Help with value of 44 Mag

clocks · #1 03-11-2013, 03:03 PM

I need help in the value of this S&W 44 Magnum s/n S165617. It was factory serviced in 1980,fitted a new cylinder and reblued. The old parts were returned to me,and i still have them along with the original invoice of work performed. I know the refinish takes away a lot of value,however the finish was as good as gone,and the value was already questionable. Sorry for the poor pics as I am not good at that,the dust and lint shows up worse and the gun looks better then in the pics.

Thanks for any help
Leon

crsides · #2 03-11-2013, 04:07 PM

If the grips are in excellent condition, they could bring $350 -400. You could replace those with $100 set of later targets, then you got a $500 - $650 shooter.

murphydog · #3 03-11-2013, 04:26 PM

It's not worth as much as a factory original 98% gun, but it's still an early 5-screw .44 Magnum with the original stocks and factory refinished...so I would guess about $1000 or a little higher. Doc44 will be along to tell me how far off I guessed

.

What parts were replaced and for what reason?

clocks · #4 03-11-2013, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

It's not worth as much as a factory original 98% gun, but it's still an early 5-screw .44 Magnum with the original stocks and factory refinished...so I would guess about $1000 or a little higher. Doc44 will be along to tell me how far off I guessed

.

What parts were replaced and for what reason?

They replaced the cylinder,the rear sight blade and the index hand or pawl as I would call it.Why I don't remember as it's been about 32 years. Without pulling the stocks off they look excellent,no chips or bad dings.
Leon

dewey · #5 03-11-2013, 05:04 PM

The OP wanted a price of his gun, not take off the grips and sell the gun.

With the nice stocks and near perfect factory re-blue on an early .44 I'd say $1,200+ for insurance.
I appreciate you taking care of a dandy gun,sir.

Dan

murphydog · #6 03-11-2013, 05:08 PM

Thanks; it sounds they were replaced due to normal wear and tear, rather than due to an accident (a powder overcharge, etc.), which is a good thing for its value. Others should be along with another value estimate.

smokey04 · #7 03-11-2013, 05:10 PM

Looks like a gun I've been looking for. PM me with a reasonable price and we'll talk. I take it there is no box or paper work? OK,that's not a deal breaker for me with this gun.I will make a serious offer with no BS, Nick
EDIT: Please check your PMs. N.

COYOTEHUNTER · #8 03-11-2013, 08:59 PM

Leon,
I just got to looking at a Pre 29 i have and is only around 300 off your serial number and it is a first year 1956 Pre 29. You might want to letter it to see when and where it shipped. She appears to be a nice looking piece.

Regards

clocks · #9 03-12-2013, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COYOTEHUNTER

Leon,
I just got to looking at a Pre 29 i have and is only around 300 off your serial number and it is a first year 1956 Pre 29. You might want to letter it to see when and where it shipped. She appears to be a nice looking piece.

Regards

Mitch;
thanks for the advice,but would the value be much different between 1st or 2nd year on this factory reblued one?
Leon

COYOTEHUNTER · #10 03-12-2013, 08:46 PM

Leon,
That would be up to who ever you were selling it to if you were to sell. I don't know if it would help the dollar amount or not. In my opinion the money spent on a letter adds value to the gun because it tells it's history, when and where it was originally shipped, and any trips back to the factory. That and $1.89 will buy you a cup of coffee..

Regards

DCWilson · #11 03-12-2013, 09:06 PM

I would also value it in the $1100-1200 range.

The camera seems to reveal some rust speckles forming on the rear face of the cylinder. They aren't serious yet but need to be addressed. Might be a good time for a toothbrush scrub with CLP and a good wipedown if the surfaces seem a little dry to you.

clocks · #12 03-12-2013, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCWilson

I would also value it in the $1100-1200 range.

The camera seems to reveal some rust speckles forming on the rear face of the cylinder. They aren't serious yet but need to be addressed. Might be a good time for a toothbrush scrub with CLP and a good wipedown if the surfaces seem a little dry to you.

What appears to be rust is actually lint from a silicone rag and the picture really picked it up

I really thank everyone who helped with my question. this is a great forum with excellent members and info.
Leon

Retired W4 · #13 03-12-2013, 11:17 PM

That's a fine looking .44 Magnum. I'd give you a grand in a heart beat, and I'd be outbid in a heart beat too, re-blue or not.

Göring's S&W · #14 03-13-2013, 02:07 AM

$500 or $600 ?

C'mon man! You forget, the gun is still a handsome, factory finish, S&W 44 magnum. Where are they at in this shape for $500 or $600?

Since you still have the original parts, I would say its worth $1100 to $1400. Its probably a first year gun, which means something to many people. 5 screw 44 mags are fairly scarce. The refinish hurts some, but it is a factory job.

clocks · #15 03-14-2013, 03:58 PM

Again thanks for all the help
Leon

crsides · #16 03-14-2013, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goring's S&W

$500 or $600 ?

C'mon man! You forget, the gun is still a handsome, factory finish, S&W 44 magnum. Where are they at in this shape for $500 or $600?

You got to ADD the value of the grips ($350 -400) to my $500 -650 value for the gun. Its still a refinished gun, with a replaced cylinder among other things, that may or may not be a first year gun. I'm still at $850- $1050.

Charlie

EDIT: Now we know. $1200 + shipping