The fever is raging. After focusing on pistols for the past four years I've returned to revolvers. (I traded most of mine away for quality pistols with no regrets. The only one I shouldn't have gotten rid of was a .38/44, post War Outdoorsman that someone had chromed, ruining collector value, but it was a sweet shooter. I kept a 19-5 and 640 and added a 15-3 that someone nickeled nicely and I'm getting a post-war M&P shortly.)

So my question is: where do folks look for S&W revolvers. Clearly here; GunBroker; WA Armslist, local gun stores and pawn shops (we have both here in Western WA) and....????

Like everyone else, I like finding good stuff at a good price (the guy who had the .38/44 had no idea of what it was) and would like to discover other places to look/shop.

Suggestions?

Local auctions Gun auctions can be competitive and prices can run high however estate auctions with a few firearms in it can produce better buys as many buyers are there for antiques, furniture, etc.

Many local auction companies have their catalogs of sales on line and you can also bid on line. Keep in mind that buying at such auctions usually involve a "buyers premium". Most in our area charge between 15-18% added to the winning bid amount.

Good luck!

All the places you've listed are good. The key, for me anyway, is to be "out there" looking. Nice condition and/or unusual older S&Ws at reasonable prices haven't been easy to find lately. Can generally expect to find a few nice ones at local gun shows but most are priced on the high end (or beyond) of retail. I keep going to the same places even when I've been there repeatedly and there's nothing but plastic autos. I've been popping in to a pawn shop for the last couple years and have rarely seen an S&W there of any type, but last week, bingo. Nice gun at a reasonable price. Even gun shops, which one would think would be "high retail" sometimes offer great deals. Surprising how many gun shop employees really don't know much about guns; especially older S&Ws. Enjoy the hunt and good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Not much helpful to you, but may help others...

OGCA: the Ohio Gun Collector's Association
A private, member's only group that hosts an every other month amazing display/collector show, precisely the kind of gun shows that folks (especially in gun forums) whine incessantly and claim that "don't exist any longer."

Get a bud and go to every gun show you can. Budget out as many Grants and Benjamins you can without hurting "momma's budget". Make sure to have change for a Benjamin in case you need it for a deal. Ask any walk in "How much?" for something you are interested in. Walk around for several hours looking for a better deal. If'n nothing else happened, go back to the original guy and if he still has the item the price is lower by virtue of carrying it for you all day. Not so long ago, this nice Model 15 was $400 in the line, $325 after lunch. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Back about 2006, I flew into Dulles Airport (Northern VA, DC area). I was taking leave from my Afghanistan job. After checking into a motel and getting a rental car, I went to the Chantilly VA gun show. I walked the show once and then decided to walk it again before going back to the motel.

On my second trip, I spotted a large nickel S&W revolver in a display case. I asked to see it. It was a 3rd Model .44 Special. I asked to take the grips off and saw the rework date stamp. I haggled a bit and got him down $50. Later on, I found out it was one of the first shipment to Wolf & Klar in January 1927.

I was a happy camper! So, you can find bargains at gun shows.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

After buying a couple older S&W's at local gun shops I let the guys there know that I am at least interested in any they get in. Since then they will usually give me a call when they get something I might be interested in.

Just a thought.

Wingmaster

I'll throw in another gun show vote. Have done well on G.B. though. Check Armslist daily. Not much for shops near me. You never know! I enjoy the HUNT! Bob

Look everywhere you can think of. I have been looking for years. Never know where a deal or rarity will pop up. Pawn shops have been good to me, but rarely. Local classifieds have been the best source. Finds are rare in the classifieds but when they show up, you need to be ready to pounce if the price is any degree below reasonable. I keep a gun money fund in my safe, always enough in there for a nicer Smith or two. Lately, my interest has moved to vintage double barrel shotguns.

I have picked most of mine, 80% or so, up off Gunbroker. The remainder at gunshows.

I do not know how shops are in your area. Here in Texas, I find pearls in small town gun stores and pawn shops.

Not every visit is a success, but recently I located three (3) Colt Official Police revolvers, one in 32-20, one in 38-200 that was probably sent to Australia during WW II, and one in .38 Special.

I also located a FN P-35 (Hi Power) in a pawn shop in the next county.

Both cities had populations of less than 3,000.

Prices were reasonable, I am one that listens to the owners price and then decides if I am happy with that offer and go forward.

I hope you find this helpful.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)