bit on J&G's judgment, but with K frame .38 spls., I'm willing to make that bet. Looking for a good shooter, not a show piece.

PC

 

[CajunBass]

Others has addressed the wear question. You mentioned some concern that it might have been stolen. That's no more likely than that any other gun might have been stolen.

When police departments/security companies changed over to a new gun, they didn't just throw those old ones away. They traded them in just like you'd do yourself when you had a gun you didn't want. They didn't take those markings off.

 

[Mr Pokeyman]

carried a lot means something.

I was issued my model 60 in 1970 and I was not the first to have it. We carried them in old swivel holsters and they were exposed to rain, snow and lots of sweat. Once, the cotter pin on the swivel broke (rusted) and the holster with gun in it fell down a flight of marble stairs. I was given another holster and told to go back to work. I chased a guy who I had caught breaking into a truck, he ran into a creek and when I grabbed him we fell into the water. This creek was basically an open sewer which ran thru a large housing project. I was covered in s__ and I had to throw my entire gun belt and gun, cuffs etc into a large janitor's sink and run clean water over everything. Another time my gun was pulled from my holster by someone in a crowd while I was trying to wrestle a prisoner into the back seat of my cruiser and I was bent over. Luckily, another officer drove right thru the crowd at that moment and the gun was dropped and drove over. We qualified twice a year and shot a box to practice, then a box to score with. Carried a lot means something. I bought that gun when we upgraded to semi's about 1990. I sent it to Smith and they had to replace the ejector star and some internal stuff they said was worn out. I had them reblue it while they had it too. It had earned a new coat. What Jimmy said is true, some guys never cleaned their guns. Have a nice day.

 

[glenncal1]

I have a 64 that is marked APD but bought it in colorado. Gun functions and shoots fine and doesn't look that bad either. It is my boat gun, I only paid $250 for it and you would probably have to pay $100 more to buy a used gun in similar condition. Also bought a 3" model 10 from Bud's that was an Australian police gun. Gun functions great and the finish isn't too bad. Got a total of $290 in that gun. I carry that one a lot. For very well priced shooters there is nothing wrong with ex-police guns. IMHO

 

[deanodog]

I have bought at least 12-15 police trade-ins over the years and have been pleased with them all. They usually are good bargains if you are looking for good shooter grade guns.

 

[BIGGUN1]

I bought a 3IN 10-5 that was a centry aussi trade in. I have 300 in it and it is a vary good shooter.

 

[Stu1205]

I was issued my model 60 in 1970 and I was not the first to have it. We carried them in old swivel holsters and they were exposed to rain, snow and lots of sweat. Once, the cotter pin on the swivel broke (rusted) and the holster with gun in it fell down a flight of marble stairs. I was given another holster and told to go back to work. I chased a guy who I had caught breaking into a truck, he ran into a creek and when I grabbed him we fell into the water. This creek was basically an open sewer which ran thru a large housing project. I was covered in s__ and I had to throw my entire gun belt and gun, cuffs etc into a large janitor's sink and run clean water over everything. Another time my gun was pulled from my holster by someone in a crowd while I was trying to wrestle a prisoner into the back seat of my cruiser and I was bent over. Luckily, another officer drove right thru the crowd at that moment and the gun was dropped and drove over. We qualified twice a year and shot a box to practice, then a box to score with. Carried a lot means something. I bought that gun when we upgraded to semi's about 1990. I sent it to Smith and they had to replace the ejector star and some internal stuff they said was worn out. I had them reblue it while they had it too. It had earned a new coat. What Jimmy said is true, some guys never cleaned their guns. Have a nice day.

How can you reblue a stainless steel model 60?

 

[Mr Pokeyman]

My bad. It is a model 10. Sorry about that.

 

[TAKJR]

This "flatfoot" has purchased ex-police weapons, but mostly "in-person." I did purchase an un-fired NYPD 64 which is DAO and is on the way to Clark Custom to have a Bo Mar "cover-up" rib installed as I type this off of Gunbroker, but the seller is well-known and he provided pleanty of pictures. Illinois State Corrections Officers in Joliet use stainless 64s and I have seen some of them ram the rod and brush through their service weapons, most likely "peening" the recoil shield and nicking the muzzle crown. That's why I prefer to look at the gun "in-person" first. I cruise the local gun shops and I check the used gun section for any guns that have not been abused. Many well-known gunshops get police "overruns" in, and some guns were never even issued. Those are the guns I am really looking for. Timing, crane gap, top strap cutting (magnums), etc., are what to look for. If it looks like a tornado hit the outside, beware. When in doub't, go with someone that knows a little about the model or models you are seeking and ask to check a bunch...then get the best of the litter. Some dealers will let you do that.

Overall, "flatfoot" guns can be risky, unless you know what you are looking for.

This "flatfoot" is now going 10-42!

TAKJR

 

[goldenbb]

Heh, nearly all the handguns I own are police trade-ins. I would never be able to afford such a varied collection if I had to buy new. My current favorite is an original 686 with the M update. They're all good to go with typical wear and handling, but I bought most of them in person, so I could take my pick. I frankly don't see the benefit of buying new unless it is something special. If you're going to shoot it, who cares if it's used? The police armorers were better than the average bubba home gunsmith.

 

[Old Corp]

I'd be not concerned in the least.
I still have my old duty 4" M66 that I was issued in 1980 and carried until 1990 when my agency went to autos.
Yes - it's been carried ALOT. And shot ALOT. Still in fine shape and would go for years more before any attention was required.

Good luck.