Is this "5 screw" a good price for $669?

[Jocko-44]

Doing some gun browsing online and found this .38 for sale at $669. Is this a fair price? It doesn't have a model number, they are just calling it a "5 Screw .38 S&W Special. It has a 4" barrel. Thanks!

 

[Capt. F.]

Doing some gun browsing online and found this .38 for sale at $669. Is this a fair price? It doesn't have a model number, they are just calling it a "5 Screw .38 S&W Special. It has a 4" barrel. Thanks!

Well, from the single pic, I’d grab it.
Can’t see what it looks like overall but a 5 screw pre-15 (what it appears to be) in good shape gotta be worth the asking price. See if they’ll do better.

 

[Jocko-44]

Few scratches, but nothing major it appears.

 

[lihpster]

Looks worth it to me.

 

[Jocko-44]

Would those be the original stocks? What would those stocks be called? Thank you

 

[s&wchad]

Too bad they shaved down the left grip panel and refinished them. Those were probably non-relieved target's.

 

[Truckman]

Yes, a Combat Masterpiece that survived all those decades and still looks that good is well worth it... ...Ben

 

[lihpster]

Too bad they shaved down the left grip panel and refinished them. Those were probably non-relieved target's.

True, but as bubba grip mods go, this one looks pretty good.

 

[Jocko-44]

Yes, a Combat Masterpiece that survived all those decades and still looks that good is well worth it... ...Ben

That’s a cool name for a revolver!

 

[Mike LaNier]

Buy it NOW! Good price; here on the Left Coast I suspect a retail number for a gun in that condition would be in the $800 to $900 range, maybe higher if a bidding war happened. Nice piece!

 

[Jocko-44]

This is a Pre-Model 15, correct?

 

[JeffD607]

I spent last night between the ad and the SCSW 5th trying to make heads or tails of that one. They say that the serial number starts with an "M". The best that I could figure was that it is a Pre-15 with the wrong butchered grips and an incorrect serial number listed.

 

[Jocko-44]

^^ Yikes that doesn’t sound good at all,

 

[old bear]

Before you do anything else make sure the serial number is correct.

 

[Gun Relics]

This is a Pre-Model 15, correct?

Yes and it most likely came with K frame magna grips with diamond centers. The ones that are on it are non-relieved diamond targets from the same time period and somebody cut them, probably to accommodate a speed loader. The serial number will start with a K and will appear on the bottom of the frame (which is covered by the grips), the back of the cylinder and in the shroud part of the barrel plus the hidden part of the ejector.

It's probably all matching and fine to buy, likely from the early 1950's. This was a very popular model and a lot were made. This one is worth fixing up IMO. You can get the correct grips used for $125 or less. If you decide to do that, I suggest getting grips that are in similar serial number range within a year or two to maximize the chances that they will fit properly. They are all marked with serial numbers.

So if you do this you'll have about $800 into it - not a steal.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

One more time -
Remove the grips.
Bottom of the Butt - Serial Number.

 

[Gun Relics]

I spent last night between the ad and the SCSW 5th trying to make heads or tails of that one. They say that the serial number starts with an "M". The best that I could figure was that it is a Pre-15 with the wrong butchered grips and an incorrect serial number listed.

I don't see how that's possible. They should take off the grips and check the frame.

 

[Jocko-44]

Yes and it most likely came with K frame magna grips with diamond centers. The ones that are on it are non-relieved diamond targets from the same time period and somebody cut them, probably to accommodate a speed loader. The serial number will start with a K and will appear on the bottom of the frame (which is covered by the grips), the back of the cylinder and in the shroud part of the barrel plus the hidden part of the ejector.

It's probably all matching and fine to buy, likely from the early 1950's. This was a very popular model and a lot were made. This one is worth fixing up IMO. You can get the correct grips used for $125 or less. If you decide to do that, I suggest getting grips that are in similar serial number range within a year or two to maximize the chances that they will fit properly. They are all marked with serial numbers.

So if you do this you'll have about $800 into it - not a steal.

Very helpful, thanks!

 

[silicosys4]

I wouldn't spend that much when you can find an unmolested pre-15 with original grips for not much more. Once you've corrected the grips, you'd have spent as much money as one with its original grips, so not really a bargain.

 

[Jocko-44]

Before you do anything else make sure the serial number is correct.

I tried calling them, but nobody answers the phone..