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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 05-16-2016, 11:39 PM
K W C K W C is offline
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Default 38/44 at local pawn shop

I am looking at a 5" barrel 38/44 heavy duty at a local pawn shop.
It looks nice, but has been redone. Has nice blue with no pitting. Color case trigger & hammer. New grips, look like current S&W factory replacement. Only noticeable wear is a turn line on the cylinder. Asking price is $599.
My question is ... Is a restored gun worth as much as a worn original gun?
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Old 05-16-2016, 11:57 PM
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If pre-WWII, I'd probably consider paying that even if refinished. You don't give much information to go on. Another thing to check for is whether the chambers have been lengthened to accept .357 Mag.
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Old 05-17-2016, 12:08 AM
rct269 rct269 is offline
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General rule of thumb: A refinished gun is worth half of an original in similar condition-----and a factory refinished gun (or other very high quality refinish) is worth maybe 60% (under similar circumstances).

Bottom Line: If this is about money---appreciation vs. depreciation, you don't want a refinished gun-----unless it's factory---and unless it's something special---to more than just you.

If it's about something you like, forget about whether it's special or not----forget about the money part (You'll have more money tomorrow--or the next day.)---and if it feels good, do it.

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Last edited by rct269; 05-17-2016 at 12:10 AM.
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Old 05-17-2016, 12:20 AM
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If you like it as a shooter, go for it.
Don't buy it for that amount and expect to triple
your money in five years, like you might be able to
do with an original finish gun.
Not a bad price for a good shooter.
Also give us the serial number and someone here can tell
you if it's pre-WWII or not. "Makes a difference in price".
Remove grips and see if they number to the gun.
Look under the grips for indication if it has possibly been
refinished at the factory. "Worth more than someone elses
refinish".
Like DWalt said, check to see if a .357 will chamber.
If it's been reamed out to accept them that hurts value.

We like pictures here !!! Take some if you can of both sides.
And better quality pix mean a better guess of value.

Those are cool guns. Lotta folks like them.

Chuck
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Old 05-17-2016, 12:27 AM
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Chud,
He stated the grips are "new".
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Old 05-17-2016, 07:35 AM
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Yes, the grips look like the new ones you can get from the factory.
Didn't have time yesterday to really check it over.
Going back today to get serial number & check for .357 ream.
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Old 05-17-2016, 08:40 AM
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Unless it's a rat, $500 or $600 for a S&W revolver in .38 or .45 caliber to me is a deal. It may not be a safe queen but I'd rather have a decent older S&W revolver than all of the black plastic "stuff" they are pushing today.

Since it's been refinished, offer the seller less as they know that hurts value.
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Old 05-17-2016, 09:32 AM
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Take a good look at the quality of the refinish.If it's well done that's not a bad price for a shooter.With a little more money thrown at it,it could be a cool 44 38/44 at local pawn shop
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Old 05-17-2016, 10:18 AM
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S149825
Has not been reamed.
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Old 05-17-2016, 10:23 AM
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Looks like late '56 production in Fjestad..
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Old 05-17-2016, 10:26 AM
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Well, I talked him down to $500 & put it on layaway .
It will be a few weeks before I can post pics .
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Old 05-17-2016, 10:27 AM
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Whatever you pay you won't lose all your money because someone will give you something for it. I doubt a few hundred dollars are going to make or break you. My advice is to buy it if you like or want it. Larry

I see I posted a minute too late. Congratulations on your purchase.

Last edited by tops; 05-17-2016 at 10:29 AM.
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Old 05-17-2016, 10:55 AM
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Five inch post war are not that common. You may find, like me, that a HD is your favorite revolver. Can't wait to see pics.
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Old 05-17-2016, 12:25 PM
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The closest HD SN I have listed to that one is S1482xx which shipped in 5/55. As a shooter, and I assume that is your principal interest, you won't lose anything for $500. I don't think it would be difficult to sell at that price, or more.
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Old 05-17-2016, 01:19 PM
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I've been buying S&W revolvers for over 15yrs. In my area you don't see many 38/44's. This is only the second,& I bought both.
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