Safety Hammerless test and price check

Mzuri · #1 06-21-2018, 09:46 PM

I found a nice 32 cal., nickel, safety hammerless at a local pawnshop today. It looks virtually pristine except for a chip on the bottom of one of the stocks. However, the grip safety barely moves when you grip it and when I dry fire it the cylinder rotates and I can hear the hammer fall, but I don't see the firing pin protrude at all.

I don't know how the safety works so it's hard to tell if it is working properly. I am considering dry firing it with piece of tape over the firing pin bushing to see if is punctured by the pin. Any other thoughts?

He is asking $615, which means that he would probably take $550. What is a reasonable price for one that is functional?

glowe · #2 06-21-2018, 10:06 PM

Do not walk away - - run away as fast as you can. That is a heavily buffed gun with no nickel left and that is a very big chip on the left stock by my definition. Markings on the barrel are blurred and the screw holes are dimpled. Case coloring on the trigger is also buffed away. That is but a few telltale signs of a really bad job of I do not know what?? $75 to $100 would be tops.

Mzuri · #3 06-21-2018, 10:12 PM

Refinished you think?

cgt4570 · #4 06-21-2018, 10:21 PM

Wow! As stated above, that gun has been polished almost into oblivion! Before you fork over several bills for a vintage or antique Smith, you need to learn the signs of an original, factory refinish or car bumper shop refinish. I agree the value is around a hundred bucks or less. It was common for the firing pin tip to break off from excessive dry firing or misuse (I was able to score a great deal on one in near-new condition one a few years back because of this, and I had a spare firing pin in my stash!). If the firing pin tip is broken off, good luck finding a replacement, although the original can be fixed with a piece of drill rod. If the grips weren't broken they would be worth at least $50.
This gun has ZERO collector value. If it was given to me for free, I would trade it at the first opportunity.

KEN L · #5 06-22-2018, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mzuri

Refinished you think?

Nope, don't think so, know so. All signs point to that. That's a $150 gun all day long, if one could find a buyer for it.

Aren't you glad you asked here first?

Mzuri · #6 06-22-2018, 07:56 AM

Thanks. Glad I asked.

glowe · #7 06-22-2018, 09:26 AM

I did not have access to my photos last night, but wanted to follow up by showing you what that revolver should look like in better original condition. Also, I was able to zoom in on your second image and believe I see a side barrel address stamp. That makes it a "Bicycle Gun", with a 2" barrel it is quite scarce, but condition is still the most important thing with that Safety.

Take a look at the differences in both finish and appearance. The nickel Safeties had blued top latch and trigger guard, while also having a case hardened trigger. The quality of workmanship was flawless back in the day at the S&W factory with almost invisible seam around the sideplates, sharp stampings, screws perfectly set, pins rounded and protruding from frame, etc. Also a fine finish S&W will have sharp checkering on the stocks. Take a look at a 3" below and compare with what you saw. It may help you with future shopping for these little gems.

As for the safety bar, it sounds like it was working well and it does not take much pressure to release the safe feature. Also, if you try to pull the trigger without grasping the butt-frame, the gun should not shoot. The firing pin is separate from the hammer and does not show above the face of the recoil shield. A strong light will let you see it in the hole.

Even though it appears to be a Bicycle Gun, condition trumps rarity here and the gun has zero collector appeal. Demand for such a gun is very low and few people would be interested in it for a collection or a carry gun. I put in a picture of a blued 2" that I paid less than $500 for a few years ago. It was in great condition and might be worth $650 today, about the price the shop has on the example you show.

Don't give up, just do some online research about any gun you are interested in to find images and descriptions that will help you make a good transaction in the future. Good luck.

cgt4570 · #8 06-22-2018, 11:26 AM

Another way to test the firing pins in these is to open the action, put your finger over the firing pin hole, and squeeze the trigger. If it doesn't sting the tip of your finger just a bit, then the firing pin tip is missing. Don't worry. It won't leave a mark or bring tears to your eyes. It feels more like a static shock.

gmborkovic · #9 06-22-2018, 12:44 PM

to OP, man am I glad you stopped in for this chat. It was "nice" at one point in time. A long time ago. I see no value here at all , other than some parts. Pls check in here before you leave your money for a gun.
There is no rush. Be patient.