quote:

Originally posted by m-1911:

quote:

Originally posted by wheelgun610:

quote:

Originally posted by kylestyle:
Still looking for multiple opinions for value. What is yours wheelgun?

We gotta be careful that this doesn't turn into a "silent auction". Just don't ask for any offers. The administration here sorta frowns on that kinda stuff.

It's easily worth over $1000. Even if the grips don't number to the gun, they're worth $500+ all by themselves - any day of the week.

If the grips do actually number to the gun, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see it go for $1500 or more on one of the auctions sites.

Mark

What something is "worth" and what someone will actually pay are usually two divergent points. I think $1500 is a pretty long stretch. I picked up this 2nd Model, with matching numbered grips, at a gun show here in PA earlier this year and paid $800 for it. Not to kick Kyle's gun, but mine has a lot more condition. I'd still hold at around $1000.

What a gun will bring at a gun show and what it will bring at an online firearms auction site (or even this forum's classified section, for that matter) are usually two divergent points, also.

I think that with a good cleaning, the condition rating of kylestyle's friend's gun will increase. The still vivid case colors on the hammer and trigger, and the condition of the grips, suggests to me a gun that wasn't used much. Combined with the five inch barrel and Magna grips, which are likely correct, I would still say $1300 or higher.

I still believe that the gun has not been refinished.

Right now I'm working on getting these grips off. Not too easy, I would assume they have never been removed.

quote:

Originally posted by kylestyle:
Right now I'm working on getting these grips off. Not too easy, I would assume they have never been removed.

Hello kylestyle,

Be very careful when trying to remove the grips. Make sure you use a correct-fitting screwdriver. You might try to use a Q-tip to put a little WD-40 around each end of the screw, taking care not to get it on the wood.

The grips are likely to be tight on the gun - don't try to pry them off, as there is a good chance that you would cause them to chip.

Take care,

Thanks.

Be VERY careful not to damage the grips trying to remove them. The right one is the only one that is numbered

Kyle,

Once you get the screw 'loose', don't take it out. Tap lightly on the head of the screw with the butt of the screwdriver. That should allow the right side grip to pop off. If that doesn't work, don't force it. Ask for more advice. These guys know their way around these older S&W's.

Mark

We have got a match

Hey guys someone noted that the serrated trigger indicated that it was a model 3? Can anyone comment on that?

quote:

Originally posted by kylestyle:
Hey guys someone noted that the serrated trigger indicated that it was a model 3? Can anyone comment on that?

Hello kylestyle,

That someone is mistaken. Your gun is a 2nd Model .44 Hand Ejector. The earlier models of both the 2nd and 3rd Models had smooth triggers, but the order to equip .44 Hand Ejectors with grooved triggers was made on March 18, 1929 (this is from Smith & Wesson 1857-1945, by Neal and Jinks). As was mentioned, yours likely dates from the late 1930s. Here is a what a 3rd Model .44 Hand Ejector looks like:

(This gun, which shipped in early 1927, has a smooth trigger.)

Take care,

Thank you.