32-20 value ?

[cztrouba]

I have been looking for a 1902 or 1905 32-20 target model and wondered what I should expect to pay for a decent example.
I have looked in Blue Book of Gun Values but they seem to be higher then what the few that I have seen sell on Gun Broker go for.
A friend has 3 target models and 2 standard and I am trying to find a price that would be fair for the both of us.
In the Blue Book there is not a great difference in price of models except 1902 first model.
I would be interested in a ball park price range for 50% to 95% guns and I thought this forum would the best place to ask.
Thanks Bob

 

[Mike McLellan]

Not too long ago, I paid about $350.00 for a fixed-sight 1905 3rd. I think it was a great price. I then paid more than twice that much for a 1905 3rd target model. At the time, I thought it was way too much, but I wanted it. Now, after shooting them, I'm convinced I got a good deal. Neither are collector quality, but I love them.
I removed the large medallion stocks that they came with. I prefer these.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

At the local gun show this weekend, there was a dealer there who has for sale a 32-20 target model with a missing extractor knurled knob and with about 10% finish. He's shown it for the last three shows, IIRC. He's asking $1990...I guess that's why he still has it.

 

[glowe]

The difference between a 1902 and a 1905 is the butt. Round butt 32-20s made before the mid 1920s are considered Model 1902 and the square butt of the same era are Model 1905. I don't see much difference in value for either, but some would say the square butt 32-20s are worth more. Depending on condition, configuration, and barrel length, values could be from $250-$300 for a 50% and a 95% gun might be worth $450-$500.

Within the last year, I bought a 6 1/2" great shooter that is tight as a drum for $150 and have not paid more than $350 for a decent condition 32-20. Target models do command a premium, maybe 25-50% over standard service sights.

 

[Göring's S&W]

Target models do command a premium, maybe 25-50% over standard service sights.

Target models are pretty scarce. I have observed a 100% premium for 32-20 target guns, and perhaps a little more depending on condition. I am referring to a blued 6in version with walnut, any special features can add to the gun exponentially.

 

[rburg]

You boys seem to live in the land of cheap guns. Around here, I agree that poor condition 32-20s sell in the range of $300 to $500. As condition improves the prices seem to go way up. I recently (this year) bought a fixed sight gun for $500, I think. Its a beauty except the prior owner had corrosive sweat and the grip frame has freckling. Other than that, its at least 95% or maybe even better. A couple of years ago I bought a 90% target gun and paid $1250. I think I got a bargain. At that same show David Carroll had a pair of boxed 98% targets and was asking nearly $3000 each for them. Then at the OGCA late last year a guy had a boxed and as new fixed sight gun and was asking $2200 for it. I didn't see it sell, but boxes for 32-20s don't grow on trees.

 

[bettis1]

At the SWCA show in KC a couple of weeks ago a .32-20 M1905 4th, 6", blue in 98-99% condition sold for $1300.

Bob

 

[Muley Gil]

Personally, I prefer the 1902 round butt .32-20s.

 

[DWalt]

My champ story was about 6 months ago. I went into a small-town combination gun and pawn shop about 90 miles from where I live. There was a really bad (roach gun grade) round butt .32-20 M&P, no price on it. I asked the price - $595 FIRM. I left empty-handed (I was going to offer $100 but didn't). The following month I stopped again on my way through town. It was gone and the owner told me he sold it for full price. That's proof that there's certainly one born every minute.

 

[glowe]

You boys seem to live in the land of cheap guns. Around here, I agree that poor condition 32-20s sell in the range of $300 to $500. As condition improves the prices seem to go way up. I recently (this year) bought a fixed sight gun for $500, I think. Its a beauty except the prior owner had corrosive sweat and the grip frame has freckling. Other than that, its at least 95% or maybe even better. A couple of years ago I bought a 90% target gun and paid $1250. I think I got a bargain. At that same show David Carroll had a pair of boxed 98% targets and was asking nearly $3000 each for them. Then at the OGCA late last year a guy had a boxed and as new fixed sight gun and was asking $2200 for it. I didn't see it sell, but boxes for 32-20s don't grow on trees.

Dick - you got to stop shopping at those high-end gun shops. I like shooting 32-20s and watch many first class shooters sell at auctions for under $350. I agree that 98% specimens are going for high dollar for a Model 1905, but that is the case with any collector S&W model.

Here are a few we both missed on Gunbroker:
Smith and Wesson 1905 1st. change 32-20 : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
SMITH & WESSON 1905 HAND EJECTOR REV. 32-20 CAL. * : Curios & Relics at GunBroker.com
Smith and Wesson 32 Cal wcf five screw revolver : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

 

[cztrouba]

Thanks for the reply's
The 2 sold on Gun Broker were both 1905 4th change target models.
#1 listed at 95% with what appears to be non factory front sight sold for $1575.00
#2 listed as near perfect sold for $1200.00
But if you go by Blue Book values a 90% 1905 32-20 (target) is valued at $1375.00 plus 75% for target sights ($1031.25) for a total of $2406.25. I believe the value is more in what guns are actually selling for then what some book says or a price someone asks but never finds a buyer for.
Thanks Bob

 

[Mike McLellan]

Like every make, model, and vintage of older guns, the demand determines the market value. All it takes is one prospective buyer with a little extra cash in his pocket to send the price of a marginally collectible firearm to go through the roof. I'm guilty of contributing to inflated eBay prices for diamond - football target stocks. They used to be pretty cheap. Not any more. That's the way Capitalism works. We all felt it in the recent ammo unpleasantness. Will we ever learn? Probably not.

 

[cztrouba]

I found this price history for 1905 4th change 32-20 in Blue Book of Gun Values on line. According to this chart the value of a 90% standard model was $235.00 in 2006 and 2007 then in 2008 it went up to $1,375.00 a 1 year increase of $1,140.00. and has not increased since then.
I understand supply and demand and inflation but does this seem crazy to anyone else.
Thanks Bob

 

[glowe]

I found this price history for 1905 4th change 32-20 in Blue Book of Gun Values on line. According to this chart the value of a 90% standard model was $235.00 in 2006 and 2007 then in 2008 it went up to $1,375.00 a 1 year increase of $1,140.00. and has not increased since then.
Thanks Bob

The 2012 Standard Catalog of Firearms has similar numbers. They lump all changes of the Model 1905 and both 38 and 32-20 together. Values for Good $650; Very Good $950; Excellent $1200. We all know that 38 Special M&Ps do not sell for those numbers, so don't take all the valuations in these guides as gospel.

Supics's SCSW3 separates 32-20s and 38 Specials. It is 2006 edition, but the numbers are still closer to what I am seeing sold today. 32-20s are: Good $300; Very Good $425; Excellent $850. Target models are 50% to 100% adder. 38 Specials are: Good $235; Very Good $300; Excellent $400. Target models have the same adder as 32-20. The high end of the 38 Specials are most likely low by today's values, but if you take your time, you can find really nice 38 M&Ps for under $500.

 

[mikepriwer]

In my experience, target 32-20's in good condition (95% or better) are in the
range of $1500 or so - today. Go down to 90 or 85%, and the price goes down
$300 to $400. Targets are expensive, and there are not that many in 32-20.

Mike Priwer

 

[Göring's S&W]

The 2 sold on Gun Broker were both 1905 4th change target models.
#1 listed at 95% with what appears to be non factory front sight sold for $1575.00
#2 listed as near perfect sold for $1200.00

I looked up those guns you mentioned. Believe it or not, I just saw both of those revolvers recently...in my safe

The second one could have brought more (on top) if it was listed better, without a reserve. I don't think its finish is as nice as the gun I spent more for, but its close. Neither seller did a great job with the ads.

 

[Kenny423]

Smith & Wesson .32-20 Model of 1902

I have a Smith & Wesson .32-20 Hand Ejector, Model of 1902 i don't know much about it I'd like some info on it if anyone could help me

 

[jsfricks]

I have a Smith & Wesson .32-20 Hand Ejector, Model of 1902 i don't know much about it I'd like some info on it if anyone could help me

It might be best to start a new thread about yours.

 

[glowe]

Welcome! . . . and add the serial number.

 

[austintexas]

32-20 targets

I have one and a home built one. In '99 I went to the SWCA Symposium in San Antonio. I saw 2 targets for sale in the $600 to $700 area. 60 to 80% guns. I didn't have near enough money at the time. Move up to 2024, I decided I had waited long enough, I picked up a no finish but tight 32-20 6" for $200 and had a local gunsmith install an an adjustable rear sight and Patridge front for $200. Total $400. Then Murphy's law struck 2 months later. A 32-20 target popped up on this forum $1650. Needless to say I bought it. I finally got a real one, only had to wait 25 years and hundreds of gunshows.
SWCA 892