Where do y'all stand on this revolver/semi-auto trade? (UPDATE)

[Mark IV]

On one hand, we have a S&W Model 66 .357 4" stainless revolver, in what I'd call "good" condition externally,with some mild but noticable surface abrasions and dings, but very tight mechanically. Flame cutting is fairly minimal, cyclinder lock is very good, forcing cone is fine.
It's a "no-dash" model, the serial# dates it about a '76. It came with a worn set of Pachmayrs but now has a set of nicer walnut target grips (S&W, Heritt, I forget). It may have been an old duty gun, as it has 3 numbers stamped under the factory number under the cylinder arm (or whatever that piece is called. Crane? Yoke?)
On the other hand, we have a gen3 S&W Model 4506 semi-auto .45, in very nice, low-miles condition, and two factory mags. The pistol fires accurately and reliably. The story goes that it was sold by the widow of an old FBI guy, but that's unverifiable (and probably not very relevant).
Neither pistol have a factory box.
I wanted to post this in the revolver sub-forum, but I find revolver fans tend to be much more rabidly devoted to them, and figured I'd probably get a (slightly) more rational,less dogmatic response here in the ''semi-auto" sub-forum.
I'm personally a fan of both revolvers and semi-autos, and have samples of each, including gen3 Smith semi-autos, and older Smith revolvers, so this isn't critical, it's more of a whimsical toy-juggling endeavor (which I'm sure everyone can relate to.)
Any advice, insight, warnings, observations, critiques, opinions, relevant commentary or anecdotes, wit and wisdom, are much appreciated !!

 

[RaginRog]

I'd keep the no dash 66 all day long. I'm not a fan of gen 3 SW semis.

 

[4506517]

I'd go for the 4506, but that's just me.

Remember.........it has a magazine safety.

On second thought, maybe the 66 is a better choice for you.

 

[44wheelman]

I'm thinking close to equal value, and preference would be purpose dependent.

 

[Arik]

Value about same with the 4506 probably being a bit higher because of condition. I favor semi autos over revolvers so I'd keep the 4506 or trade for the 4506

 

[g8rb8]

I am more interested in revolvers and follow them and the market for them closer than older S&W center fire semi-autos so take what I say with a grain of salt.

I basically agree with 44 wheelman that the value for a 66 no dash and a 4506 in comparable condition are somewhere close to equal. A quick look at Gun Broker for closed auctions that actually resulted in a sale look like 4506's sell for about what model 66's go for in general. Based on your description the 4506 sounds like it's in a little better condition than the 66 (?). If the 66 has superficial scratches in the surface they are easily remedied with Scotch Brite pads and there are a number of posts on this forum how to do it.

 

[timn8er]

Any chance to own a 4506 should be taken advantage of. I like wheel guns & semi autos too, but I prefer semi's. I guess you've owned or own glocks since you call the S&W 3rdGen a gen 3?

My 4506 is probably the most accurate pistol I own, & constantly makes even me look good at the range. I don't ever plan to sell or trade it.

 

[deanodog]

For me personally I would prefer the 4506. 66s would be easier to find in my area. Both or ideal guns to own. You could not go wrong with either.

 

[loeman]

I don't own a Md 66, but I want one. However, I'd either keep or trade for the 4506. I have numerous other revolvers that fill Md 66 niche. However, nothing that I can think of could replace my 4506 except another one and they are becoming too darned hard to find in decent condition. I vote 4506.

 

[gunhobbit]

For me personally I would prefer the 4506. 66s would be easier to find in my area. Both or ideal guns to own. You could not go wrong with either.

This. Either one would be fine.

 

[gmiller0737]

I don't Like Trading at all but in This Case I would rather have the 4506

 

[BAM-BAM]

Is there a purpose for a new gun?

Concealed Carry? the 66

Range/home defense .... the 4506

Collecting ..... the 66 if it has a stainless rear sight.

Need a tank that will last 2 lifetimes .... the 4506

Like to shoot 125gr. .357 magnums... all day long..... the 4506

don't currently own a 4" K-frame .357...... the 66

Cooool factor..... want to own.......,........................................... your call.

Me ...... try to buy them both!!!!!!!

 

[Mark IV]

Many thanks to all for the replies. I intentionally omitted which gun I own, and which gun I didn't , thinking that I might get more objective answers, hopefully avoiding stuff like, "dude, you'd be CRAZY to let that thing go!!"
But, to come clean, I own the M66, and a good,old buddy owns the 4506. And, we don't even have a trade in the works yet, but he had recently floated it out there as a possibility in another trade we did not long ago, and I know he digs old Smith .357's and doesn't currently have one, and I think there's a good chance he'd be up for it.
But, I wanted to hear some pro/con points and arguments before suggesting the trade to my buddy.
To address BAM-BAM's questions: No, unfortunately it doesn't have the stainless rear sight, it's the black one.
No, neither of these would be EDC's, just range or HD toys.
And this trade would not leave me with without any .357's, or any K frames, or any other S&W revolvers, so it wouldn't leave a "hole" in my collection, so to speak.
And, I do own other semi-autos, including gen3 Smiths, so the 4506 wouldn't really represent a very unique addition to the collection, it's just that it's a cool gun.
And to be perfectly honest, something tweeked in my head when I read the other day that Vic Mackey of "The Shield" carried a 4506 !!!!
OK,there, I said it. (hey, at least I'm not one of those gomers that bought a Bren 10 because Crocket from Miami Vice carried one,LOL!!!!)

 

[flagman1776]

I cut my teeth on S&W semi-autos and am very fond... but when I went to work for the PD, a revolver was required. Your 66-0 is something to hold on to. I'd trade something else or buy with cash. Guns I bought back in the day... are worth far more now then anything else I've bought in that era. Buy & keep the best quality & you can. They're still printing money, they are not making anymore classic Smiths. The ones I parted with, I now deeply regret.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Sooooooo..... what does your gut tell you......... which do you "want"?

By the way your gut will change it's mind ...................... once the deal is done............................................ and guns are gone and received.......

there is no right answer....... just a lot of second guessing and maybe regret......


good luck.........

 

[18DAI]

I would place the value on the two guns at about even. I am a big fan of the 4506 guns.

I would keep that 66 no dash. It will not be easy to replace. The right 4506 will probably come along down the road.

Were I forced to have only a single gun, be it by sorry circumstances or the collapse of civilization or what have you, it would be a 4 inch barrel pre lock model 66. The perfect do everything well gun. My 0.02 Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI

 

[paragain]

Keep the 66!

 

[Sevens]

As much as I dearly love the feel of a K-frame in my hands, and I have a bunch of 'em... I also love .357 Magnum but I do -NOT- enjoy .357 Mag from a K-frame. Really feel like sure, I always have the option but I will never enjoy it.

So my K-frames just eat a metric ton of .38 Special. My 19 and 66 simply don't get much exercise over my 10 and 64.

I would choose the 4506...
But if it were about "value" and ability to sell now or down the road, pre-lock and P&R K-Frame magnum simply has a much larger fanbase.

It is a solid trade if both parties are happy but at this point, I would rather have a clean 4506.

 

[Seraphim]

I've had both (a similar model to the 66 - not the same) and never liked the 4506. The barrel bushing came off during a qualification shoot, and the rear sight drifted. The .357 was better a more nartural shooter, and I think will value better over time.
IMO.

Personally, I'd go for the 66...

 

[gwpercle]

I am not Rabid....I got my vaccination along with the dog at the veterinarians' office, got my tag to prove it!
Not irrational either, don't like bending over and chasing fired brass all the range...see that's a totally rational reason to shoot revolvers.
If you don't have a good 357 magnum , get one.
If you don't have a 45 , get one.
If you have one of each already then get the gun that speaks to you , tells you things like "you need me, you want me, I want to come home with you ".
Gary