New or Used??? I'm torn between them

[BigBill]

I found a really nice S&W model 58 in 41mag in blue used for quite a bit of cash. I guess there pumping up the prices on the older S&W n frame revolvers now. For another $100 or so i could buy new???

I have two new S&W n frames with the key loc and i feel if its discontinued someday these may be really sought after as collectables.

[Harry_Callahan]

Originally Posted by BigBill

I found a really nice S&W model 58 in 41mag in blue used for quite a bit of cash. I guess there pumping up the prices on the older S&W n frame revolvers now. For another $100 or so i could buy new???

what's the price for the 58?

I would spend 100$ more for a vintage 57, but if the price is nice for the 58 go for it

[blaiwayw]

I've never heard a good comment about the key lock, so don't see how it could ever be considered collectable. Not likely they would ever discontinue it either. An older N frame will never loose it's esteem and who knows when the prices will top out. Seems like the new ones are over $700 too.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Originally Posted by BigBill

I found a really nice S&W model 58 in 41mag in blue used for quite a bit of cash. I guess there pumping up the prices on the older S&W n frame revolvers now. For another $100 or so i could buy new???

I have two new S&W n frames with the key loc and i feel if its discontinued someday these may be really sought after as collectables.

If you found a really nice 58, and want one, why would you buy a new gun for more? What would a new gun offer that the 58 doesn't? To me, the 58 is worth MORE than the new gun, not less. However, you might QUICKLY check on the net or elsewhere to find out whether the price is higher or lower than normal. But you can always get a new gun, IFF you actually want one.

If you want to bet your money on guns with locks becoming collectable, that's your call. It wouldn't be mine.

[geraldo]

what comes with the 58, box, papers ? I am in the process of buying every older S&W NEW IN THE BOX I CAN FIND! paying a little more than I wanted to but my money isnt paying me squat in the bank, if I hold on them for a year or two and decide to sell them, I am positive I can make more money on them than the banks are paying ! THE BANKS ARE FULL OF IT ! paying 1% interest on savings and riping people off charging 19% or higher on credit cards, if it is real nice BUY IT !

[AveragEd]

While I agree that it isn't likely that S&W will discontinue the lock and that lock guns would become really valuable if they did, Remington did drop their J-lock in the firing pin shroud of their bolt-action rifles due to customer input. But it has to be noted that Remington's lock was easily removed in under a minute by just replacing the firing pin assembly, so it wasn't a very effective design.

Ed

[Titegroups]

If they stop making the lock the lock guns will be worthless. Buy the no lock.

[holo]

i think you cant go wrong with the pre lock guns pay the extra now and have a more valuable gun later

[bigshep85]

The used guns are tried and true, read this thread

Talk about Lightning Striking Twice

Just something to think about

[tcc]

My first Smith was a M 67 with the lock and two piece barrel. I was brand new to guns so I didn't know what I was getting and I had some concerns about buying used guns. But I started seeing older Smiths that just looked "right". I sold the 67 and everything since has been used and pre lock. I have had nothing but success with my purchases.
T

[raisedin99]

this is a partial repost to another thread
For three years I have been looking for a 58 that I would be willing to pay a reasonable price.
This NIB 58 surfaced at the OGCA a couple weeks ago, well below the prices that the others at the
show were wearing, decent shooter grade 58's were priced in the $750 range, one man had a
nib blue priced at $1150 and a nib nickel at $1250 all were no lock guns.
Since I have no intentions of ever selling this one I don't mind disclosing that I paid $ 800.00 for it,
well within what I consider reasonable. Patience truly was on my side.

terry

[crofoot629]

You're backwards from most of us. I wouldn't only walk over hot coals for the older gun, but would walk twice as far over hot coals to avoid even fouling my senses due to proximity to a new lock gun.

Btw, the old ones are better made.

Emory

[hittman77]

New vs. old? Old ~ hands down, 100%, no question about it.

Amazes me that people still buy new guns but; to each their own.

[Scary Gary]

I'd pay more for a no lock gun.
Locks are silly.

[snubbiefan]

Another vote here for the "old" guns. It is VERY apparent that Smith is letting the specs. slide on new guns. We read about it all the time. Not long ago...a BTCG of .010 was cause for serious concern, especially in a new gun. Now a new gun with a BTCG of .008 to .010 is considered within spec. We constantly hear about barrel-cant on new guns, whining about MIM parts, cracked frames, tender coatings and finishes....and it goes on and on. Many of the older guns (especially in the smaller calibers) were way over-built by today's standards. If I have to pay more for an older NL gun I plan to keep...I do just that.

[fishcreekrim]

If it is such that you have to ask, buy a new one and be happy.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Originally Posted by fishcreekrim

If it is such that you have to ask, buy a new one and be happy.

If you do, you won't be happy later.

[crofoot629]

Originally Posted by fishcreekrim

If it is such that you have to ask, buy a new one and be happy.

That's not even, what? Decent of you? The poor guy just doesn't know any better. Or a really great Troll post.

Emory

[Oregon45]

I don't find the prices of older S&W N-frames to be all that higher than the MSRP of S&W's new production N-frames; at least in the local shops I go to.

With the prices that S&W wants for their new production guns, I don't see the sense in buying new unless you need a feature not available on the older guns.

[vytoland]

i buy 'em old and keep 'em forever.

[GPJohn]

I would buy the pinned and recessed 58. I believe that those will always be worth more than a later version 58 with the lock. I also believe what as others have said, the older versions are better made.

[kudzu3]

Get the used one!

[fishcreekrim]

If it is such that you need to ask, buy new and be happy.

Originally Posted by crofoot629

That's not even, what? Decent of you? The poor guy just doesn't know any better. Or a really great Troll post.

Emory

I would respectfully disagree, I admit it is not hard to fine someone that is not happy with their new smith, but if you follow the forum, there are those that are pleased with their new smith. So if you add this to the fact that someone with a problem is much more likely to start a thread than someone that is happy with their new gun, there are a lot of good guns leaving the factory.

Buying a used gun is not without risk, there are those that would sell a problem gun without disclosing the problem. If you have a problem with a new gun there is warranty, with a used gun you may well be on your own.

I understand not wanting to own the new type revolvers I own only pre-lock guns myself, at times I envy those that can get past the MIM/lock, they have a larger and more varied market to buy from.

Feel free to disagree, but I want to make the point that I feel I am being decent to my fellow forum member with these comments.

[nipster]

I dont own a lock gun and likely never will, I despise the entire idea of it. I only own one MIM pre-lock gun, a 66-5. I have had it for a few years and it's kind of my "shooter" K frame magnum. It shoots just as good as my older P&R guns, but the newer MIM parts just seem cheap, and I prefer the older spur on hammer to the new internal firing pin. But it seems to work fine, I have never had any issues with the gun.

[olds442guy]

For what it's worth, I bought a new 29-10 (44mag, n frame) just a few months ago for the same reason you're thinking about a new gun (the new gun was only a little more than a good used one). My gun thankfully is flawless, shoots great, and although I never use the lock, it hasn't caused any problems. I liked the idea of buying new because any wear on the gun would be caused by me and I'd know exactly how it'd been taken care of, unlike the used gun. In my opinion, the problems with the lock are blown way out of proportion. It really isn't bad, and all the new revolvers I've handled are top notch (I'm sure there are duds, but I haven't seen any personally).

That being said, if the lock or anything else about the new gun bothers you, get the old one. Make an informed decision, get whatever you want, and don't let anyone make you feel bad about what you decide.

[bananaman]

To me, old is better! (Smith's that is) My oldest is June of 1919. My newest, a 586 is 1983. I do not buy new guns! There are to many good used ones out waiting for a new home, and to be shot. I have bought many used guns over the years, and never had a big problem that I can remember. I like the hunt of finding that special gun! Bob

[Revolver-time]

Originally Posted by olds442guy

For what it's worth, I bought a new 29-10 (44mag, n frame) just a few months ago for the same reason you're thinking about a new gun (the new gun was only a little more than a good used one). My gun thankfully is flawless, shoots great, and although I never use the lock, it hasn't caused any problems. I liked the idea of buying new because any wear on the gun would be caused by me and I'd know exactly how it'd been taken care of, unlike the used gun. In my opinion, the problems with the lock are blown way out of proportion. It really isn't bad, and all the new revolvers I've handled are top notch (I'm sure there are duds, but I haven't seen any personally).

That being said, if the lock or anything else about the new gun bothers you, get the old one. Make an informed decision, get whatever you want, and don't let anyone make you feel bad about what you decide.

+1 on this. I own both no locks and locks. I too am sure there are duds in new ones, but I haven't see any either. Like I have said before, the target doesn't know if I put that hole in it with my 27-2 or my 27 Classic. I say if you are buying the gun to shoot, it just doesn't matter. If everyone decided not to buy anything new Smith and Wesson goes bye-bye.