Hello S&W experts.

I found a M&P .38 SPL 1905 4th change at a local gun shop today. 6 inch barrel, original looking service stocks with no cracks or really objectionable damage, around 80% finish with some bright "splotches" on the frame, tiny freckles and the usual bluing loss on the cylinder and muzzle. Fairly deep turn line, but the gun has no end shake at lock and just a little side-play. Bore and cylinder look good, but hadn't been cleaned by the shop after they test fired it. Screw heads are all in nice condition and may have never been removed. About 50% blue still on ejector shaft.

Serial number 5170XX- which I guess would be late 1930's?

The shop owner is on vacation-so I can't haggle on price until Monday- So is $499 within reason? There are never any Smiths that old for me to look at around here!

Unless there is a very special provenance, thats pretty pricey for 80% and freckles. You can do much better.

__________________
Pace

It sounds more like a $250 shooter to me.

Go on Gunbroker, usually plenty of old guns on there

+1...............

__________________
Dick

Quote:
Originally Posted by OFT II View Post
It sounds more like a $250 shooter to me.
+1...............

You guys are vindicating my initial reaction to the price tag.Thought it was 40-50% high for a shooter. The sales dude (he has no gun knowledge) said he could set it back until the two gun guys came back- I replied "I'm not too worried that someone will walk in and pay $499 for that gun. If I'm interested, I'll call and talk to the owner next week."

Needless to say-I won't be calling.

It is a shame-this store used to have fair prices on used, now everything is set really high. They have a 28-2 in about 85% with some serious evidence of heavy duty magnum shooting, no box etc. for $699 which is totally nuts.

Thank you all for the replies. I will keep on looking for a pre war M&P.

You are right on the 28-2. I saw a 95%+ 4" one at a show last weekend for a pre-dicker price of $599.