The local dealer has a Smith & Wesson labeled as a M&P 4". It has a 5" barrel with a shrouded extractor rod, fixed sights, diamond magnas, and a S66xxx serial number. The blue finish and grips are very nice, I would say it is a 90% gun (I am no expert). The only negative is the front sight was filed flat on the back side.

If this is a HD Transitional, can you give me some idea what it is worth? How much is the value affected by the sight modification?

Sorry, no pictures

Thanks!

Marty

If you rate it "very nice," it's probably better than 90%; a gun at that grade has some obvious thin and missing finish, maybe some scratches.

Yes, it would be a transitional HD. Those guns can get expensive. ANIB they hit close to $2000, and in good shape without a box are often offered at around a grand. Even with a modified front sight, I'd think that one could bring several hundred dollars. It's not a collector grade gun any more, but it could be a first rate shooter.

What's he asking for it? If the price is based on the M&P identification, it is probably underpriced for what it really is.

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David Wilson

David hit the nail on the head.If its priced under 6 bills buy it.

Marty,
The biggest thing is to ensure the finish is original and that the grips number to the gun. Original Grips for the transitional guns are very hard to find. You will like it if you buy it-they are great guns.
Bill

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38-44heavyduty.com

I will second Bill's suggestion that you confirm the grips are original !

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

I will take another look at it tomorrow. They are asking $700, which I thought was high for a gun they are calling an M&P.

Any more thoughts on the value of this gun, assuming the grips are original?

That's about the upper end of what I would consider the realistic price range for a transitional HD in decent shape but with a modified sight. I'd consider $600 a better price that is still fair to the seller.

But if the stocks are not original, take off a hundred. If the gun is reblued, take off another $200. That gets you down to $300, which would be the basic shooter price, and then add back in what you think is appropriate to get you into ownership of a heavy-frame .38 shooter. The trick is that you already know going in this is not a collector grade gun even if it has original finish and stocks; then if you discover it has other non-original qualities, you will be trying to talk the price down based on the absence of qualities that you have already discounted in your judgment that it is not a collector specimen.

Basically, I think your position as buyer is that you are interested in a big-frame .38 to shoot, and you don't want it to be ugly or need work. How much is that worth to you?

Afterthought: if it's really a five-inch barrel, that's a little unusual for a transitional and may be worth a few bucks more to you. Most transitional HDs were four-inch guns; it was the prewar era when the five-inch barrels are more numerous. (Bill will correct me if I am misrepresenting this.)

Did you check out 1Aspenhill's web site? The link is in his signature.

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David Wilson

Most of the early guns were 4" but there are 5" guns in the area of this one. If the finish is original as well as the grips and they are in good shape, the gun could be worth the $700. When you buy it, we want to see some pics!
Bill

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38-44heavyduty.com

Even if the grips do not number to the gun make sure they are the transitional style, are in the correct serial number range, and have the distinct "shelf" just above the medallion. These grips are VERY difficult to find and expensive! I search for nice examples every day !

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

Well, I took another look at it today. The grips are really nice and number to the gun. The cylinder has some wear on it. I don't think they even cleaned the gun. It should clean up well.

I decided to pass on it. The gun is in Duluth, MN. If anyone is interested, PM me. They were unwilling to haggle much.

Thanks for the input!