Fair price for Model 31-1

[press-1-for-english]

My friend has a this revolver for sale. It is in a Smith box but it isn't the correctly numbered box for this revolver. He doesn't know if he has the correct box but he does have 3 more model 31's so maybe. He is asking $600 for it. I looked it over and it is in excellent condition and locks up bank vault tight. Does $600 seem like a fair market value price for this revolver? He won't budge from $600. I know .32 ammo is pricey and I don't reload. I can get a used model 60 at the LGS for under $500 and that I would have no problem shooting.
Help!

 

[zwartepiet]

.32's are pretty popular right now for good reason. It's a great little revolver and round. If he's got the accessories I would think $600 would be a bargain. FWIW

 

[gmborkovic]

Sir, I dont think this m-31 really makes your knees knock. Price or caliber.
Buy the m-60.

 

[raljr1]

Sir, I dont think this m-31 really makes your knees knock. Price or caliber.
Buy the m-60.

sound advice. 32s are for those who "get" them

 

[CH4]

sound advice. 32s are for those who "get" them

Yeah, the cool kids. Every Tom, Dick and Harry has a M60. Works, but mundane.

 

[glider1]

The model 31 holds 6 rounds to the model 60s 5. That's not really a big deal but the 32 is just a cool little revolver and fun to shoot. 500 for a model 60 is a steal if it's a decent gun.

 

[press-1-for-english]

The model 31 holds 6 rounds to the model 60s 5. That's not really a big deal but the 32 is just a cool little revolver and fun to shoot. 500 for a model 60 is a steal if it's a decent gun.

It is in very nice condition. Locks up tight. The salesman told me it was an off duty weapon for a retired LEO.
It does look like it was carried but fired q-6-months.
I buy the steak, not the sizzle.

 

[cmansguns]

$600 sounds right to me

I have my estate find M31-1 complete package valued for insurance purposes right now at $700. I think $600 is a good price, especially for New Jersey, which I left in 1988. Buying (or selling) anything firearms related in NJ was a big hassle, even way back when. Maybe the times have changed but if you can find the capital....go for BOTH, the M60 and the M31-1.

There is 32 Long ammo available here locally, a bit pricey, but available in quantity, so that's not an issue.

Let us know how you make-out.

 

[teletech]

$600 for the 31 is a better deal than $500 for a 60 in similar condition, I'd buy both but if it has to be just one then decide which will fill a use-case for you.
The 31 will be more fun to shoot and the 60 will be much easier to feed if you don't reload.
I'd take the 31 in a hot second, but I like the .32s and I reload.

 

[Retired W4]

I recently reamed the chambers on my 31-1 for 32 H&R Magnum. 6 shots of 32 H&R...and it still uses 32 S&WL.

And I'm a Tom, and I too have a couple 60's. Ashford Shooter's Supply and one of those 174 60's that S&W put together. Don't shoot those though.

$600 sounds fair for a real nice one.

 

[Hondo44]

The .32 in that condition is much more collectible and will keep it's value.

Everybody I know that had one and sold it, now regrets it.

 

[Walter Rego]

I wouldn't sell mine for $600. Model 60's are great guns and iconic. But as others have said, if the ammunition for a Model 31-1 isn't an issue for you, $600 is a very good price.

 

[H Richard]

I wish 600 would have been the price about 4 years ago when I sold a couple of them.

 

[mtgianni]

I passed on a really nice 32-1 with box and tools two years ago for $799. I still kick myself even though I might have gotten $50 off it.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

If you are looking for something to practice with on a regular basis, buy the 60. Ammo is cheaper and much easier to find.
I think $700 is $200 too much, especially with a mismatched box. In either case, just member... they made more than one!

John

 

[Model19man]

Both prices sound like a good deal.

 

[CH4]

As with 99% of my gun purchases, they're impulse buys, my cherry 3" 30-1 is a perfect example. Since I already load for 32 cal and since I don't have a M30, I easily talked myself into bringing home this nice 30-1. I paid $525 OTD in 11/23

 

[TJm15.38]

I would think $600 is a fair price for a 31-1 in good condition. I just found the receipt for mine from 2008 purchased for $325 plus tax. I thought that was high back then.

 

[Gunsquirrel]

New Jersey is WORSE now Charlie B All permits are thru a central computer after you apply with your local PD and only one gun every 30 days!!

 

[press-1-for-english]

Well, I got off the pot and committed to buying the .32 for $600. I will be able to complete the transaction after April 11th. Pictures and range report to follow.