I have a 357 ref magnum with box,tools ,registration, and JInks letter.thought I should let history buffs know. It's beautiful. Extra grips. Sheriff badges,mailing tube and original booklet. Value.?
I have a 357 reg magnum with certificate
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kwill1911
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No disrespect but you need to give to get. Without pictures and more details (numbers), configuration, letter, etc. it is like getting a haircut over the phone.
"I've got a '68 Mustang. What's it worth?"
"I've got a '68 Mustang. What's it worth?"
Post a few photos and we can give you our thoughts...
Welcome to the Forum.
Please provide pictures and all of the numbers, markings, etc that you can see.
OP
357 reg magnum
Thank you inherited from my grampa who used to stake out Dillinger. Cert no.2787.orig box mailing tube,tools,orig pamphlet, grips, not a gun guy but I understand it's importance. Will try to figure out how to post pics.
Thank you inherited from my grampa who used to stake out Dillinger. Cert no.2787.orig box mailing tube,tools,orig pamphlet, grips, not a gun guy but I understand it's importance. Will try to figure out how to post pics.
OP
All I can say is "WOW!!!!!!"
While it is pretty optimistic, your revolver was sighted at the factory for 100 yards. I have hit gallon milk jugs at 100 yards using a 6" barreled M28 Highway Patrolman. Of course, I was shooting from a rest, over sand bags.
While it is pretty optimistic, your revolver was sighted at the factory for 100 yards. I have hit gallon milk jugs at 100 yards using a 6" barreled M28 Highway Patrolman. Of course, I was shooting from a rest, over sand bags.
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OP
Thanks
Miley any idea as to value? Don't think I could sell tho. Ur a vet?
Miley any idea as to value? Don't think I could sell tho. Ur a vet?
kwill1911
Member
It is unusual that it was sighted for 100 yards with .38 Special, not .357 Magnum. And that it has the old style stocks with grip adapter.
I strongly encourage you to contact the SWHF to see what other documents they have on the gun. There's no charge if they don't find anything but they may unlock a treasure trove of documents and correspondence. Beautiful gun!
I strongly encourage you to contact the SWHF to see what other documents they have on the gun. There's no charge if they don't find anything but they may unlock a treasure trove of documents and correspondence. Beautiful gun!
...any idea as to value? Don't think I could sell tho...
Your grandpa had excellent tastes!!! That looks to be one of the more beautiful 5" RM packages out there.
I would expect that when you said you had the booklet you were referring to the brochure that looked like this: 
If the letter confirms everything that we see and the condition is 98%+ as it appears in the photos, I would expect that your RM package would be worth somewhere in the $8K to $15K range. The screwdriver alone is worth $500-$1,000, the box is worth somewhere in the $1K range, the grip adapter is worth somewhere in the $500 range, and the tube and certificate are worth a bunch all by themselves. You have a beautiful package that has a bunch of family history and I would not sell it for any amount of money. But if you did want to sell it, there would be a ready market, with many of us wanting to add it to our collections.
Thanks for sharing the photos,
Super ".357" Magnum with all the accessories and correct as shipped. Concerning value, the starting point is $12,500 as you rarely see a complete package like yours.
Bill
Bill
I'll go with Doc44's value of $12,500 and up. I'm glad you are going to keep it in the family.
USMC 1972-1974. Semper Fi!
gjamison
Member
Outstanding package, to have a RM is special enough but to have it with everything it left the factory with is unbelievable. Would also recommend a factory letter and also contacting the Smith&Wesson Historical Foundation, for further information about your wonderful revolver....
All I can say is wow.
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To put the value in context, there were only about 5,500 Registered Magnums produced. To find one in original finish without significant wear is unusual; the original accessories, box and contents ever more so; then the registration certificate (your grandfather had to request that separately). Finally, having the law enforcement and family history of the original owner...I would not be at all surprised if it would bring $15-20,000.
Of course, with that family connection it is truly priceless, as you will never have your grandfather's gun back once it is sold.
The second link in this is for the SWHF research; the first link is for the letter of authenticity, which you need before the research process starts. I sincerely hope you will pursue this!
Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Letter Process - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come
Of course, with that family connection it is truly priceless, as you will never have your grandfather's gun back once it is sold.
The second link in this is for the SWHF research; the first link is for the letter of authenticity, which you need before the research process starts. I sincerely hope you will pursue this!
Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Letter Process - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come
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How's that for a fire-cracker special, happy 4th of July young man, your Grandpa would be proud that he left you with such a "priceless piece" hope you are able to cherish it the rest of your life, though at that money it would be "tempting"!
Can you please share a little more history on the gun?
Was your Grandpa the Sheriff or Deputy?
Do you know anything about Thomas Ryder (the guy that it was registered to)?
Can you post a photo of the extra grips?
Note: the black grip-like contraption in your photo is a grip adapter that installs under the grips - like this one:
Texas Star
US Veteran
In the field, you may find the two-handed seated position shown by Keith to let you do that.
Wow! Talk about historical provenance with the law enforcement connection not to mention it's a family gun! With the whole package plus some S&W historical research and any letters/pics/articles about your grandpa I can see this gun easily in the $15-20k range. If I was the dealer selling/consigning this package I wouldn't sell it for anything less.
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