I would like to sell my 38 DA top break revolver, serial number 247315. Any thoughts on what it might be worth?

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Not much, because of condition and the fact many were made.

Is your revolver single or double action?

If it’s .32 cal and double action, it’s not an antique, and maybe $200 or $250. If it functions properly.

If single action , .32 or .38 cal or .38 cal double action, it’s a pre -1899 antique and maybe add $50 to the $200 or $250 because of that.

Is the barrel hinge pin in backwards?

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Hi There,


Yeah it is.


Cheers!
Webb

I noticed that too. It was my grandfather's gun and has been in my safe for some time. I did shoot 10 rounds of Remington 38 SW 148 grain through it a few years back. It shot okay to me. Anyway, would $175 be a fair price to ask?

Being antique, possibly. What’s the bore like?

Are you sure you want to sell a family heirloom?

I personally would not sell it. In fact if I had any of my paps guns no amount would buy them. If you are inclined to sell around $175-200 around these parts(middle Tennessee) . I would encourage you to keep it unless life requires it then I do understand.

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Randy

If you were local I would be interested.

I will tell you by current experience that these old top-breaks are going the wrong way in terms of sold dollars. I have sold 7 so far and have 5 more up for sale and am somewhat disappointed in their performance. Most are selling for what I bought them for a very long time ago. Most to date were typical condition for their age, but all functioned and shot. When you get down to less than 70% original finish, a 38 DA will be lucky to get $200. Tip-up and top-break S&Ws are certainly not collected for profit down the road, but I am happy someone else can admire them.

I cannot tell you how many friends and others have told stories about this or that obtained from a father or great-grandfather and saying how very sorry they sold whatever it might be that was given to them. Family heirlooms, whether guns or something else should be passed down instead of getting a few dollars to waste. If sons or daughters don't want such things, you may have brothers, sisters, or nieces and nephews who do. I did this a few times when giving heirlooms to nieces and nephews - they were thrilled!

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Gary
SWCA 2515

The values I gave were RETAIL. And from Gary’s experience, it’s humbling. Sad to think this one might not be actually worth more than $100 to a dealer—but such it is!

You're upset that I didn't accept your low ball offer in a private message. Shame on you!!

You’re free to sell it whenever you like, but you will be hard pressed to get more than $100 from a dealer for it if you’re lucky. Condition and commonality makes it not particularly desirable. Just from my experience.

Hi There,



Come'on. Business is business. You didn't take the offer so how
were you harmed? The business of buying selling firearms is full
of cutthroats and low-ballers. Brick and mortar dealers have lots
of overhead to pay for. Their primary concern is 'what can I get
for it' and 'how quickly will I be able to turn it over.' Therefore,
a dealer rarely will offer more than 50% of what the dealer thinks
it's worth and often much less.


Cheers!
Webb

I recently liquidated my entire collection of S&W target guns. I now have just one S&W left---and it's not even a target gun!

It's a 4" M&P my father-in-law bought new in 1920---and carried in the hip pocket of overalls for 60 some odd years---so it isn't pretty either; but it's a keeper.

Ralph Tremaine

My special heirloom is an antique 32 Double Action that my Great Grandfather passed down to my grandfather and he ultimately gave it to me. I don't cate if it is worth $100 or $1000, it is not for sale and will be passed down in the family.

I have told this story before, but my grandfather shot rats and raccoons in the barn with the gun. He said you had to hit the raccoons just right or it would just make them mad. The first time I shot it was on the farm. I leaned a tin sign up against an oak tree and got back about 10 yards, as I recall, and let it go. It went right through the thin sign, bounced off the tree and ricocheted right back and hit me in the leg! I found the bullet on the ground and had a sore shin-bone for a week. It is a keeper.

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Gary
SWCA 2515