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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 11-06-2020, 10:28 PM
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Default Model 45-2

What is the going rate for the Model 45-2 with no box or papers but in a conservative 98% condition? Found one at my LGS this afternoon and grabbed it immediately. I'll have it home next week after that damned waiting period. And for sure I'll be posting photos when I get it home.
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Old 11-07-2020, 03:08 AM
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The M45, and any dash version thereof is one of those cases where the model is so hard to find, especially in or near 98% condition, we're just happy enough to find one to buy! It certainly rates a premium over other mundane models, but not enough sold to establish a "going rate" by any means. And if there's a going rate but what you find is priced above that, do you really care all that much?

If you want it, you find the price is at least somewhat 'reasonable' for the condition, and you can afford it, then the price is right. Period. they aren't making any more, that's the bottom line.
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Old 11-07-2020, 10:10 AM
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You pay whatever the seller is asking. That's why I don't have one. I have seen 2 for sale in my life. First was 30 years ago tagged at $1600. Other was maybe 5 years ago asking $2800. In neither case could I justify spending that much for a novelty gun.
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Old 11-07-2020, 10:19 AM
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A 45 listed as 85% (pictures look pretty good) sold for $2150 on GB recently.

S&W Model 45-2 RARE Post Office Model 4" 22LR w/ Historian Letter - USED - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 878183025
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Old 11-11-2020, 04:49 PM
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Just picked up my 45-2 and gave it a good cleaning and going over. Here are some pics. The revolver has just enough wear on it that I plan on shooting it occasionally. I've been keeping an eye out for one of these for years so I was just happy to finally find one.
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Old 11-11-2020, 05:43 PM
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Cool gun. So what was the price?
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Old 11-11-2020, 06:34 PM
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Cool gun. So what was the price?
More than I ever paid for a 22 before, but I feel I got a good deal on it. The case colors are very vivid on the hammer.

Last edited by mag318; 11-11-2020 at 06:37 PM.
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Old 11-11-2020, 07:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glenncal1 View Post
A 45 listed as 85% (pictures look pretty good) sold for $2150 on GB recently.

S&W Model 45-2 RARE Post Office Model 4" 22LR w/ Historian Letter - USED - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 878183025
I think that the winner on this auction got a nice gun for a fair price.

Now this one ran up pretty good.

S&W MODEL 45 "POST OFFICE MODEL" 22 LR ORIG BOX EX-ROY JINKS COLLECTION - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 882295722

I was in on that one, but, when I saw who I was up against I knew I wasn't going to get to take that one home. I have witnessed him clean house on many in the past. So, I stepped away.

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Old 11-11-2020, 07:39 PM
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Congratulations,
That revolver is in superb condition
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Old 11-11-2020, 07:43 PM
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That one is spectacular and the box and provenance are truly frosting on the cake.
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Old 11-11-2020, 10:15 PM
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Quote:
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What is the going rate for the Model 45-2 with no box or papers but in a conservative 98%
So you ask what the going rate is from the folks on the forum, you buy one, and then don’t disclose the price?

Anyways, a very nice rare revolver you have there. Congrats.
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Old 11-11-2020, 10:36 PM
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Typically, $2500 to $2800.
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Old 11-11-2020, 11:18 PM
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The Model 45 no dash I presume is the earliest numbered version yet the one in the above auction has non diamond service grips. My 45 is a -2 and it has diamond service grips. Seems like the earlier version should have the diamond grips. According to my Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 2'nd edition the diamond insert grips were deleted in 1968. Anyway there are probably a few anomalies in the series.
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Old 11-12-2020, 12:36 AM
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Quote:
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The Model 45 no dash I presume is the earliest numbered version yet the one in the above auction has non diamond service grips. My 45 is a -2 and it has diamond service grips. Seems like the earlier version should have the diamond grips. According to my Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 2'nd edition the diamond insert grips were deleted in 1968. Anyway there are probably a few anomalies in the series.
Yes, there is a 'Model 45' with no trailing dash number. They would be four screw guns. Serial numbers start with C42XXXX.

They made a number of C883XXX guns in the 60's. A lot of them laid on the shelf at S&W, unsold. The one's shipped at that time would have had the diamond stocks.

In 1978 there were 135 non-model marked guns with the C883XXX serial numbers assembled, boxed, and, shipped. They would have the correct modified magnas, but, without the diamonds.

As you stated, there are considerable anomalies with the Post Office guns. Weren't catalogued and Postal Service order over runs were marketed out to law enforcement and some dealers.

The very last ones shipped was in 1978.

enjoy,

bdGreen

Tap on image to enlarge.




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Old 11-12-2020, 11:28 AM
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bdGreen, that is great information and makes perfect sense about the grips.
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Old 11-12-2020, 01:27 PM
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Mine is a pre M45 4 screw, shipped in 1958. It has PC diamond grips, numbered to the gun. Got it at a Cabelas, and after tax and shipping, around $2,000. No box or tools. It is a good 95%+. It also shoots to point of aim at 25 yards. Too much $$$? Yes, probably, as I paid $400 for a 98% K22 Outdoorsman. Big Larry

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Old 11-12-2020, 08:49 PM
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I also have a pre model marked four screw that is a fairly righteous specimen.

enjoy,
bdGreen


Tap on image to enlarge.



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Old 11-12-2020, 11:30 PM
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Bruce, isn't that the one I loaned you awhile back?
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Old 11-13-2020, 12:13 AM
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Quote:
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Bruce, isn't that the one I loaned you awhile back?
A 'loan' would imply ownership of an item that was 'loaned' to a 'loanee'.

Ha.

I don't see that scenario in this situation, at all.


Nice try Charlie.

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Old 11-13-2020, 07:12 PM
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I think you're being unreasonable.
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Old 11-14-2020, 01:31 AM
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How many have shot their Model 45s?
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Old 11-14-2020, 11:52 AM
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I shoot my pre Model 45 all the time. In the condition it is; shooting it won't hurt its value one bit. It is great shooting revolver. In my opinion it should have been a regular cataloged item for Smith & Wesson.

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Old 11-14-2020, 12:51 PM
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I'm getting to the age that,,"i paid too much" "is it worth that" is just something to talk about!.....fun to talk about,but, bottom like is neither is going "home" with any of us, the $$$ or the guns.....enjoy 'em while you can!
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Old 11-14-2020, 01:06 PM
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I'll jump in here with regards to price. I bought my Model 45 in 1990 at the LGS. It's serial # C622698. The shop had no idea what it was, "probably some kind of prototype", they said. It's been shot, probably 90% or so condition. It's a very decent revolver. I paid $245 for it and still have the receipt to prove it!
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Old 11-15-2020, 04:44 PM
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I had every intention of going to my range today but do to heavy storms the place is a mud puddle. In the mean time perusing YouTube I discovered 0 videos on the Model 45 so I decided to make a short one. I started my YouTube channel just making short videos for friends and it's very amateurish compared to most, but it's fun and my friends enjoy them, so here you go. Smith & Wesson Model 45-2 - YouTube
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Old 11-15-2020, 05:08 PM
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Well done.

They are interesting guns.

Must note, however, there were no S&W Model 45-1's or S&W Model 45-3's.

Pre models, 45 no dashes, 45-2's, and, a passel of non-model marked 45's.

bdGreen
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Old 11-15-2020, 05:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mag318 View Post
I had every intention of going to my range today but do to heavy storms the place is a mud puddle. In the mean time perusing YouTube I discovered 0 videos on the Model 45 so I decided to make a short one. I started my YouTube channel just making short videos for friends and it's very amateurish compared to most, but it's fun and my friends enjoy them, so here you go. Smith & Wesson Model 45-2 - YouTube
Great video. I've subscribed to your channel.
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Old 11-16-2020, 01:14 PM
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A few years ago I was working with a retired USCG guy. He told me at one time he was one of their firearms instructors and recalled seeing many of these M45's in their armory racks, sitting un-used for decades.
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Old 11-16-2020, 01:41 PM
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A few years ago I was working with a retired USCG guy. He told me at one time he was one of their firearms instructors and recalled seeing many of these M45's in their armory racks, sitting un-used for decades.
As a friend of the Fire Captain of the old NTC in San Diego, I was allowed into the Navy armory and shown several locker boxes of original Colt Ace pistols. They were to be shipped out for destruction as they had not been used as training pistols for many years. These pistols were worth a fortune and were to be destroyed. Big Larry
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Old 11-16-2020, 01:56 PM
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As a friend of the Fire Captain of the old NTC in San Diego, I was allowed into the Navy armory and shown several locker boxes of original Colt Ace pistols. They were to be shipped out for destruction as they had not been used as training pistols for many years. These pistols were worth a fortune and were to be destroyed. Big Larry
According to this fella that the ingrained institutionalized mindset was that literally NOTHING would be done with any of the un-used hardware in the armories until it was reclaimed by the earth.
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Old 11-22-2020, 11:42 PM
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Just watched 2 of these revolvers go for over 3K on GunBroker.....WOW!
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Old 11-23-2020, 12:44 AM
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Old 11-23-2020, 07:42 AM
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Quote:
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bdGreen, that is great information and makes perfect sense about the grips.
Not an uncommon situation at S&W.

These were the best clues in that auction that the grips were righteous;

"Grips/Stock: MATCHING WALNUT MAGNA" and,



S&W collecting Rule #2: Serial #s are not the first or best consideration w/o other corroborating observations. Their guns are not built, sold, or shipped in serial # order.

S&W collecting Rule #1: Never say never.
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Old 11-23-2020, 11:26 AM
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I shoot mine and enjoy every minute of it.
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Old 04-28-2021, 08:10 PM
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Finally had a range day with the 45-2 and naturally it was a pleasure to shoot. Smith & Wesson Model 45-2 First Shots. - YouTube
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