What is the best way to sell a a revolver like the one pictured?

Attached Images

S&W DA45 1917.jpg (82.0 KB, 200 views)

I'd say list it here, but with only one post, most will think it's a scam.

Consign at local shop or list it on an auction sight like gun broker.

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Watch & Pray

Be advised that if you take it to a gun shop, they will offer you half of what it's worth, if you're lucky.

Gun shows aren't much better in my experience. Everyone wants to paw at it, flip the cylinder closed, snap fire it, ... then hand it back. Or you get some clown who thinks if he waves a hundred dollar bill under your nose you will jump at it like a starving dog on a bone.

Best to try the classifieds or an auction site.

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You're shy a few manners.

Most forums require several posts and some time as a member to sell in the classifieds so I think an auction site is probably your best bet. Lots of good clear pictures will help it to bring the best price..........

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dd884
JMHO-YMMV

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I would start by listing it locally on armslist.com or mewe.com. Note that armslist is no longer free. You must subscribe to post there. A local sale in the "free states" does not involve an FFL or shipping charges. If you live in California or one of the other totalitarian states, heaven help you. Talk to an FFL and find out how many hoops you have to jump through.


To get a wider audience, you will need to list it in the Classifieds forum here or at other gun forums. To ship out of state will require use of an FFL and payment of transfer fees and shipping. Be sure to factor that into your asking price. The same holds true if you use an auction site like gunbroker.com. Make sure you take lots of professional level pictures and have an accurate description of the gun. If you need help describing the gun for sale, ask here for an expert.



Good luck!

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

If it is that specific gun you will need much better pictures. From this picture I believe I am seeing a reblue, definitely seeing modified rear/front sights, and a modified hammer. The stocks are likely incorrect, and the strain screw appears to be backed out; so a shot of the gun without the stocks on it would be needed to see if other modifications occurred under there.

Without such pictures anyone purchasing it would be gambling, and it would limit the people interested in it, and bring less money then it may be worth.

I agree with 6Gun... I'm not exactly sure what you have which could better dictate where best to sell. Is it a "US Property" 1917 that has received target sights? More and better photos would help with better description added to your current thread could bring more definitive answers. Then you could list it in the classified section of this forum. JMHO

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Randy
Provenance nerd

Clearly you have a modified revolver which has attributes that lend it to being a shooter. More pictures would help, as mentioned the inner grip area, particularly the left side to show if the factory did any work. Also to see if all of its proper serial numbers are visible and in proper location. For example if the serial number on the bottom of the grip frame has been altered or removed your firearm would not be legal to sell, since your piece still retains it butt swivel you are probably good to go. A common dealer will rip you off, a good one will offer a consignment sale and probably take a minimum of 15% of the sale price.

Of course your local gun shop will offer you less than what they can sell it for. The need to make a profit to stay in business. They are not “ripping you off” as so many seem to think. It is called business. If you can’t pay your overhead, you are out of business. But, they will try to maximize their profit so it is up to you (and all sellers) to know what is a fair price.

More photographs posted here will help you find that bracket of prices. You may even get offers.

Good luck on your sale.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Welcome aboard.

You'll find this forum's "Classifieds" section the best place for sales and there's no cost, commission, fees, etc., to you, the seller, for the privilege to use it. All sales of firearms will be in accordance with legal requirements.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sale-trade/

The exposure of an ad to the members on this forum is the best market: they know S&W guns, won't try to "steal" your gun, and are willing to pay fair value for the gun or item when properly represented in your adv.

First read the RULES:
The Rules

Then read this if you didn't already:
***MANDATORY READ*** Classifieds Rules Reminder

Just follow the rules for everyone's benefit including yours.

I didn't find anything about a minimum # of posts on this forum to post a classified adv.

The key to realize full value is good representation of your item; good pictures as mentioned above and a good description. "I THINK it's marked bla bla bla." is not acceptable! Take the time to use magnification and good lighting to ascertain that you accurately describe the wording stamped on the gun; remember 'garbage in = garbage out'!

Good close up photos of both sides, all markings, and especially of any modifications such as the front and rear sights, and the hammer spur on your gun is a must. No one wants to buy or pay full value for a pig in a poke. Include a photo of the serial # on the gun butt.

You can start by adding those items to this post if you want members to help assess the condition, the exact model and vintage, and most of all a fair value which they are only to glad to do for you. Recognize the members here are your friends and will treat you as such.

Good luck!

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I guess that is similar to when an attorney tells you "Don't take this personally, its just business."