Quote:
Originally Posted by tdennis
Having recently sold a rifle and with the money burning my hand I am interested in buying another antique S&W's, hopefully another Model 3. Here is my question, are the values shown in the "Standard Catalog of S&W 4th Edition" a pretty good guide of the average PAID prices for Model 3's?
I would love to own a 2nd Model SA in 44S&W American but the ones I have seen for sale seem to be listed for more than the Standard Catalog shows.
tdennis
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Like anything else, sometimes the interests run hot and cold. SCS&W4 seems to be low on these and many other models, too, while the Blue Book is sometimes just as often off base or higher.
Best to research compatible quality recent sales and even then you won't know for sure but you'll have a better idea.
I place mechanical condition on the top of the list as a close tie with overall percentage quality.
When you find a honest, really nice one, it's going to cost you a bit more than others you have no idea what shape they were really in when sold.
When you find one in the upper original condition percentages, it will cost dearly.
About a year ago I picked up a 1st model American 6" barrel SN 17xx. It was so nice that I couldn't believe it. I traveled 400 miles, round trip, to examine it after the owner / gun shop who had the consignment agreed to allow me to dismantle it. There's a leap of faith for you. Because of a part-time salesman in the shop who knew me, put in the word to the owner to allow me to examine and dismantle it. Thank you AL !
As it had already garnered a few bids on Gunbroker so I had to bid on it just like anyone else. it went high, in fact very high and it was still one of the best bargains I ever made.
Col. Pate blessed it after examining my photos and notes. That's good enough for me. This one has changed previous observations of the vent hole being eliminated somewhere around SN 1505. This one is 200 (appx) numbers higher, with the vent hole, has all matching assembly marks and serial numbers. 1505 and mine were manufactured within 1 month of each other.
As 6" barrel was a special order it was explained ... Why would S&W make another 6" barrel without a vent hole when they already had a few in stock made a month ( or more ) prior that had a vent hole ? NOTE: the vent hole was found to be completely useless for the issue S&W was having with the extractor. S&W felt the extractor housing was getting "air bound" thus the vent hole was engineered in to to the first issue to alleviate the problem. It was later found that "air" had nothing to do with the problem thus the vent hole was unnecessary so no longer added to the barrel.
I have a few the American 2nd in various conditions. Feel free to contact me via email for further advice, if needed.
Standard Catalog of S&W 4th Edition
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