I have been back and forth about buying this gun the moment I saw it. I always seem to over pay for things and I do not want to do it with this gun but I honestly have no idea what this gun is worth. Any help welcomed.
It is a older, pinned, round butt nickel model 36 snubby. Condition is very good, just little faint scratches. Sorry there is not much to go on, I just wanted a round about price range. He is asking $500.

Photos? Anyhow, check prices for similar 36's on Gunbroker.

That sounds a little too high, but if you want it just get it. With nickel finishes most collectors don't want them unless it is perfect. With minor wear the nickel takes away from the value if anything. Just make sure it has an "N" stamped on it and that it hasn't been nickeled later.

I have a nickel Chief --- to me it is a "must have" snub. Sounds like yours , the finish is good but not perfect. I paid a bit less than the price you are considering ; it was about 2 years ago.

There is the "They don't make 'em like that anymore" factor. Try a lower offer , cash in hand. I would be in at $400 myself. Checking Gunbroker is helpful as suggested - do the enhanced search and look at completed transactions. High reserves and buy now's which are unsold are meaningless.

IMO , the ideal carry is a model 60 for weekdays , and a Chief's Special in nickel on Sunday.

Keep us posted.

I've read on this forum that you don't pay too much, you just pay too soon. Meaning that S&W revolvers, especially the older ones, are likely to increase in value barring some catastrophic economic event and maybe even then. $500 is a little high, but those pinned ones in nickel don't come along every day. I've more often regretted firearms I didn't buy than those that I paid top dollar for.

I looked at two yesterday, both round butt pinned and nickel. One was at a pawn shop, some finish blemishes, priced at $579. I didn't ask, but expect $500 would have bought it. . .but that was too much given the blemishes. Saw another one, probably 98% condition (no box) at Gander Mountain priced at $499. However, it was being admired by a customer when I got there and they bought it at the listed price before I could make an offer. I too think $500 is too high. . . .but seems to be what the market will bear at least where I'm shopping. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

It also depends on the vintage. For an earlier, maybe flat-latch, pre-model, or pre-mid 60s gun with diamond stocks in the condition you describe, the price would be considered less high than for a later production year.

What Absalom said; probably a bit more than I would be willing to put in to it. I'd be more interested at $400.

__________________
K & N S&W revolvers

It is not a flat latch. I asked him about the price and he said price was firm.

nothing wrong with that piece at that price if you like the condition. i look at every nickel smith & wesson on GB every day and seldom, if ever, see a good one under that price. buy it before someone else does.

__________________
Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

I had a nickel Model 37 RB, pretty good shape, I sold for $500 last month.

__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

If it makes your feel any better I just paid $600 for a 1971 model 36 that was blued rather than nickel. it was in very nice condition. just got back from the range with it for the first time...very pleased.

I passed over several offered for similar $ and even less to get one in nice shape.

If the gun is tight, the timing is good, and the scratches and imperfections are livable, than $500 is a fair price. Here in Arizona, a 85-90% blue one goes for $400-$425. While I'm not a big fan of nickel, I think the value is there and you won't get too hurt on it if you need to sell it fast.