Did I give up too good of a deal?

B

branrot

New member
I bought my NIB circa 1985 S&W 686 with 4 inch barrel and wood grips off one of the gun auction websites for 370 plus shipping. I couldn't be happier with the gun or the deal.

Then I see a NIB S&W 66 with 4 inch barrel and wood grips (probably made around the same time because it obviously had the hammer mounted firing pin) on another website for around 300 (though reserve wasn't met) with a buy it now price of 399 plus shipping (though shipping was like 30 bucks because the guy would only use overnight for some reason). I thought this would be a perfect baby brother to the 686. I bid 300 or 350, but lost when some guy used the buy it now. Granted the guy had no feedback, and granted I have no "need" for another revolver, but did I give up too good of a deal?
 
Greeting's branrot,

Seems to me like the "buy it now" price of $399 + S/H, is
kind'a steep; at least in my neck of the woods. If the gun
were totally 100%, I think an offer of around $350 would
be topp's in my book.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
What site?

I thought on Gunbroker and Auction Arms the buy it now price was no good once bidding started. What if the bidding was $390, would the next nine dollar bid get the item?

Regards
 
The "buy it now" prices usually seem a little steep to me. I think they are set high to appeal to the impulse buyer and those that must have the gun and are willing to pay a little more. Maybe I am wrong?
 
Used guns are like buses and girls. If you miss one there will be another coming around in 20 minutes. This should not a hard gun to find for sale.
 
Here, I went and found you a couple. None have reserves. I bet if you shop around you can get one in the $300 range.

AuctionArms currently at $265 2866203

AuctionArms currently at $295 with no bids 2891661

AuctionArms currently at $355 with no bids 2892702

GunBroker currently at $375 with no bids 4410165

GunBroker currently at $375 with no bids 4397908
 
Good-looking Model 66. However, it has a pinned barrel and (looking at the frame lug) a recessed cylinder. These features were eliminated from K-frames about the time L-frames were first produced. So, as I see it, this particular 66 isn't really the same vintage as a 686. In sum, a later production 66 might be more apt as a baby brother. Seeing it this way, nothing has been lost. :)
 
Assuming that this gun was made after they corrected the problem with the gas ring expanding and tying up the gun when it got hot enough from firing Magnum loads, it should do fine by you. In the late 1980's, S&W enhanced the heat treatment and perhaps did more to add endurance to K-frame Magnums, but guns made before this time hold up well if not abused by being hot-rodded a lot with 125 grain .357's, especially in double-action firing.

With the M686 for most of your Magnum firing and the M66 for when you want a slightly handier gun, you're well fixed. Just add a snub .38 for concealment, and you have a pretty sound basic handgun battery! Congratulations. By the way, I saw a nice M66 for $299 at a gun show a couple of weeks ago, but had the feeling that it had been shot quite a bit, although nothing was loose.

Lone Star
 
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