I am looking at an early model 31-1. Serial number stamped on the butt is H41xx, but the SCSW 4th edition shows the H series numbers beginning with H00001. The gun has a 4" barrel and is a 98% gun. Comes with original box and papers, and is priced at $450.
Can someone explain the discrepancy with serial numbers? Would this be a good price to pay for this one?
The diamond center grips were deleted in 1968. I assume the grips/stocks are original to this firearm (?) and therefor consistent with a 1968 or more recent date.
The H prefix started in 1969.
The pinned barrel was discontinued in 1982.
I do not think there is any discrepancy. This revolver is consistent with an H prefix serial # from 1969 onward.
The SCSW, 4th edition, which you cite, suggests a value of $500 for excellent condition so there's one piece of objective evidence $450 seems reasonable. My infrequent encounters of this model suggests $450 would be reasonable given the condition and box. A recent search of recently successfully completed auctions on Gun Broker show sales for two 4" 31-1, one with flat latch in excellent condition with rubber grips for $480 and another with significant freckling on the frame with original grips for $470 (neither had a box) and considering shipping costs and FFL transfer fees I'd say there's even further evidence $450 seems reasonable.
I very seldom don't bargain on a gun purchase. However, on the jewel even I would feel bad about offering anything less. PM me if you don't want it. LOL, hardcase60
I very seldom don't bargain on a gun purchase. However, on the jewel even I would feel bad about offering anything less. PM me if you don't want it. LOL, hardcase60
Hey Hank..... Don't be driving the market price UP! Haggling is a wonderful thing!!
Hey Hank..... Don't be driving the market price UP! Haggling is a wonderful thing!!
Best,
Charles
In an effort not to hijack the thread I'm going to attempt to stay on track. Have you looked at the picture?? That thing is drop dead beautiful. As you are very well aware I love haggling but in the case of $450.00 for a 31-1 in that condition, not sure even I could offer any less. I said "not sure"!! best to you sir, hardcase60
I bought the flat latch for $480 and put correct wood stocks on it. Here it is...
Edit: Shipping was $25 and it was a C&R, no fee, so $505 total. Stocks were $60 on Ebay, and I put the rubbers on an older .32 HE that had black plastic stocks. The 31-1 is for my wife who has small hands, the rubbers are still a little small for me, kind of like magnas on a K frame.
Thanks for your thoughts, guys. I was aware of all the mfg info on the 31, but the serial number of this gun has the H followed by 4 digits. The SCSW shows the serial number range for the 30/31 with an H followed by 5 digits. I did not know if the shorter number was a concern, or if the book was technically incorrect showing the first serial number as H00001. Hopefully, I will be able to get the 31 before someone else grabs it up.
If the other side of this revolver is as nice as the side shown in the picture, it has a good bore and crown and everything functions as it should, I'd say 450 is a great price.
Got caught up in the moment and won a 31-1 2"SB on GB when I just assumed I was going to be outbid. You know the old cliché about assuming, so now I own one for $437, no box/docs, grips match, serial #H107xxx but it looks like a beauty from the pics. Found some S&W .32long 100gr wadcutters locally. Another $25 for Priority Mail shipping and another $25 for the local FFL, so $487 total when it finally arrives. Probably paid on the high end but this gun was good enough for ex-NYPD Comm. Raymond Kelly to carry for his full LE career. Case closed.
Thanks for your thoughts, guys. I was aware of all the mfg info on the 31, but the serial number of this gun has the H followed by 4 digits. The SCSW shows the serial number range for the 30/31 with an H followed by 5 digits. I did not know if the shorter number was a concern, or if the book was technically incorrect showing the first serial number as H00001. Hopefully, I will be able to get the 31 before someone else grabs it up.
That’s a great package for an excellent price.
Although not an early 31-1 J frame which began in 1961, you are looking at a very early letter prefix 31-1. The book has a typo; the actual first # is H01 in 1969.
When the book and the gun do not match, and the gun is visibly original, believe the gun!!
You have all probably heard the old saying "He who hesitates is lost". Well, I may not be lost, but I hesitated, and the gun is lost to me. But I have learned more in the process. That's what I love about this forum, the knowledge folks here have, and their willingness to share it. Next time, I won't hesitate.
Confused on 31-1
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