My Father-in-laws has a S&W 581 nickle/chrome (not sure which but it has a high gloss finish) revolver, former police gun, in VG-excellent condition. When he purchased it (about 15 years ago), the pistol was dirty but cleaned up nicely. I suspect that it was carried a lot, shot a bit and not cleaned much. It is wearing rubber grips, has no box or papers and will be a shooter. He is thinking about selling the gun and I would like to give him a fair price. Do you have any suggestion as to a fair meeting point on value? Thanks, Jack.

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Man errors so long as he tries

The gun should be nickel, unless someone had it chromed. There is one in a local shop that is in very good condition with the original box and they want $499 for it. I would not want to spend more than $400 for one as you describe with no box and rubber grips. You might want to take those grips off and see if there is any problems under them. Rubber grips sometimes will hold moisture and cause fininsh problems underneath. JMO.
I will say that is a gun I don't see often and the $499 price for the local one is a pretty good price for one.
Oh, welcome to the forum.

Hi, and welcome. The 581 was made in blue and nickel finish. Without the original stocks (Magna or service style) and as described, I would guess the value between $350 and 400 - a dealer would give him less and he might get a little more on auction. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I agree with $400 on the top end. You can do a search on gunbroker and see what selling prices have been.

Thanks for the replies and the welcome. We have a price point to start from, time for some horse trading! Thanks again.

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Man errors so long as he tries

If I were buying, I'd give $400, if selling, I'd ask $500.

Model 581s are hard to come by. I almost never see them.

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NRA Lifetime Member