First off without pictures I know it's tough to put a value on something. I am looking at a Triple Lock in the 3000 serial number range with a decent, but not spectacular post factory refinish, correct grips with some wear to them. The fly in the ointment is it has a slight bulge behind the front sight. It is a 6-1/2 inch barrel which means it could be cut back. Lock up and timing are good. What kind of price would be a maximum that should be paid for such a gun?

__________________
Randy

Without pictures, this is tough to evaluate, but being refinished with significant problems, such as a barrel bulge, I would think the maximum you might want to spend on this might be $500. I might feel uncomfortable going even that high.

The most common barrel length was 6 1/2", so it's unlikely the barrel on the one you are looking at was cut.

I think you misunderstood. I was thinking you could have the barrel cut back, recrowned and front sight put back on.

__________________
Randy

If you cut the barrel, you have introduced a second strike against value. If the bulge is small, it won't affect the shootability. You maybe gain some aesthetics by cutting it but take a big hit because it won't letter. The SCSW4th gives a value of $2500 for VG, $1500 for G, and $950 for Fair. My inclination, if the refinish is not too bad, would be to place it between Fair and Good.

__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

With a refinish and a barrel bulge, I'd have to back way off of a value between fair and good. Randy's $500 +/- would be more in the ballpark IMO.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Here is the link to the closed auction it went for $700 that plus shipping and transfer would have put it at about $775. I passed...
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/774478184

__________________
Randy

I too was eyeballing that gun. I thought to myself "now here is a realistic opportunity to actually own a triplelock!!" The replacement barrel was pitted too, so after all the work to change out barrel it would be possibly a poor shooter and no way to know for sure until your sunk into the gun pretty deep. Scared me off. Now a talented gunsmith with connections could probably make the situation work out and it would be worth the risk, but I'm no gunsmith and have zero connections. lol

I, too, watched that one. Thought to myself, well here's one way to get your 4" TL. I'da gone 6 on it. Asi es la vida.

__________________
Randy
Provenance nerd

That gun is/was a *** all the way. A thoughtful guy doesn't need to buy another problem no matter how low the price. IMO.