Demand for prelock S&Ws

dogdoc · #1 09-30-2013, 11:54 AM

I have not purchased a Smith revolver in the last 4 or 5 years and was wondering if demand was still high for prelock revolvers? I suspect it is but I have been out of the game a few years and was really in the game pre- recession. I have several 60s,70s, and 80s gun I may sell. I may try some on this forum. I have been a member since 2003 but have never sold any on this forum. I notice new smith revolvers are really high. Do they generally bring as much as new ones if excellent?

H Richard · #2 09-30-2013, 12:29 PM

It all depends. Most "used" S&W revolvers do not bring as much as new "retail" prices. Some older pre-lock guns are more scarce than others, and may command a premium. Some guns are just not popular and do not command any premium. Condition is a big factor, and any "collectable" specimen will bring less and less as the % of original finish disappears. You should consult a good pricing book, such as the Standard Catalog of Firearms, or the Blue Book. Review the pictures of the conditions represented, then look up the actual model and apply the condition column. Keep in mind these books are only a guide and different parts of the country the prices may vary also. If you have a couple of particular S&W you want to get an est. value on, look here: To IDENTIFY your Gun > this is a guide to identify and value and what will help us do it.

BJoe · #3 09-30-2013, 07:37 PM

Gun prices on G-broker that sell are amazing. They get higher daily.

chief38 · #4 09-30-2013, 09:15 PM

There are ridiculously priced guns on GB however a huge number of them are NOT sold at the end of the auctions. I think people are just placing guns on there and hoping that some sucker bites at their insane priced wares.

mbliss57 · #5 09-30-2013, 09:33 PM

Many GB sales bring the best $ but you also have to pay to advertise and a selling fee.
Good collectable guns sell very well at "good" prices on this forum. By good I mean fair market value. Most on this forum who buy seem pretty aware of the going market rates.
Really rare/ high dollar examples seem to get sold behind the scenes...IMO.
I will say I have had nothing but good experiences buying and selling here and on auction sites. But my favorite sale is the FTF when relationships are forged as part of the sale. These often lead to a "heads up" when something you want to sell or buy comes along.

Mike