Value a 66 No-Dash

Doesn't look like I'm gonna have the opportunity to get another no-dash model now.
 
I haven't tracked the price differences between the "no dash" and the "dash 1". I'll be interested to see what others say, although to this point I would say except for me and TDC, the "experts" on this thread don't seem to value either gun very highly. I don't see either model very often, but I definitely see the "dash 1" more than the "no dash". My guess, and it's only a guess, is that a nice "no dash" is going to be valued by a collector somewhere around a $100-150 higher than a similarly nice "dash 1". For shooters, some prefer the "dash 1" due to the gas ring being on the cylinder instead of the yoke, but the older "no dash" revolvers also have the gas ring on the cylinder. Moreover, most people won't shoot them enough to ever know the difference. BTW, my comments are limited to the snub. I haven't been looking at the 4 inch models.
 
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I havn't noticed any difference in prices as to the series...the difference here seems to relate to the gun being P&R or or not, and the barrel length.

I am just stuck in the 90s when you could buy any 19 for $300 and 66s were $325...I bought a new in the box 19-4 Nickel 4 inch for $300 8 years ago...sold it for a $50 profit still NIB...wish I had that gun now...I wouldn't sell it, but it would be worth a whole bunch more than $300
 
So really the only difference in the no-dash and -1 is the gas ring?

I might keep an eye on the -1's then just in case. But it sure would have been nice to have a no-dash.
 
The allure of the no dash Model 66s stem from it being the first in the series. Collectors want them as they were the first 357s that S&W produced. The very early examples with the all stainless sights will always command a premium. Just watch what these 66 no dash guns will be worth in the future.
 
Would it be a bad idea to buy a -1 and use it has a carry gun and range shooter? The reason I ask is because I have several revolvers, but they're Colt Pythons and Diamondbacks and I can't bring myself to take them out of the safe to shoot, much less carry. I don't have any revolvers that I would feel comfortable shooting and carrying.

I'd like to have a 2.5" (I'm a Colt fan by nature and just can't fully appreciate the beauty of a revolver unless it has or looks like it has a full lug!) stainless Smith that I can alternate with my other carry gun and still have a good time shooting it at the range. I guess I just have expensive taste and like my guns to have a little extra value as well. I could easily buy a 66-3,4,5,or 6 and have it fill my need, but I just wanted the no-dash. And if I can't have the no-dash, then the gun would really need to be p&r'ed. Would it be a bad idea to carry a -1 and use it for having fun at the range?
 
Would it be a bad idea to buy a -1 and use it has a carry gun and range shooter? The reason I ask is because I have several revolvers, but they're Colt Pythons and Diamondbacks and I can't bring myself to take them out of the safe to shoot, much less carry. I don't have any revolvers that I would feel comfortable shooting and carrying.

I'd like to have a 2.5" (I'm a Colt fan by nature and just can't fully appreciate the beauty of a revolver unless it has or looks like it has a full lug!) stainless Smith that I can alternate with my other carry gun and still have a good time shooting it at the range. I guess I just have expensive taste and like my guns to have a little extra value as well. I could easily buy a 66-3,4,5,or 6 and have it fill my need, but I just wanted the no-dash. And if I can't have the no-dash, then the gun would really need to be p&r'ed. Would it be a bad idea to carry a -1 and use it for having fun at the range?

No right or wrong here. Two camps. Some opt for shooting everything they own, others only want to shoot and carry guns that are less than pristine or might otherwise be considered "shooter" grade. If you fall into the first camp be prepared to devalue your gun through use and wear. Nothing wrong with that, but that's the way it goes. Rarity and condition are both important to value. Only you can answer if you prefer the joys of shooting a fine revolver versus owning a pristine example.
 
What would be the general concensus on a guy who carried and regularly shot a 66-1 2.5"? A guy who only shot a few .357s a year and primary shot .38s out of it.

Would more people say that guy is stupid for shooting that gun or would they say it's alright.

The reason I don't shoot my Colts is because they're all pristine and they cost a lot more than the 66s I've seen. But the 66 is a really attractive looking gun and I'd hate to buy another revolver and not be able to shoot it when I want to.
 
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Frankly, not shooting a gun and storing it is akin to worshiping the piece.

Perhaps an Elmer Keith or Skeeter Skelton limited production gun would be worth storing, but imho, moderate use and good care go a long way to maintain a gun's value.

Soon enough We'll all be planted and pushing up daisies or drifting particles on the sea.
I want to experience the pleasure of recoil from every gun that I own, because I suspect most of my little steel gems will be sold for colored paper, and probably end up in some friggin' Oriental bank account.
 
Frankly, not shooting a gun and storing it is akin to worshiping the piece.

Not that there's anything wrong with that...

Seriously, keep in mind some folks shoot and carry $3,000k+ Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, etc. 1911's. Your 66 revolver won't approach those numbers anytime soon. Personally, I wouldn't shoot (or at least I wouldn't shoot very often) a pristine example, IF I have something comparable to shoot. For example, I have a pristine, very early pre-19 Combat Magnum I prefer to leave in the safe, but I have another K frame I can shoot and carry if I wish.
 
You don't need it

Hey, Tocohillsguy. I got a nice 4" mod 66 no dash with the SS rear sight that I would gladly trade you for that old pre19 safe queen. Heck, if you don't like that offer I could probably come up with one a little newer with a shorter barrel. I just really believe that gun would look better in my safe down here in the country than up there stuck in the big city.
 
Hey, Tocohillsguy. I got a nice 4" mod 66 no dash with the SS rear sight that I would gladly trade you for that old pre19 safe queen. Heck, if you don't like that offer I could probably come up with one a little newer with a shorter barrel. I just really believe that gun would look better in my safe down here in the country than up there stuck in the big city.

Combat,

Sorry, but it's not going anywhere for awhile, and it looks pretty good in my safe...It's a real early model -- K2602XX shipped May 1956. Also have the original box, and period brochure, tools and sight tool.

MiscPictures038-1.jpg



For course, this one isn't too bad either....

MiscPictures402.jpg
 
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You're killing me with the picture of the 66. That's like salt in an open wound...:(
 
and...there are deals still to be found// about six months ago i purchased from a friend a snub 66-1 with box and contents both sets of original grips in about 97% for $300....don't often find deals like this but...they are still out there...
 
and...there are deals still to be found// about six months ago i purchased from a friend a snub 66-1 with box and contents both sets of original grips in about 97% for $300....don't often find deals like this but...they are still out there...

No doubt this is true, and many enjoy the hunt for a good deal, but keep in mind that what makes it a good deal is that you are purchasing at below market value. I still think market value is closer to $600-800 for a clean 66 "no dash" snub and probably a $100 less for a "dash 1" snub, but it's certainly possible you might find one for less, and in the case of kennyb, much less. Happy hunting. I know you're not going to find my 66 snub on any bargain bin table.

BTW, when you consider that a new 686 L frame snub, with the stupid internal lock, can be purchased for around $700-750 (and has a MSRP of $964), why is it surprising that a discontinued LNIB 66 has a comparable price?
 
I guess I'm just going to have to keep looking. I'm still beating myself up about letting the no-dash at the pawn shop get away from me. That's the first no-dash I've seen locally in probably 10 years.

There's a gun show next weekend, so maybe I'll have a little luck. Who knows...

I might have to settle for looking for them on GunBroker, as bad as I hate to.
 
People on monday will sell a 66 for 425 dollars & Friday it will be 585. They will put a set of laser grips on it they paid 150 for and will jack the price up 300 dollars. What happened to the brotherhood of handgunners? Read up on what you want and if you see it and want it, buy it. What makes the world go round, moneymoneymoneymoney and then is money, My grandfather told me half the people want whats in your pockets the other wants whats in your pants. badbob38
 
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