I'm not a collector but I'm interested in buying an early spur trigger 38 S&W. I gather that the Baby Russians are more valuable that their successors but what are the differences other than the longer rib under the barrel? Is the successor correctly called the Model 2, 2nd issue? The Russians I see on GB are usually pretty shabby. I'd prefer a good condition blue or refinished nickel over the flaking nickel examples on GB. I know refinishing significantly lowers the value but as long as I don't overpay to begin with, I really don't mind the lack of originality. Where should I be looking? I've never seen one in the local gun shows in this area.

When I read Model 2, I only think of the 32 rimfire tip up revolvers of the Civil War era. The Baby Russian is a 38 Single Action 1st Model. The successor is a 38 Single Action, 2nd Model.

The standard auction sites like Gunbroker, GunsAmerica, GunsInternational, Armsbid, etc. are some available. Also, online auctions like Rock Island, James Julia, Carol Watson, and many more are options as well. It just takes time to find these old spur trigger guns, since I have a feeling that lots of them were worn out, scavenged for parts, lost, and sent abroad. There were just over 100,000 made in both models and my guess is that there are maybe 15,000 or less left in working order today.

Forgot one of your questions - You are correct that the extractor system was redone. The 2nd Model revolvers have less parts and should be more reliable. Other small internal changes were made as well.

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

Since I don't care about the rarity, it seems a 2nd model would probably be a better choice for me.

What would be a good price on a 95% (or refinished) second model?

When you get into high condition top-breaks, prices go up quickly. A 90%+ might go for $500, while a 95% could sell for $700. Anything higher would put the price tag at $1000.

A refinished gun is basically valued as a Very Good condition original, even if it is perfectly done. There is little collector interest, so the demand is lower. I would only guess that you could find a refinished one for maybe $400 if you can find one that fits you needs.

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

I'm not a big fan of nickel guns. What percentage of the production was in blue? Anybody have one they'd like to sell?

Well, my two Baby Russians would not make you happy...



The one with the remaining nickel is SN 908, and I got it from Texas. The other with the longer barrel came from Maine...both were made in 1876, and both are very good mechanically.

MOST smaller pocket handguns of that era were nickel plated because they were far more rust resistant than blued guns.

Really pristine guns hold little interest for me...I like something that shows it was used, as these certainly do.

Check Collector's Firearms in Texas (google it) or look in the ads here, but bring your wallet if you want like-new condition firearms that are nearly 140 years old...

__________________
Liberals made the USA

Just to let you know, expect to pay up to double the value of any old S&W at Collector's Firearms. I have probably visited the store a few dozen times over the years and have found NO bargains, as already stated. Well, I do take that back - once in a great while, they get the ID wrong and under-value it. Collector's Firearms is, however, a wonderful living museum and certainly worth a visit anytime anyone is in Houston, but it will take lots of money to purchase any collectible S&W.

Stick with the online auctons and get into watching the big gun auction houses, since they often have a 38 SA or two up for sale.

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

I agree about their prices, but they do seem to have quite a few older guns in fine condition if that is what you must have...but as I said, bring your wallet.

__________________
Liberals made the USA