Is this a reasonable request?

ar33 · #1 10-10-2011, 08:32 AM

What are the odds I can find a 27-2 or lower (pre 27 would be the best) shooter grade for $500 or less? Everything I come across is above that mark. Just missed out on a nice one Dacoontz had here

murphydog · #2 10-10-2011, 08:37 AM

They are out there at that price but don't last long before being sold. I think it is unlikely you'll find a pre-27 for less than $500 in any decent shape, unless the seller doesn't know what it is. Keep looking and one will turn up.

target tech · #3 10-10-2011, 09:36 AM

They are out there. You just have to look really hard. This one came off of GB about a year and a half ago for $396+$15 shipping. It was just listed as a Smith & Wesson .357. I found it one day I was flipping through all 50 some odd pages of S&W revolvers, not just doing searches for specific things. Sometimes bordom on a rainy day pays off.

She ain't a beauty queen, just a nice shooter.

ar33 · #4 10-10-2011, 10:32 AM

so far here is what I'm finding, I could get a nice 28-2 shooter for about $500 but not pre 27 shooter grade.

G-Mac · #5 10-10-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ar33c9

so far here is what I'm finding, I could get a nice 28-2 shooter for about $500 but not pre 27 shooter grade.

I've got my best deals out of the local classified papers. Anybody that cruises the internet knows what their stuff is worth.

I bought a nice 6" 28-2 for $225.00 a few years ago from the original owner.

I don't see many 27's for sale though. If you just want a "shooter", a 28 will do anything a 27 will do. You knew that, though.

redlevel · #6 10-10-2011, 11:38 AM

I find my best deals on a state S&S forum. If you are looking for something specific, you need to look two or three times a day, every day. Be ready to pounce with an "I'll take it" just as soon as it shows up, or you will miss it. I don't do the out of state auction houses because all the fees, shipping, ffl etc add so much to the cost. I have had to drive as much as 300 mile round trip, but usually can find something within 50 miles. I shopped for a Series 70 1911 for six months. I wound up driving 10 miles when I found one I wanted. I don't know what your state's laws on private transactions are. That might complicate things.

Ashlander · #7 10-10-2011, 11:43 AM

A 27 for less than $500? I think the gist of the thread is -- only from somebody who doesn't know what it's worth -- or needs the money right now.

ar33 · #8 10-10-2011, 04:28 PM

ok, got to lay low until this deal is done, will post details and pics when complete. (sneaky cryptic music playing in the background...)

Art Doc · #9 10-10-2011, 04:42 PM

Barrel length greatly affects pricing. The longer the tube the lower the price. The 6" is the most common so if this works for you then it would be the best value. The 3.5" - 5" versions are too popular for good prices.

I think a 90% 27-2 with a 6" barrel can be found for under $500 with some effort.

austintexas · #10 10-10-2011, 04:56 PM

Spend time at a lot of gunshows or pawn shops. Two years ago I picked up a 3 1/2" Pre 27 in 75% at a San Antonio show for $325, it had goodyears but 8 table down I found a pair of diamond grips that matched the conditon of the pistol. 8 months ago I passed on a M- 27 3 1/2" 95% at the same show for $400. Three months ago I saw a M-27, 3 1/2" $95% in an Austin pawn shop for $400, It was very dirty but a friend picked it up. I also picked up a 3 1/2" Registered Magnum 80% in a south Austin pawn shop for $350.00 this year. The trick is don't wait on the pistol to come to you, you have to regularly check gunshows and pawn shops to find the bargins. It is like the lotto, you pay your money and some times you hit and sometimes you don't.

SWCA 892

iskra · #11 10-10-2011, 06:16 PM

Finding a nice gun at less than market value is really a function of time, effort, statistical factors (numbers produced/likely remaining, geographic distribution, popularity, etc.) and unquantifiable luck. But the factor that is often ignored is the value of your time dedicated to the effort. If you can approximate the stats, you may have a better appreciation of the costs/value picture tailored to your circumstances. Now all this may sound like convoluted justification to pay top dollar. But realistically appraising the value of your time, effort, distraction from income producing or necessary things and don’t forget gasoline these days… Well, perhaps that market value price may not look so bad. Much of my collecting has just been doing enjoyable things like gun shows and gunshops. Most all my collection was acquired through those mediums. The suggestion of daily researching, the Internet or otherwise, certainly seems viable, but all is in the perspective. For me that would be absolute drudgery. My style has been let it come to me while enjoying leisure time activities. Ironically, more often than not, I have ended up with something coming out of left field that I liked even better. My last thought is the apparent truism: Whether you’re looking for a matching sock in the drawer or the home of your dreams, it will never come until you stop looking! Good luck on your quest!
My take.