Value of M65-4 3-inch

[Murdock]

My question about value of this gun is due to an aquaintance who expressed an interest in buying it from me. He's a retired Fed and it seems to appeal to some nostalgia for him, because he said he carried one for a time while still on the job. I told him I would consider selling at a reasonable price for somebody who is close to my family, but cautioned him that these guns were considered desireable among collectors and didn't want him to be shocked or insulted by my asking price, whatever I was able to determine that to be.

So I was initially thinking somewhere in the $700 +/- range.

This M65-4 was purchased maybe 5-6 years ago in a pawn shop for $475 OTD (5.5% sales tax). The shop was firm on price, and after consulting with the members here the consensus was to grab it because it would likey be gone by the time I got back to put money on it. Obviousy it wasn't.

Since then on-line auction realized prices have gone from just north of stupid to something a bit less. An average sold-for price for comparable items (used shooters in high but not mint condition; no box, tools etc.) over the past month on one of the larger sites was $810. Taxes, shipping fees, FFL transfer costs to be tacked on, of course, putting actual out-of-pocket close to $900. (My practice is to gather as many comparables as possible over the most recent 4-6 weeks, drop out the highest and lowest sales, and average the remainder).

So does an $800-900 current market value seem excessive?

 

[ColbyBruce]

$900.00 or more is normal for a 3” round butt K frame these days.

Do you have the box?

 

[22hipower]

Certainly not excessive if you're including both sets of grips and the t grip adapter.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[murphydog]

Agree with the above range. FYI, those smooth factory RB Target stocks are $200-300! Something to factor in, or just keep.

Also, interesting that it is a 65-4 3" RB. I don't think I've heard of or seen one; the 3" usually are -3 or -5 variants.

 

[80sgyrene]

Sell him the gun with magnas for $800.
The banana targets and grip adapter would add another $200.
JMHO

 

[CH4]

$900.00 or more is normal for a 3” round butt K frame these days.

I totally concur on price. I’ve also never seen a -4, just -3 and -5s. I am also curious about your case colored hammer and trigger, all my -5 and earlier are flash chromed.

At a recent show, I picked up another cherry, 3” 65-5 with the factory magnas. Seller wanted $1200; I was pleased to walk away with it for $1000.

 

[BC38]

Sell him the gun with magnas for $800.
The banana targets and grip adapter would add another $200.
JMHO

^^^THIS^^^
A decent condition 3" 357 magnum revolver (M65 or M13) with original wood stocks (also in decent condition) is a $700-$800 gun in my neck of the woods.
Add the targets and grip adapter, and $900 - $1,000 is the right price.
Of course the price to a GOOD friend might be $100 less...

 

[stonebuster]

The replies to the pricing are fair selling price but I'd also consider less to a VERY close friend considering what you paid. An acquaintance would pay fair market value. I traded into a Model 65-2 transitional 3" in excellent condition recently that had a $759 price tag.

 

[kbm6893]

The case hardened hammer and trigger do not seem right for the gun, but I could be wrong. Certainly worth north of $750 without the grips and adapter.

 

[Murdock]

I heard someplace that the case colored hammer and trigger were for some reason standard for a -4. Don't know why. Interestingly I have a 686+ dash 4 that also is color cased hammer and trigger. Hopefully one of the more knowledgeable members will come along soon with an answer.

No extras, box, etc.

I will definitely keep the Banana Targets. I had no idea the price on these had zoomed so much. Crimminy! I traded the original RB stocks and another Tyler T for the Banana Targets. Somebody liked the orange color tone of the ones that came with the gun. I never have. The set on the gun now is "browner" and I like them better.

I had no idea the short -4s were less common than other engineering versions.

I may just keep the gun. It doesn't eat much. I bought it because it was nifty and had an outstanding reputation as a carry revolver. That hasn't changed.

 

[GerSan69]

It all depends on what you value it.
Not $-wise. The "I'll hate myself in the morning for selling it" value.
3" stainless K-frames are in high demand right now, as reflected in the prices and the scarcity. I have two, a 64 and a 65. They'll be available from my widow!
Do what you want, but IMO friendship stops right before selling a 3"!

 

[Igiveup]

My daily carry for last two years is 65-3 3 inch. Bought it from forum member for $800, most I ever paid for a smith, happy to have it for that price.

 

[Moo Moo]

I'd hate you to sell it at "mates rates", and then he turn around and on-sells it 6 months later when he's bored of it and receives its true value. Again, the level of friendship is the determining factor.

 

[Dwaine]

I wouldn't take $1K for mine....I know feds used to carry them. Mine is a 65-5..