price check on airweight .38 special

lineman21 · #1 12-24-2009, 07:36 PM

I was in the local pawn shop today window shopping and came across a smith and wesson airweight .38 special. It has about a 2-2.5 in. blued barrel on it. It has some muzzle wear on it and some scratches on the bottom of the frame just above the trigger. They are asking 350 for it. Is that to much. Im not looking for nothing fancy just a carry gun.

5Wire · #2 12-24-2009, 08:04 PM

If its in good mechanical shape, I'd say it was a reasonable deal. 95% and higher they're averaging over $400 in my, albeit short, track, too few prices for a trend:

Smith & Wesson Model 38 Revolver in .38 Special. 2-in Bbl. Bluebook of Gun Values (30th Edition) indicates between $350 in 98% condition and $450 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 9 recorded prices for this model gun from $300 to $625 over a period of 0 Yrs 4 Mos ending November 3, 2009. The average price as of that date was $430. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights, all represented as 95% or better no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $462.

The Model 36s are about the same. I just bought a Model 38 that was perhaps a little more worn than what you're describing. Paid $240.

pred · #3 12-24-2009, 08:15 PM

I am wondering if it is a 5 shot J frame or a 6 shot K frame (Model 12)
Either way 375 sounds like 350 OTD or less which is pretty good for an Airweight Smith.
Peter

lineman21 · #4 12-24-2009, 09:35 PM

I think it was a 6 shot, I will try to get back to the pawn shop saturday and see if I can get some pictures. I really want a .357 to carry but for the price right now it fits the budget better.

pred · #5 12-24-2009, 09:49 PM

I have a new fangeled 340sc, 14oz of 357 ouchiness,
357 is best out of a steel gun in my mind, The 340 is ok for bike rides and the like where there are some bigger dogs...
But normally i carry a .38 with wad cutters......
The model 12 is a fine gun and for less than 400 you are doing well.
For a 5 shot model 38 (shrouded hammer) you are doing ok
For a model 37, Looks like 36, 5 shot exposed hammer, Well, Price is fair but I would walk away.
Peter