I saw this at a local store today for $399. Is that a good price? The serial number is 112XXX.

The finish looks well-worn, and even if the bore/chambers/mechanicals are sound I think the price is high. Ammo is also expensive and hard to find unless you reload.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

At the flea market this morning a guy had a box of .32-20 ammo with only 10 rounds inside. He wanted $3.00 for it, and I passed. Not sure why, it just seemed a bit high. Its not like I'm going to run out of ammo, and yes, I do reload that caliber.

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Dick Burg

Ok,thanks for the info!

Looks like a $300 .32-20 to me.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Thanks,it's on consignment so that is why the price is high.

I think I'd make him an offer on it. See what he says to $325.
It has the 5" barrel, which I think is perfect. It was made in about the mid-1920s and is still wearing its original stocks (or at least period correct stocks). It should make an excellent shooter. If it were me, I'd be trying to acquire it. But then, I'm a sucker for the .32-20 revolvers!

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I think we sometimes get caught up in pricing these old S&Ws by stating the prices we want to pay instead of the prices they are actually selling for.

The surface looks smooth and unmarked, so I bet the internals are just fine. The gun looks like it has not been carried much and my bet is it has also not been shot much. The markings are way above the average condition found and the stocks are not worn. Maybe it sat in a holster way too long, since something has removed some of the bluing, but it has not been worn off.

From the gun auctions I have watched and participated in, the gun is priced at the level that people are paying today. These do not show up in gun shops or gun shows very often, so it is most likely that if you wanted one, you will have to look at online auctions. Plus one has to remember that any type of online auction will charge an average of 18% premium and will charge $30 to ship. Some auction houses are starting to charge a $10 transfer fee as well. That turns a $395 LGS gun into a $310 online sale before the various charges are levied.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Good points, Gary.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Jack - Having said all of the above, I would still make your suggested offer of $325 and see what happens, but would be willing to go higher if I wanted a 32-20 to take to the range.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Yep. I agree with that too! Thanks.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

There seems to be some problem with this gun as the cylinder doesn't lock when the hammer is cocked.

That's probably not big deal. It is probably dirty inside, lots of old congealed oil.

Good way to get the price down!!!

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

If you get it, blast everything inside with spray carb cleaner. The works are sometimes gummed up. Works OK on old clocks also. I just cleaned up the mechanism of an old non-running floor clock with it, and re-oiled it (with clock oil) and it now works fine.

Guilty as charged!

Thanks,I asked but the salesman told me that they don't negotiate prices on consignment pieces.

They may not dicker, but they do have an obligation to pass on any reasonable offers to the owner to let him make the decision to sell or not. I have made many offers on consignment guns which were accepted by the owner.

This is absolutely correct. A gunshop operator who does not ask a consignment customer (seller) to evaluate each reasonable offer is not doing his job. Now if the seller has already told the shop what his absolute minimum price is, that's fine, but that is not the same as saying "we don't take offers" or "negotiate prices."

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Well,either way,the sales man said the price is $399 and he could not except a lower offer.

I feel as if you really want it pay the price

Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. I wouldn't go that high, but there are probably many who would. That's why prices increase. I'm no stranger to paying too much for something which speaks to me.

I may be an idiot, but I bought one of these exactly 2 years ago this month. Good condition, but not original grips. Mine had target grips added. Your piece looks to have correct grips.
The SW letter dated it to 1923, serial number 113xxx. The lock up on the gun was tight and finish is better than could be expected at it's old age.
The idiot part, I paid $400 at a gun show and got the period correct holster. Maybe too much But I liked the look and feel. I took it to my local SW approved gunsmith who referred to it as perfect condition.
MY surprise was... What a great shooting piece. I really like my S/W revolvers, but the feel of this gun with the 32-20 cartridge is amazing. If you like it, get it. You won't be disappointed.

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animal