Hoping one of you Smithies can help me determine a fair price to offer for a 442 pre-lock, in the original plastic box with papers. It has been fired, but very little, or so I am told. It is not rated for Plus-P (says .38 Special on barrel and box). I haven't seen it yet but am told it is LNIB, so let's go on that assumption. It was made in 2002 or so, based on the S/N and a call to S&W customer service.
Reason I ask is that I can get a new 442 no-lock for around $385 shipped, so I am curious what a fair offer on this older model would be. This will be a carry gun, not a collector's item, for me, so it's not like I need the older model per se. I'm just trying to save some money.
Thanks!

I would say if you can get it for around $350 total that would be reasonable. The best I can do on a new one would be $350 but I'd have to pay shipping and transfer fees which would put me around your $385 that you mentioned. Ideally, I'd tell the guy a new one goes for about $350 and see if he'd sell it for $300.

I just paid $300 for mine ... third hand ... no lock but very close to ANIB. Same thing as the one you are describing - hard plastic box made in 2014. Maybe it will even have the SW-branded banana grips ...

Attached Images

SW_M442.jpg (118.8 KB, 14 views)

Thank you both, very helpful.

I have come across many modern mfg 442s and 642s with very rough DA trigger pulls, even Performance Center models. You really have to inspect this gun before discussing $. If unsure about inspection, can you bring someone who knows how to inspect a revolver? In my experience, everything is "mint" and "LNIB", even if that box was a cement mixer... From your post, little $ difference between new and used. Good luck.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Good point on the trigger pull. Actually that's one of the reasons I was looking for an older model; supposedly they have nicer trigger pulls than the newer ones. I have two older J-frames with nice trigger pulls, better than the new stuff. That, and saving some dough, are the two reasons I was looking at this gun. I'll keep your advice in mind.