Newbie second opinions appreciated

FNO4LIFE

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Hello all. I picked up a S&W Model 48 the other day a guy inherited. From what I found in my own research is its a 1960 model based on serial number. Had a gunsmith friend check it out and replaced a cut spring with 11 lbs new spring. He stated this gun is a true 90-92 on condition. 8.25 barrel couple scratches minor tho but original bluing is beautiful. Would love to keep but honestly bought as an investment. I have seen these anywhere from 600 to over a grand but I do not have original box. Thinking of advertising for 850 obo and wanting some educated S&W input from you guys. No this is not an advertisement for it here I read the rules. Honestly just need some smith guys input.
 
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Welcome to the FORUM! I do not buy guns with the intent of reselling them. But on the flip side, I research, and try to pick up something that has a following or demand. (of course like it too) Bought a K-22 yesterday from G.B. Look at G.B. for pricing ideas. Remember that guns with no bids have a reason for it. Look at what examples sold for. Good luck! Bob
 
Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! To upload pictures as attachments, use Go Advanced/Manage Attachments. You can post up to 5 pictures per post. Make sure they are not too large -- 1920x1080 pixels or smaller.

As far as value goes, the recently published Standard Catalog of S&W, 4th Edition says this:

ANIB Exc ..VG .Good Fair
1250 1100 700 500 ..350

(Page 252).
 
Welcome to the Forum. Please do not fall into the trap of listing a particular model for sale using all the other For Sale guns like yours. Most of the posted for sale guns are over-priced and do not sell. Only check on completed sales to gauge valuations. You will quickly see high reserve guns listed over and over without selling.

I hate hidden reserve prices and often limit my searching to "No Reserve" guns when searching. I have sold several guns on GB and will place a minimum price roughly half what I consider as the value in the opening bid. The starting bid is clearly posted and can be seen by all, and the result is that every gun I have listed has sold the first try for at least double that of my minimum. Let the bidders decide on what your gun is worth, as they will set the value by bidding what is their estimate of what a gun is worth.

Personally, I think there is way too much greed out there and sellers are so worried about losing a buck that they will relist and never sell their guns with sky-high reserves. Follow David Carrol's approach to selling on GB. (woodlawn boys) No reserve and no opening bid minimum.
 
What you have is a fairly scarce gun. 4 screw 8" M48's are fairly hard to come by. The earlier the more they are worth. Production started in late 1959, so you have one of the earlier guns. I cannot give you a value as I paid near $1,000 for my 1960 gun. It is minty and has the 3 "T"s. On the other hand, I bought a 1959 vintage M48 6" bbl. for $625 and it is near mint. If it were mine, I would keep it. I have 3 8 3/8" M48's and one 6". I have never fired any of them. Big Larry
 
Thanks guys I typically don't buy and resell my guns either and wish i could keep this one I actually love it and haven't even shot it but money is tight and it's not in the budget. I had to sell a lot of my weapons when I was laid off three years ago and replaced several of them since but what great investments they are. I uploaded photobucket and will try n get pics up. I also agree with the what they sell for
Not lost for approaches.

 
Looks pretty nice to me. Plus I like the long barrel. If I saw it out for $650 at the LGS, I would have to grab it; but, I am cheap.
 
Thank you for the info. I'm sure your all enjoying the day of independence so thank you to any and all who have served and allowed us toga e freedom.
 
Nice gun ain't these guys great they give good advice .Now I'm not an expert on guns but as a blue collar working class guy who has been around the block and had to sell some firearms here is so e selling advice .My wife yes,my dog maybe ,my guns never.LOL guys just kidding of course I would never sell my dog either.
 

The grips should be diamond at that serial number. That aside, it looks nice and would be an early M-48 with a nice long barrel.

Pop the grips off and look for any markings stamps on either the left or right grip frame (under the grips). Post picture of same.

I suggest you write for a letter on this one to verify the barrel and ship date then post it for sale.

Not at all knocking your M48 but from the picture the metal prep on this (prior to the blue) looks more 1970s than 1960s but for S&W in the era it would not be unusual and will likely turn out to be correct but may be a refinish.
 
Looks like a very nice "shooter grade" to me...... but IMO .22 magnum and 8 inch barrel; make it a "nitche buyers"gun........ to the right buyer it may be worth a bit ($50-150) more..... in a LGS around here........IMO it would be listed at around $600........ discounted the longer it sits.
 
I will check and see. When the gunsmith who looked at it pulled it down the finish is original. The grips are not as I bought it with some silly comp grips that were messed up and Dan had an extra set of
Stock maybe not period correct smith grips that are currently on it. Kinda neat when a world Champion revolver shooter is the one who went over everything and suggested ask around for any more details on this model and sent me
Here. I'm not looking to kill it. Honestly I paid 600 for this and a snub nose stainless Rossi .357 I use just for a brush gun so I didn't get hurt on the deal but want a smith officianado to own this one
 

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