I don't remember that 3" 66s were produced in very high numbers. Based on what comes up for sale on the used market, the 3" 65's seem to have been produced in greater numbers than the 66's.
3" 66s weren't produced in as great a numbers as 2.5", 4" and 6" varieties, and I think you are also right about 3" 65s being more common than 3" 66s.
I've never actually seen a 3" 66 in person. $650-ish seems to be the market value for these guns today. 2.5 inchers routinely sell for $550-$600 where I live as well.
But almost $1100, even with the box and papers? Eek, looking at the bid history, that buyer had a
major itch to scratch and pile of money I suppose. If I were the seller, I'd be laughing all the way to the bank. You can buy a freakin' Colt Python for that kind of money.
I'll admit to slighly overpaying for a 3" Model 13-3 in 98-99% condition with the original box and papers for $450 a few months ago. I too had an itch, but not as severe as the one experienced by the buyer of that 3" 66. But watching gunbroker and reports online, it seems that these guns (3" 13s and 65s) are rapidly increasing in price too.
As I side note, I've always been puzzled why 3" 13s and 65s sell for so much less than 3" 19s and 66s (respectively). The only difference are the fixed sights and no ejector rod shroud on the 13 and 65. Maybe it is because the 3" 13s and 65s are a little more common? That's a relative term though, as I've only seen one 3" K Frame 357 in 3 years in all the shops and gun shows I've been to: the one I bought. I did miss out on a 90% or so example 2 years ago for $275.
Over the last six months I have been thinking more and more that the pre-97 guns are going to go the rout of the Colt snake guns (price wise) Those older Smiths, especially the pinned and recessed ones in Excellent grade or better will be a diminishing population as the consumer desire for them grows-
I believe you are correct. I've seen a few model 27s and 29s starting to kiss the 4 figure mark now.
3" NIB. That's why I own a 3" Taurus 66. Hey, I got a great carry for 180 bucks. I wanted a 3" gun and I'm not a billionaire.
I'd pay $180 in a hearbeat for such a gun, and I'd still buy it for as much as $300 today. Funny thing, used Taurus 66s
always have asking prices
higher than new ones in my area (same can be said for Ruger Single Sixes). In fact, used Taurus 66s are priced about the same as S&W 66s.
I guess people in my area are buying them for these prices. Yes, I actually saw someone pay $450 for a beat-to-crap Taurus 66 4" not long ago at a gunshow
. I saw a 2.5" Taurus 66 (blued) that was in great condition at the same show, but it was priced at $425, IIRC. This was a little over 1 year ago.
