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04-22-2014, 06:47 PM
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S&W Single Action Top Break 38 Price Check
OK everyone I missed out on a nice 38 top break a couple of months ago and need to know what should a S&W Single Action Top Break (Nickel Plated) in 38 cal go for? It is in really really good condition. The seller on GB sent me some additional pictures and the bore is great condition and mechanically it is perfect. Here is the description: "Nickel finish with 3 1/4" barrel. All matching numbers. Timing and lockup is excellent. Finish is 75%. Bore is VG to VVG. Extractor is in excellent condition. Top Latch is in excellent condition. 1877-1891 MFG Date. Grips are replacements but excellent fit and finish". Hurry, this one won't last long. So what is the bid range for this model and what is a top end when I should call it quits? I really want one for my collection. I hate loving this stuff, holding history is cool.
Last edited by pingeorge; 04-22-2014 at 07:04 PM.
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04-22-2014, 08:05 PM
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I believe you are referring to a .38 Single Action Second Model because of the manufacturing dates: 1877-1891. I'm challenged at pricing but since over 100,000 were manufactured, I wouldn't break a sweat for a 75% revolver with replacement grips and the most common barrel length. I dearly love the old top breaks but there are better examples out there.
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Mike Maher #283
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04-22-2014, 10:06 PM
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Great input, but if I can get it at a good price $235 should I go for it? The additional pics he sent me showed very little use and great mech. So for the current price do you think it is a good bet? He says he has the original grips if I want them. The only thing wrong is there is a chip out of the lower rt panel. I really can't find any others at this time for a decent price, so if you know some other places to look please list I would greatly appreciate the input.
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04-22-2014, 10:57 PM
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At that price and the original grips I think you'd be OK. A fellow by the name of Don Furr (Costa Mesa, CA?) can repair the grip. Serial numbers would then all match; which is important to collectors. Keep in mind that, if one buys for investment purposes, condition is everything. There are several auction sites that often have them. RIA (Rock Island Auctions), Amoskeg and Julia come to mind.
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Mike Maher #283
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04-22-2014, 11:36 PM
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If it's truly a 75% gun, with a broken grip, I think about $200 would be max for it. It will cost about $50-$75 for Don Furr to repair the grips ( however he will do a masterful job that you can never tell were repaired ) . That's a very common model, and $250 range should buy you a nicer example with original grips intact. Good Luck. Ed.
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04-23-2014, 05:50 PM
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Thanks guys you are the best reference I can think of. You are all a great wealth of knowledge.
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04-23-2014, 08:50 PM
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I hesitate to answer but I think there is something squirrely about the finish. Is it my monitor? It is the finish on the frame that makes me wary. In some pixs it looks good and others it looks re-plated. Is it the lighting? Overall, it looks nice except for the replaced grips; they don't quite fit correctly.
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Mike Maher #283
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04-24-2014, 12:01 AM
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Mike, I think it's the fact that who ever took the pictures used a flash and there's a lot of reflective light bounce. I don't see any evidence of a refinish, pins & screw are still correctly rounded, side plate is a tight fit, etc. The grips are from a later model, probably a .32 DA or Safety - far from the "excellent" fit the seller claims! Ed.
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04-24-2014, 09:57 AM
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I don't believe it is refinished either, but possibly a little "over-aggressive" cleaning and the freckling and a little wear through the nickle in a couple of spots. I think that gun's bid is at the top of what it is worth now.
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