I have an opportunity to buy a 32-20 hand ejector that is pretty rough outside but is fully functional with a good bore and decent lockup. The seller is looking to get 300 for the revolver. It is a private sale, not offered to anyone but me so far. So what is the concensus, is it worth the 300? Should I grab it up or pass?
You will get answers all over the place but my answer is... do you really want it? Why? Outdated caliber. Condition is rough. Value is way less then asking price - maybe worth $100 - $150 but no idea who I would sell or trade it to... I am a realist and quote value I would pay, not value I would not pay. IF you were looking for a 32-20, there are better condition ones out there and real collectors want the best they can find. NO - I would not buy it.
I recently bought one with 5 inch barrel for $325. It is in about the same condition maybe slightly better. If you like to shoot the 32-20 is a very fun round. Its why I bought mine, to shoot and enjoy. I have a like new one already so this is the shooter. You can buy this one to play with, then a really nice one can be put away. A longwinded yes from me.
I am both a shooter and a reloader .
Not being a collector , a rough finish is OK to me but it must have a good bore and be in good mechanical order .
I would bring $250.00 cash money .
A 32-20 is not the most common round , fixed sights and a not so good finish all conspire to reduce the price . Cash is a great motivator .
Gary
In that low condition, I'd say $300 would be a generous price to pay. More like $225-$250. But it's your money and your decision. I am assuming you are aware of the .32-20 ammunition situation - most dealers don't stock it, and it will be expensive if you find any. Not an ideal plinker if you don't reload. Or you could reload if you think you will shoot it enough to make it worthwhile.
For me, the bore would have to be very good, timing and lockup good...I'd value it at $250 are those orig grips? that would help for me, and if I had another in that caliber, that would help
My first question is . . . . Do you already shoot that cartridge?
If the answer is No, then I would walk away
Even at a low price, if you have to locate ammunition or buy dies and components for something you do not already shoot, then the cost is way over $300
If you already hand load or shoot the cartridge, then I have no problem buying a cosmetically challenged revolver as long is it mechanically sound
I'd probably buy it for $200. At $300 I'd pass unless it's something I had been searching for. At $300 I'd be asking how many boxes of ammo come with it.
I recently bought one with 5 inch barrel for $325. It is in about the same condition maybe slightly better. If you like to shoot the 32-20 is a very fun round. Its why I bought mine, to shoot and enjoy. I have a like new one already so this is the shooter. You can buy this one to play with, then a really nice one can be put away. A longwinded yes from me.
Looking at the pictures you posted, I have to say that yours is in much better condition!
Do you like it? Buy it. Are you indifferent or worse? Walk away.
I've always found it... curious... when individuals need to hear other individuals say they would buy something that before they themselves will take the plunge.
You know, I have bought a number of finish challenged pieces because they were "good buys." I really try not to do that anymore...Most of those I bought like that, I ended up selling off and losing money in the process. Especially if if I had to use a dealer to transfer them. So my answer to you would be no, unless you really love the 32-20 and don't have $500 to spend on a nice one.
I actually want a 32-20, because I have all the other 32's. But $300 seems high for that one. 32-20's are expensive compared to 38's in the same condition. At least around me.
The damaged ejector rod knob bothers me, more than the barrel. I don't know why. I have already stated that I want to buy a gun in an outdated caliber, none of my used revolvers are in pristine condition (well one is). Why does that knob bother me so much?
The damaged ejector rod knob bothers me, more than the barrel. I don't know why. I have already stated that I want to buy a gun in an outdated caliber, none of my used revolvers are in pristine condition (well one is). Why does that knob bother me so much?
It's odd damage. Probably indicates outright abuse as opposed to honest wear or neglect. Honest wear and neglect are more or less fine, and reversible. Outright abuse can be the end of the gun.
That knob may be telling you something else about the gun subconsciously.
For me the debate wouldn't be whether or not the gun is worth $300, it would be whether or not I want it. I struggle to make ends meet as much as anybody but if I see a gun I like I buy it. I try not to get caught up in whether or not it's a "good deal". If you want it, and you can afford it, buy it. Simple.
The damaged ejector rod knob bothers me, more than the barrel. I don't know why. I have already stated that I want to buy a gun in an outdated caliber, none of my used revolvers are in pristine condition (well one is). Why does that knob bother me so much?
Because it suggests whomever worked on it probably didn't know what they were doing...
I have maybe 5 32-20s, I traded for my first one from a cop in Chicago in 1968. He wanted to get rid of it because ammo was hard to find. Since then I've bought more. I have turned down many pristine looking revolvers because although they were pretty but the bores were bad. I always go for a good bore over outside finish. I have picked up many finish challenged revolvers over the years and if enough time goes by they appreciate and you at least get your money back or make a little profit. One instance, I bought 2 Heavy Dutys for about $250 (before they were popular) both had heavy finish wear. I had them at least 10 years and over time had picked up nicer revolvers. Any way I got to shoot them and left the safe queens in lock up. When I decided to sell I got $500 apiece. As most members of this forum agree now days any N frame in any condition is worth $500. An old motorcycle salesman once told me that there is a seat for every motorcycle no matter the condition. If you want it, buy it, try it and sell it if it doesn't work out.
SWCA 892
I got bit by the 32-20 bug by getting a Winchester first, then decided I "needed" a revolver to go with it especially since S&W made a few. I made a mistake getting a nickel plated version of the 1st model then decided I "needed" to do something about the finish.
If your happy with the way it looks and just want a shooter in an odd ball caliber...go for it, it ain't gonna win you any prizes or a big return on your money. They are fun to shoot and kind of a pain to reload if your not careful. My wife loves her little 4" model, she keeps it in her kitchen drawer. I wouldn't pay $350 for it today and didn't years ago, they are what they are. Most people have no idea what it is or what its good for. They were around during hard times and provided poorly paid law enforcement types with a suitable firearm and have enough power to keep meat on the table.
. . . As I look at the pictures, to my eye, it looks like someone has been filing on that front sight. Am I seeing that right?
That was the first thing I saw and knew it was a 32-20 before I read the OP's comments. That is standard for 32-20 revolvers and all factory front sights are much lower than 38s.
As for the gun, I am amazed at the extremely low values quoted, since I have not seen a 38 or 32-20 M&P sold below $200 in many years, especially a 32-20. $250-$300 all day is what I see with a working 32-20 out there. I am also surprised by the negative comments about the caliber. It is one of the best shooting range calibers out there, unless you are shooting dueling trees. A set of dies can be found for $30 and 32 Long bullets work just fine, so one of the lowest cost rounds to reload out there. Brass is also reasonable, as low as $45/200.
Photo below shows the difference in front sights. Here is a quick image of 38 & 32 Winchester Model 1899s.
What's the big beef about .32-20 ammo? Its not that scarce anymore, though not exactly cheap to shoot. You don't have to reload to have fun with a .32-20 revolver (or rifle)...there is plenty of Cowboy Action ammo on the market (HSM, Black Hills, etc.) for $.75-$.80/rd. If you don't shoot it a lot, what's the problem? Have fun! As far as this particular revolver is concerned, it does seem a little pricey for its condition. Last year I picked up a nice 1905 4th Change (ca. mid-1920s) with 6" bbl. off GB for $475 (delivered), with original stocks and grip adapter- both in good condition. I'm thinking the OP should offer maybe $250, but no more than $275. Any good, vintage S&W shooter should be worth that much! Otherwise, pass on this one and pick up a nicer model for a few more bucks.
Well i went ahead and bought it, got it for 275. Probably paid too much, but I wanted it so its mine. Came with a box of factory remington ammo. Bore is clean and lockup is tight, timing is good so if nothing else, just another old shooter. I handload and cast everything I own so ammo cost doesn't really bother me.
I think you did OK. First the ammo is worth $30, The grips look great. The finish is poor, but, I don't see any real corrosion. Great shooter gun. If you want it why let a few dollars stand between you and the joy.
I bought a 32-20 in similar shape for about the same money. Its on my project list to mill the frame for adjustable sights, add a rib off a bad model 14 barrel to the top of its barrel. I already have a K-22 cylinder reamed to 32 S&W long. A fake K32 32-20 convertible.
Mostly to keep me from spending all my winter time laying around watching TV and cruising this site
Last edited by steelslaver; 08-08-2020 at 09:14 AM.
Nothing wrong with that price. Since you reload, you already have primers, powder, and .314 bullets, so all you need is the brass and dies.
As for what you paid, compare your cost to a few examples below. Prices are without FFL and shipping. You did fine. I think some buyers compare the bargain they found to what everyone should be able to find, but not that easy. Supica's SCSW4 lists most models of 32-20 as worth $400 in Good condition.
#1 sold for $285 - 14 bids
#2 sold for $355 - 15 bids
#3 sold for $499 - 1 bid
#4 sold for $332 - 12 bids
Forgot to mention that those guns all sold on Gunbroker.
__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515
Last edited by glowe; 08-08-2020 at 09:17 AM.
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To buy or not to buy
S&W .32/20
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