Smith model 63, good value?

[bubbatime]

Wasnt looking to buy anything, but local shop has a nice condition, pinned barrel (non recessed) Model 63 .22LR with a 4 inch barrel, 6 shot for $599. No lock, looks to be a 70's or 80's gun. Knowing this shop, they almost always knock $100 off used guns when I ask, since I'm a regular and buy so much from them.

I dont know much about this gun, but looking on Gunbroker, they seem to go for $800-1200 or more? I think I can get this gun for $500. It looks just like the one on gun broker that is listed at $1199.

Good solid value? I probably should know better, but I think I should go back and get it?

 

[dmn57]

$500 for a clean 63 sounds like a pretty good price to me. If I saw it locally I'd have a hard time talking myself out of buying it.

 

[murphydog]

As you describe it, $499 sounds like a good deal.

All model 63s have recessed cylinders; the pinned barrel went away after about 1981.

 

[rockquarry]

I have no idea what a 63 sells for today, but I've had one for long time and couldn't imagine parting with it. However, being a J-frame gun, a 63 is not an easy revolver to shoot well unless you're already a skilled shooter. It took me a lot of practice before I could shoot mine reasonably well.

 

[Trooperdan]

Is that at J&J?

 

[Green Frog]

Is that at J&J?

Wherever it is (or was) I'm betting it won't be there very long. That gun is on my short list and I'm not the only one! I think bubbatime has found himself a treasure!

Froggie

 

[hkcavalier]

As mentioned above, it definitely has a recessed cylinder. Pinned barrel is nice but the absolute must is a lack of end shake and evidence of excessive dry firing. I don't mind a healthy flame cut in these if everything else is tight as a bank vault and no peening around the charge holes.

$500 is a great price for one in used but cared for condition.

 

[Imissedagain]

I’d buy it for $500-$600.
Picked up a 63-3 that needed some work for $250 recently.
First used handgun ever.
The new 8 shots are nice but no one had one in stock that day and when I called my LGS to order one.....he just took in the 63-3 which was perfect for grip making/casting.
Just received the backorder of plate screws... the new ones have a rounded head.

Flag grip for that J and give it to the grandson.... the Colorado Kid.

 

[DeafSmith]

What is hard to find is the 2 inch snub versions. I got mine a long time ago. Mine is the 63-3 snubby. It shoots very well.