The guy I bought the Pre 31 from has traded for another one. It appears to be a Victory model with a bad refinish. I know it's only good as a shooter but what should I give for it? It has aftermarket grips on it.

If it is mechanically sound and the bore/chambers are good, $250 sounds about right. Don't know if the seller will think so...

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I'm going to meet with him tomorrow and take a look at it. What's the chances of finding some stocks for it?

Almost any K frame stocks will fit OK, for a shooter. Depends on what size hand you have and what stocks will fit the best for you, and whether or not you use a grip adapter. Good Luck, Ed.

Yes, to confirm your description, it is a Victory. Best to check to see if it's a .38 Special or .38 S&W. Big difference in cost and availability of ammo. Check to see if it is stamped "U.S. Property" or "U.S. Navy", however, being re-finished, it won't really affect value. Many were not only used in mil. service but for gov't contract guard duty. I'd agree, $250 tops...and only if you really want it. Too many nice, originals still out there.

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NRA Life Benefactor,Life NCGCA

Even if the bore and chambers are nice,,,$100 would be my top price in that condition. ,,,and that would probably be a generous offer at that.
Being the poor refinish that it is,,you are buying a hammer and trigger and some internal parts.

An awful lot of time and labor could save it if you have any thoughts of doing the work yourself. I've done more than a few over the years.
Just satisfaction in the job, or a learning experience in how to do it are the ways of looking at it.
It wouldn't be worth the investment to pay someone to do it,,even a simple re-re-blue .

It may be a good shooter as is,,but don't pay any more for it than that.

Decent M&P revolvers are around in the $200/$300 price range. Even the occasional Victory still floats by $300. It won't be exc'lt condition finish wise,,but you shouldn't have to pay that for a poor re-blued example.

The original stocks are smooth walnut and easy to find. Don't know if those make sense to put on a renickeled gun...

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks for the help. He said he would take 200 rds of 45 ACP FMJ which would put me out $85. I don't really need it or want it too much but $85 is hard to pass up. I found some original style grips for $25. So $110 total. But I have an extra set of Diamond grips from 1960 in the safe I could use.
And it is a 38 Special.

I have a feeling that hanging on to the .45 ACP will prove to be more valuable than that Victory.

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NRA Life Benefactor,Life NCGCA

Maybe, but Ga Arms isn't too far from me and they have it in stock on a regular basis for $37.50 per 100rds.

That one should be from around November 1942. If the trade is as you describe, I'd do it. $250 is somewhat beyond my upper limit, but with the gun insanity going on now, who knows what it would bring? Looks like it has Hogue grips from the stirrup. For shooting purposes, I'd keep them.

For that price, I'd be on that like ugly on Nancy Pelosi! If you decide to trade or sell it, PM me!

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Always bet on stupidity.