I'm looking at a registered magnum. It is in excellent condition 98/99%. Some box rub near the muzzle and a turn ring. Other than that no noticible bluing wear. It has the original steel backed adapter grips and a pair of nice Roper walnut grips. It has a 6" barrel, gold bead front sight, u-notch rear. The box is in very good condition with some limited paperwork. It has the registration certificate and has been lettered. I didn't notice if the box was numbered to the gun anywhere.

Can someone give me a price range?

I don't have that many zero's.

Sound super nice.



Charlie

What's the asking price?
Pixs?....dan

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HIS Trains 'a LEAVIN

The asking price was $7,000. I took a picture with my cell phone but it is too poor to really see what the gun was.

Box... card... 98%... I'm thinking five figures...

But I am no expert.

Good thing you didn't list your state. I'm with Dr.Pig on this one.

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HIS Trains 'a LEAVIN

Agree with SP, that sounds like a very good price but not sure how much (more) it is worth.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

See if the letter says that it shipped with the Ropers. Weren't many that did. If so, that is a significant plus. Is the paperwork you mentioned from the S & W Foundation?

Sounds like a very nice package and if it all checks out it is well worth the asking price.

Bob

PS: Just re-read your post. The Ropers would not have been shipped with the grip adapters so one of them isn't original. The letter will answer that question. Never the less, both are quite desirable. If it shipped with the adapters, it originally had Service grips. Were they still with it?

B.

Why do you want one? Its a fair question. The price is in the neighborhood. Its not a screaming deal, nor is it highway robbery. If you were to purchase it from George Wimer, you'd pay significantly more. The only negative is I didn't see mention of a factory letter. Boxes can be found and included to make a set. Registration certificates have turned up as fakes. Its probably worth it if you're a serious collector and want one, knowing what they are.

Approach it backwards. The box is worth a grand. The gun and certificate are worth the $6000. Your bank account isn't paying any interest. Your 401k is in the tank. Your CD at the bank isn't even paying 1% and you've got to pay state and Federal income taxes out of that same 1%. Will you be eating tomorrow if you buy the gun? Will your wife still have a roof over her head? Is this going to cause terrible stress in your marriage?

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Dick Burg

One of the most common barrel lengths and configuration. BUT 98%/99% condition and all of the extras that it has - grip adapter, another set of ROPER grips, extra paper work (sales brochure???), CERTIFICATE, letter, BOX, makes the price seem reasonable to me.

If you are not interested at that price, I would be. Even a poor quality cell phone camera photo would be helpful as Condition and Authenticity (orig certificate, not refinished, lettered barrel length, etc...) are the most important factors.

Good Luck,

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

+1 The past year I have spent quite a bit more than I normally would on handguns, HOWEVER, my Smith's haven't dropped in value unlike everything else.

The gun is lettered by Roy Jinks and mentions the original grips that have adapters. The original grips/adapters are included with the gun. The Ropers are not mentioned in the letter and appear to be a later addition. All of the other particulars seem to match.

This appears to be the real deal.

If it is as you describe, the parts all add up to a good price. See if they will come off of their asking price a little, and if not and you can afford it, then buy it.

See if the seller will send you some quality pictures that you can post or go and take some yourself...but don't wait too long and let it get away.

If you aren't sure of your ability to evaluate the originality and condition of a gun in that price range you're best advised to get an opinion from someone who is.

Bob

So, did you buy it yet?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

OP said 6" barrel. If truly a 6" that adds rarity value. He probably meant 6-1/2".

It is a 6" barrel. According to Supica and Nahas, 6" is the 3rd most common, preceeded by 6 1/2" and 5". Then comes 8 3/4", 3 1/2" and 4".

The gun and box should look something like this (REG 1530 with a 6" barrel, call gold bead, grip adapter)





Certificate should look like this (a certificate to my 7" RM - with portions of the SN and Reg # photoshopped out)

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Read this, then read it again. This man knows what he is talking about. Are you looking for a shooter? One can be had for quite a bit less. If you are looking for a collectible gun, then this price certainly isn't out of the question, if the gun is as advertised. It's your money. I hope you get what you want.

I don't buy that list. Its up to you if you do. Here's what I'd suggest you do. Obtain a copy of Roy's article on RMs. He was kind enough to include all kinds of tables and statistics. But the big flaw in the "most common" game is he doesn't consider police guns to be Registered. Not because they weren't made to the same standards on the same production line. But because they weren't eligible to receive a registration certificate.

If you take his approximate numbers, then add in all the police agency guns, like KC and St Joe, MO, suddenly the 4" becomes the most common.

A minor sticking point. But first you need to decide who's camp you're putting up your tent.

Yes again, the gun is in the correct price range. You should buy it before one of the scoundrels here jumps in and steals it out from under you. Morals and fairplay have a place. But not when it comes to finding and buying guns.

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Dick Burg

Dick's correct.
There's a lot of marginal stuff out there.
What you describe is well worth the asking price.
Act while it's still available.
Don

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OGCA Life
NRA Life

Dick has given alot of good advice but this is the best!
I'm sure the Sharks are already tasting the blood in the water.

The RM is comparable to the piece that Richard posted and the box is better. As I mentioned, it has the certificate that matches the registration number on the gun and is lettered.

Dick Burg makes a lot of valid points and I like the idea of collectables when most other investment opportunities are in the basement.

However, one must keep in mind that although a firearm may be worth x amount of dollars, to realize that money then you have to sell it. In tough times, there just aren't as many buyers willing to part with their money.

I'l keep you posted.

Regardless of the outcome, I hope you will share the relevant information about it: serial number, registration number, name and details on the certificate, etc. There are so few of these still will their certificate that each one is a significant addition to the knowledge base when it appears.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

Buy it.
Now.
"Packages" are ALWAYS the easiest sell.
They always go up faster.
They sell when other guns collect dust.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

When you're ready to sell - there will be folks like me ready to buy...

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

There are very few things that are just not affected by 'tough times'. What they've been trying to tell you is; RMs like that one are one of those things!!

Did you check for a factory re-work date under the left grip? Or could it be re-blued? Those are the few things that can bring the $7000 price crashing down.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Forgive my lack of knowledge, but just what was/is a "registered" .357?

And, how would a person identify one that did not have the associated paperwork or box?

Finally, how would one differenciate a PD gun from a registered gun? (assuming there is no PD markings)

They are a phenomenon exclusive to Smith and Wesson and a long story. But there are numerous threads here for your reading pleasure, just do a quick search on this forum.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I have a bunch of " run of the mill" S&W's, but if I found that gun and it really checked out, I would borrow the money to buy it if I had to. I would be shocked if you ever lost on it, go and get it!

I'm going to check it out more thoroughly. I'll let you know.

Uh.....where are you located and where could I see this gun??? Just askin'

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Forum consigliere

If you are needing a point of reference there is an RM w/ 5 inch barrel being sold at Cabelas in Washington state that is in really nice shape and doesn't have the right stocks or extras with it. Cabelas is usually overpriced but they have priced theirs at more than the asking price of the one you are discussing.

Make sure the RM number in the yoke of the gun matches the # on the RM certificate.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Well, here it is! Thought I'd share these pictures. All numbers match. I put the original grips on for the pictures. They looked as if they had never been used. The Ropers were on it when I got it. The factory letter confirms the configuration and certificate. All in all a very nice piece.

What do you think?

Wow, that's a beautiful revolver. Congrats.

Beautiful! Thanks for posting these. Would it be possible to see a picture of just the certificate with nothing in front of it? Also, Jim Supica and others can testify that there is really no danger of letting others see the serial number.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

I can think of a lot worse ways to invest 7,000 $. That is a lot of money. However in ten years it could be worth twice that. And even if it is not. That is still one of the nicest pistols ever made. And you will not likely ever see another one, that is certain. Way cool

Kevin,

As someone once said, "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you." A couple of pics show the serial number. The certificate was issued to Richard D. Hunter, Springfield, Mass.

I vaguely recall that someone was compiling information on Registered Magnums. Can you refresh my memory as to the specifics of this effort?

Thanks,

Dan

WOW! I don't know what to say except congrats on a great purchase. That is very nice!

DING DING!! Give that man a cigar!
What a beautiful RM. The factory stocks are amazing as is the whole package. High fives all around. Congrats! Bob

Dan,

I think you have a winner there! The "package" is far above average. And you didn't even mention the Humpback Hammer. I believe that it is as solid an investment as you are likely to make today.

You have the name, address, and date now so you have some real clues to begin your search for information on the original owner. That is often as intriguing as the search for the gun itself. Remember that the person who could spend the money for a gun of that quality in the Great Depression was not just your average Joe Sixpack. You never can tell what you will find out.

Congratulations.

Bob

All I can say is WOW! Job well done. Tell us the story of where it came from if you don't mind. That is a beauty.

tom

I can't tell by the pictures, but the front sight base looks like it has some lettering on the side. Might that be a King front sight?

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Hmmm. I'm not seeing the SN only the Reg No. I maintain a database of pre-war Magnums. Several years ago I contributed it to the S&WCA and it became the basis of a large database that many others members have contributed to. A subset of my database is the revolvers that still have their certificates. These databases have been the basis for several magazine articles and at least one book that will be published soon.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

PS--Did V.H. (Victor) or D.B. (Douglas) Wesson sign the certificate?

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

Kevin,

That's really strange. I scrolled through the pics a while ago and the serial number wasn't blotted out on two of them. Anyway, the serial number is 58167.

The sight is a King sight.

Kevin,

It looks as if D.B. signed the certificate.

Here's the Certificate. It was framed in Springfield, Mass. probably by the original owner. He seems to have taken pride in this revolver.

Congratulations on the purchase. If you are interested in finding more information about your gun, here is a website you'll want to check out:

Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Home Page - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come

Enjoy, as I'm sure you will.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Well you did good! WOW! You have the qween mother of Smiths. Do you realize what those original Ropers are worth? Also the gun has the optional and very desirable "Humpback" target hammer!

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Outstanding acquisition, I'm glad you got it!
That is a beautiful piece, and well worth what you paid for it, probably more, in my opinion.

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John