Help me! Pleasant quandry

[Pisgah]

I find myself in a pleasant quandry, and it is such that I am not sure whether to post in this section or the semiauto section, as it involves both a fine revolver and a flat gun. Forgive me if I put it here, and ask your opinions.

A friend called me today. An acquaintance of his has two S&Ws for sale, and my buddy is stone broke at this time or he would buy both. He has passed the opportunity along to me. I am not as broke as he, but my budget will allow only one purchase right now.

Here are my choices. Number 1 is a perfectly pristine 1948-production pre-Model 10, 5" barrel. I can see absolutely no sign that it has ever been fired. Folks, few leave the factory as perfect as this one, and to find one 63 years old in this condition is all but unheard-of.

Number 2 is likewise flawless, though! It is an early-serial number Model 39-2 without a single scratch, ding, rub or smudge anywhere on it. We all know there's never been a purtier semiauto built. It comes with 2 mags, but neither it nor the roundgun has a box, papers, etc.

Now, the hard part. The asking price is $450 each, but the owner has indicated that $400 cash will get either one, and he is holding both for me until tomorrow, at which time he is moving on and shopping for other buyers. I have no doubt both will be gone before Monday.

I am an accumulator and a shooter, not a collector, so either one of these will get shot aplenty if I get it, although it will be lovingly cared-for.

Put yourselves in my shoes, and tell me -- what would you choose, and why? I know, I know, buy both! But unfortunately, only one is in the cards right now.

[Maximumbob54]

M&P in 5 inch. I would be all over it. But that's me. Maybe you should do a poll on this.

[OK Hog Shooter]

Take the flat gun and I'll give $450 for the pre-M10... Seriously, though, that is a real enigma. I've developed a real love for the wheel guns as of late and think I'd go with the pre-M10, if nothing else just for the esthetics. Good luck with your decision.

[Broker50]

JMO. To me, they're both a little over-priced, being just the guns, no box or documents. That said, I would much rather pay $400.00 for the model 39. I've never been a fan of fixed sight K-frame's. I didn't buy them forty years ago when they could be had new for $75.00. IMO, good condition 39's are a lot harder to find than revolvers, & gonna' get even harder to find. Just my two cents, I know many here like the M & P's (model 10), but I'm not one of 'em, now Combat Masterpiece is a different matter.

[Pisgah]

Well, as far as price goes, they are pretty well-priced for this market. When I see these models in shops around here -- and mind you, I NEVER see them in this fine a condition -- asking price is generally in the $480 range for either one, and hard bargaining might get one or the other down to four and a quarter. Either one in mechanically nice but cosmetically-challenged shape will be at an asking price of 400, and probably come home for 350 or so. And I will repeat -- both of these are like factory-fresh.

Oh, what to do? What to do?...

[DCWilson]

Is the Pre-10 a short action revolver with a C prefix? Or is it a long-action revolver (serial number probably below S990000)? You could get both in the course of 1948.

I think I would go for the long-action revolver in a heartbeat. I don't feel the same magic in the short action M&Ps. (That's just me; I know they are fine guns.) I don't have any S&W semi-autos and might consider the 39 as a get-acquainted piece.

[bigmoose]

Get the 39...they look great, feel great and point naturally. The second mag is a bonus. You will love shooting it.

[Chasing Crow]

M&P if it were me. I have a 1932. They don't come better than that. A piece of history.

[H Richard]

I'd get the 39-2 as I don't have one and I do have a pre mod 10, although not in like new condition. Ask your self, are you going to shoot it? If it was mine it would be shot, therefore it won't make ay difference which one I got. I have lots of revolvers, and few S&W auto's.

[wewaslim]

Pre 10 5", no question.

[Joni_Lynn]

Wow, tough choice.
I'd get the revolver first.
Just think how much fun it will be to shoot a lot, a whole lot and not have to bend over and pick up brass.

[Buford57]

If you are going to shoot them, get the 39-2. It is the finest carry auto ever made. How many million M&Ps were made?

I'm fond of K-frames, but 39s are in a class by themselves. I'm not in a buying mode right now, but I checked your location before deciding whether to give you my honest opinion or tell you to grab the M&P and give me the seller's contact info.

[moosedog]

If it was me, I'd rob the corner gas station and buy both.

[Pisgah]

Originally Posted by moosedog

If it was me, I'd rob the corner gas station and buy both.

Now you're talking! :-)

I'm seriously considering shifting a few priorities and getting both -- but even if I stay sane and just get one, I don't really think I can go wrong.

[moosedog]

Actually, as you have described them, the pre 10 or M&P just may be a transitional model.
The 39-2 is a good deal, but the M&P is a better deal for the same money.

[monet61]

I'd get the 39. Plenty of the others around, but a pristine 39 is pretty rare. Here's my old friend after a trip to Cylinder and Slide.

[TIMETRIPPER]

The 39-2. Don't see as many up for sale and that price seems to be a better bargain than for the pre-model 10, at least in these parts. But it is a tough choice to make! We all should be in that position!
John

[charlie sherrill]

Go to a title loan company, borrow money against your ride, and buy both. If you miss a note make sure your car is hidden well.

[OLDFED]

What did you do?