If I wanted to get a CLEAN and all ORIGINAL shooter grade (85-90%) mechanically perfect late pre war six inch target model 38SPL, what should I expect pay ? (low-high)

It depends on who you are buying it from, what kind of sale it is, and what part of
the country you are located in.

If its a one-on-one sale, where the seller has owned the gun for a long time, and is
not concerned about recent auction prices, you will get a lower price - maybe even
$500 to $600.

If its a small local auction, that is somewhat poorly attended, at least with respect to
this kind of gun, the price may be very low - just because there is very little interest
at the auction.

If its being offered through one of the major gun auction houses, that have well
attended auctions, then the price is going to be high - $1000 to $1500 .

You have to decide for yourself how much you want to put into it. I would expect
that $800 to $1000 is about what to expect. That doesn't mean you won't find one
for $300, but that is way below the norm.

Mike Priwer

I just paid $750 for one in similar condition. It is more like 90%. I bought it on this forum. The grips don't number to the gun but they are the right era. I am happy!

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Tom
NRA Pistol Inst

Back early in the year, I bought a nice (90%+) pre-war Colt Officer's Model Target in .38 Special at a gun show for $500. I'd expect a pre-war S&W K-frame target model .38 could be found for about the same price, as the two are more or less equivalent in value. If anything, the Colt might bring more than an S&W on an internet auction.

Saw exactly such a gun within the last year at a local show. I was really tempted to buy it just because it was so cool. But I decided I had too many guns and no particular need for another. Asking price was $450. Maybe 75% rather than the 85% you seek. To me it was just more character.

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No life story has happy end.

I have purchase three 38 Target revolvers in the last 2 months, and this estimate by M. Priwer is right on. Most expensive was $1000, least at $800. The most expensive, $1000, was wearing Ropers, so that offsets the price a little. I also really go for 95% plus condition. "Just a slight turn line " is about all the wear I am looking for. I found the 22 cal to be about 30% more. Earlier 1910-1920 same price range but considerably more wear.

The most expensive, $1000, was wearing Ropers, so that offsets the price a little.

Picture please

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

"Earlier 1910-1920 same price range but considerably more wear."

A little earlier purchase than the Colt OMT, but in the Spring of 2013 I picked up a good .38 3rd Change target (1914), again probably 90+% (except for the original deep dish grips which were somewhat beat up). Also $500. It seems to shoot as well as my 14-3, maybe a little better. I just haven't shot it much to date.

Not yet received...

About three months ago I paid just under $900 for a somewhat well used 1905-4th target model that was completely original, including matching grips. Why I bought this is because it was in the "golden" serial range (prewar above 600,000) and numbered close to one used by Ed McGivern (640792 per Roy Jinks).

I picked this up on Gunbroker last month for $599. I was the only bidder. I held my breath for 5 days.
1905 4th Change serial 317887, or about 1,000 after heat treating started. It is a total joy to shoot at
25 yards with 148 gr. DEWC's with a nice mild load. Shear pleasure and sort of a time warp.