I came across a late production (m-prefix sn) Mod 51 .22 Mag that's tempting me. Faint turn line otherwise ANIB. Price is $500. I feel the price is pretty well full market value. I don't need it and it's not on my short list, but I keep thinking it might be worth putting in the safe?
What's your opinion as to how the Model 51 may appreciate compared to other S&W .22's?
OMG dude I would buy that thing If I had to sell my blood for a down payment. They were only made from 1960-1974. The kit guns are very sought after. I have seen them around here for $900-1400.00
In doing a quick 90 day search over on GunBroker I believe you are correct in that it was top of the market price... People can ASK whatever they want for a gun but it is the selling price that shows the true value.
Any asking price over $550.00 was a no sell. The two I saw sell were $475.00 and $500.00...both had boxes I believe.
They are great little guns...I had one for several years before buying a 651 and then sold the 51...
I think everyone's comments are dead on. They are not extremely common, and therefore command an upper scale price. All the J-frame 22's and also the K and L frame ones, are not usually on display and for sale. I have a 51 I purchased probably 10 years ago in the box for around 325.00 and was glad to get it. The model 35 is another example. I do not know how many were produced,but they simply aren't seen often in my neck of the woods. I think the price asked was fair. Mark McCarver