Hello, I am thinking of purchasing this gun from a private owner. It was manufactured in 1956( serial # k 277587). Its a 4 screw with a six inch barrel. It has adjustable sites. My problem is I can't find one to compare it to. I've found many close to it but none exactly like it. I'm attaching photos so someone can hopefully give me a price range to go by.

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I have 3195xx,also a 4 screw,excellent condition,TTand TH.I think I paid $500 2 1/2 years ago.

FWIT, over the past year I have seen quite a few model 14's, and pre model 14s, in similar condition, sell for between $450 and $550. I've also seen seen them priced at $600+ and not selling at the shows.
John

Yours could have shipped in either 1956 0r 1957. I'd also say about $500.

The guy seems to think its worth upwards of 650 but that's why I was trying to find one the same year,barrel length,adjustable sites,etc. To get a good base to go by. I know they are hot sellers right now. I just am not that knowledgeable about smiths to know if the adjustable sites and six inch barrel were rare for that year. The seller seems to think they are and being that I can't find one exactly like it ,I'm starting to wonder if that's the case. Thanks

The 6 inch barrel was standard for many years, not at all rare. Although, guns like that one are hard to find in good shape. They have been steadily increasing in price for quite a while and I don't expect them to drop. My philosophy, developed the hard way, from experience, is that if you want the gun, cough up the extra and just get it. You can spend hundreds of dollars going to gun shows and never find one for that price. Or you can stumble into another one tomorrow (highly unlikely, however). If you buy it, you can enjoy it immediately and for as long as you own it. You can find a different to chase then!

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

The seller would be wrong in this instance. The K 38 came standard with a 6" barrel and adjustable sights. Normally all K prefix frames will have adjustable sights. These would include the model 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 48, 53, 66, 67 and 68. He is asking the price of a complete package in 98%+ condition IMHO. Does he have the original box, tools and paperwork? If yes, then his "asking" price may not be out of whack.

In todays world, there aren't too many decent 6" blue S&W revolvers that aren't worth $500. Throw in the original numbered box, tools and paperwork worth at least $50, $25 and $10 separately and you are closing in on $600. Put them all together in an original package and not one that has been put together and you can add a few more dollars. Do the stocks number to the gun? That is also a major factor with guns that have been around for over 60 years.

Obviously, condition is a major factor as well. A 99% gun may be worth $100 more to someone than a 92% gun.

Check sites like GunBroker under their completed auctions and see what other S&W pre 14's are bringing. The current listing will only give you asking prices and not what guns are actually going for. Also, online sales tend to be higher than face to face local deals. There is no competition from other bidders so local sales tend to be somewhat lower.

I hope this helps.

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James Redfield
LM #497

No extras with the gun....box,tools,etc. He is however , from what he tells me, the first and only owner. I appreciate all the input...thanks everyone. Looks like I have a little haggling to do.

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