Trade Opinions

[choov]

Back in the late 90's I picked up a S&W 696 as an impulse buy. I'm more of a .44 mag fan and after putting a box of 50 through it after purchas the gun has been packed away since except to be cleaned. I finally decided it's time to trade it towards some other handguns I've been wanting. Stopped by my LGS yesterday and was offered $450 for it based on what he said was book value range. Needless to say my 696 came home with me Now I've seen the 696 for sale on a number of web sites listed at and over $1000 but was wondering what your thoughts were with respect to fair market value. Thanks for any thoughts.

[Cuda66]

You'll always make less trading it; remember, the dealer needs to be able to resell it at a profit for him.

I'd say try to get $700 for it. $1000 seems like a bit of a pipe dream.

[Keltyke]

Originally Posted by Cuda66

You'll always make less trading it; remember, the dealer needs to be able to resell it at a profit for him.

I'd say try to get $700 for it. $1000 seems like a bit of a pipe dream.

^^^^^ What he said. Sell it privately. A dealer will give you 50%-75% of what it's worth retail, cause he's gonna make sure he makes a profit on it.

Yea, $650-$700 sounds good to me if it's in the condition you say it is.

[scooter123]

Actually, dealers normally offer about 40% of the retail value. That is in line with a retail market value of a bit over 1000 dollars and this is the actual market value that I've seen for the 696.

Some may not agree with this valuation but the 696 is actually a very rare bird in the S&W lineup and likely a future collectable if S&W doesn't decide to release another run of them. As for why the value is so high, it's a concealable 44 special based on the S&W L frame. End result is you get a larger caliber bullet in a loading that is noteable for a rather mild recoil. Basically, it's a man stopper that shoots a bit like a powder puff.

If you are in a hurry to sell your 696 asking for 750 dollars will result in a very quick sale. If your not in a hurry I'd ask for 1000 dollars and wait for someone to meet my asking price.

[Nebraska12]

Originally Posted by scooter123

Actually, dealers normally offer about 40% of the retail value. That is in line with a retail market value of a bit over 1000 dollars and this is the actual market value that I've seen for the 696.

Some may not agree with this valuation but the 696 is actually a very rare bird in the S&W lineup and likely a future collectable if S&W doesn't decide to release another run of them. As for why the value is so high, it's a concealable 44 special based on the S&W L frame. End result is you get a larger caliber bullet in a loading that is noteable for a rather mild recoil. Basically, it's a man stopper that shoots a bit like a powder puff.

If you are in a hurry to sell your 696 asking for 750 dollars will result in a very quick sale. If your not in a hurry I'd ask for 1000 dollars and wait for someone to meet my asking price.

Agreed. Or, decide what you are willing to trade for and find a potential suitor. It's pretty amazing what people are willing to trade to get what they want.

[Sigman78]

Like these guys have said if you're in a hurry sell it in the low 7s..if you're not, ask for something in the $850+ and even higher if its in excellent to mint grade condition. If its a prelock which Im assuming it is, even better as they are more desireable from the S&W faithfull (me being one of them)..you should be able to easily get a higher dollar amount for it.

If you dont mind post up a pic or 2 of it..Id like to see it.

[diyj98]

Gunbroker shows a few NIB that went in the $800 range. I'd say maybe $700 for a nice one.