model 36 (fitz special) value?

djurz312 · #1 04-28-2012, 05:57 PM

Just picked up a model 36 ser# 37**x. Pinned 1 7/8 barrel it has a bobbed hammer, and the front of the trigger guard has been removed( someone did a excellent job). I would say gun is a overall 90% maybe higher. Looking for any info, value, worth hanging on to or should I use it as it was intended. I will try to post some pics as soon as the camera is charged

mc5aw · #2 04-28-2012, 07:28 PM

The greatest value will only be to someone who wants a Fitz'd 36, which is probably not many. A 90% Model 36 will bring anywhere from $250-$350, depending on various factors, including geography. A hacked version in 90% condition? Not much beyond $300 cash, if that. Trade-in at the LGS will bring maybe $150-$175. Hang onto it ... makes a nice pocket gun ... and much more cost effective than buying a new J-frame.

chief38 · #3 04-29-2012, 06:10 AM

I totally agree with mc5aw here.

First off, and to the best of my knowledge, Mr. Fitzgerald personally did his Fitz Special conversions right in the Colt Factory, and only did them on Colt's. There happens to be a good article in this months American Rifleman Magazine about Mr Fitzgerald and his conversions if anybody is interested.

That said, I was never a big fan of his conversions and even thought them to be dangerous. I would say a Smith that someone has hacked up is not worth a whole lot and IMHO would be a pass. Don't mean to make you feel bad, just MHO.

Chief38

diamonback68 · #4 04-29-2012, 09:01 AM

Whoever hacked it up turned it into a $200 shooter. Minus zero collector value.

Smee78 · #5 04-29-2012, 09:10 AM

While I agree that a cut up Smith has about zero collectors value, It may fill a special spot in someones collection.

NYlakesider · #6 04-29-2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief38

I totally agree with mc5aw here.

First off, and to the best of my knowledge, Mr. Fitzgerald personally did his Fitz Special conversions right in the Colt Factory, and only did them on Colt's. There happens to be a good article in this months American Rifleman Magazine about Mr Fitzgerald and his conversions if anybody is interested.

That said, I was never a big fan of his conversions and even thought them to be dangerous. I would say a Smith that someone has hacked up is not worth a whole lot and IMHO would be a pass. Don't mean to make you feel bad, just MHO.

Chief38

Yes I noted that the author said he would not discuss the stupid part of the Fitz conversions in this story. I guess he is tired of everybody rightly saying just how dumb chopping that trigger guard is.

For one thing its no faster than a full trigger guard. The biggest thing is if the trigger guard gets bumped hard it could cause the trigger not to work.

mc5aw · #7 04-29-2012, 11:41 AM

One other thing to mention in terms of value ... with a bit of looking, any number of decent shooter grade steel J-frames can be found in the $200-$250 range. Find one of them, then set to work with a Dremel, and an econo Fitz is to be had. Personally, an exposed trigger is not attractive to my method of concealed carry.