Value of a Triple Lock 44 Special?

992B · #1 07-12-2012, 04:50 PM

Today I handled and shot a 5" Triple Lock. Serial number is 18xx and it appears to have the original non medallion grips that are concave at the top. There is absolutely no finish on the old girl and some slight pitting on the barrel. All lettering is legible. The action is smooth as glass but there is a little slop in the cylinder. I suppose a cylinder stop repair/replacement would take care of that. Endshake appears to be within acceptable limits.

This is owned by a friend of mine and he wants me to buy it. He told me to set the price!! I want to be more than fair with him as he has sold me a couple items and when I told him they were too cheap, his response was that was the price he set and no argument. What should I offer on the high side and still be within reason? Thanks, Gary

beagleye · #2 07-12-2012, 07:37 PM

The aren't cheap. I am not an expert but I recently set a TL loose on GB with no finish, mild pitting, rough bore, very accurate, all describe thoroughly, modified from .455 to 45 acp, so hopefully you get the impression that this was a pretty beat up gun. Bidding went up to $775.

I wanted to add that the buyer was very satisfied with the gun, gave very positive feedback so the price was inline with his expectations at least.

Here's a pic:

DCWilson · #3 07-12-2012, 08:47 PM

I would agree that a serviceable TL with very little original finish left would be a $700-800 gun in its most common configuration -- with a 6.5" barrel. But I believe the five inch barrels are less common and perhaps worth a value kick. Up to $900 maybe? Even a thousand? I'm hoping a TL specialist will show up with some thoughts about this, because I would like to learn too.

A couple of years ago I bought two target TL's at close to a thousand apiece, but both were old reblues (1920s) with a lot of their renewed surfaces remaining. I'm not sure they are a good comparison for the gun you are describing.

delta-419 · #4 07-13-2012, 08:43 AM

I picked this one up in TN last Christmas from a collector and it came with a Jinks letter. It is a tight, brown gun with a clean bore and chambers and cost OTD was $800.

handejector · #5 07-13-2012, 09:33 AM

How is the bore?
If decent and the gun is an honest old brown TL with early grips, I'd price it at an asking price of $900-1150 if I were selling it. I'm not looking at it, so I can't get closer. Eye appeal counts.

rhmc24 · #6 07-13-2012, 09:55 AM

I have several TLs bought at what I thought was the right number at the time. As you describe it, if it has a good bore, I would offer $800. With EXC bore maybe $1000.

992B · #7 07-13-2012, 10:50 AM

Gentlemen, Thank you for your advice!! The bore is very good and the chambers appear to be good also. It shot well. I'll tell my friend that the 5" is a desirable length and offer him 900. I have no idea of the value he put on it but I know he has had it for 20+ years. I'll post the results after I see him again in a couple weeks. He said he would put it back for me. I should have offered to clean it for him and closely inspect the bore with a light. Thanks, Gary

lowhog · #8 07-14-2012, 07:47 AM

Hi,You can add a hefty premium for a five inch barrel lengh.I sold a factory refinished tl five inch for 1,500.00.

JSR III · #9 07-14-2012, 08:21 AM

The answer to questions like yours are very difficult. A gun transferred between friends and a gun found on an online auction site or at a regular auction can vary greatly pricewise. Auction prices tend to be higher due to the bidding frenzy. The internet has driven prices through the roof.

Many times prices can escalate based on the buyers "need" to own the piece as well. Many buyers have a "want to have" price and a "need to have" price. If one is filling a hole in a life long collection and this gun is the last piece needed, then the price can be affected upward by that desire.

Many of these old workhorses that were purchased 50 years ago for $100 can be had for much less in a private sale as there is no bidding frenzy and a seller that doubles, triples or even quadruples his purchase price may be very happy.

Many times a friend or workmate is just looking to see the piece go to someone that he/she knows and feels that it will be in good hands and appreciated.

All that said, I would explain what the market range is for the gun and let the seller decide what he wants for it. IMHO there is nothing wrong with accepting a "friend discount".