Need a value assesment on this one........

THREEDFLYER · #1 03-08-2019, 10:42 PM

A long time friend whom I have purchased several firearms from over the years sent me photos of this 1961 M53 that has some issues......the obvious being the drilled/tapped scope mount and non factory stocks.

Don't know if he has the original rear sight or if the top strap has been modified more than just drilling holes for the mount.....but he does not have the original stocks.

There are plenty of handling marks but I would be buying this as a "shooter"

The collector value is gone.....but what would be a price that would be fair for both of us in your opinion.

ColbyBruce · #2 03-08-2019, 10:49 PM

I had a VGC 4” 53 with target stocks, no box/docs/extra cylinder that I could not sell and eventually traded it for around $700.00 value. The proper sight and stocks for the gun you posted are going to run $350.00, likely more, and it has holes drilled in the top strap.

I think the gun you posted is worth $400.00 tops.

THREEDFLYER · #3 03-09-2019, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColbyBruce

I had a VGC 4” 53 with target stocks, no box/docs/extra cylinder that I could not sell and eventually traded it for around $700.00 value. The proper sight and stocks for the gun you posted are going to run $350.00, likely more, and it has holes drilled in the top strap.

I think the gun you posted is worth $400.00 tops.

$400 is my thought as well.....hopefully no other milling was done to the gun besides tapping for screws!

Will see if I can work out a deal for this one.....I have the proper stocks in my stash and I know where to find a sight.

Jtown · #4 03-09-2019, 09:10 AM

It would probably go for $500 + in my area. $400 would be a great deal.
Walt

H Richard · #5 03-09-2019, 11:39 AM

Ir appears to me the barrel has been flattened, (slabsided). It could be the original barrel, as I can't really see the engraving on the barrel sides, but from what I can see it doesn't look like S&W engraving. It is very possible it is an aftermarket barrel. I would want to have a much closer look at this one before I would invest $400 in it.

weatherby · #6 03-09-2019, 12:21 PM

I was thinking the same as H Richard.
I'd possibly be concerned about barrel erosion also on a gun looking as it does.

THREEDFLYER · #7 03-09-2019, 05:07 PM

I sent the owner of the gun an email asking if the barrel is slab sided.

Did S&W offer a slab side barrel option???

THREEDFLYER · #8 03-09-2019, 07:19 PM

The photo is actually a scan, not a camera which gives the appearence of a slab sided barrel......it is a standard K-Frame barrel.

He is also including a set of 6 S&W inserts with the gun.....so as long as there is no corrosion issues I am going to offer him $400 for the package.

Stay tuned!

IraIII · #9 03-09-2019, 07:25 PM

That scope mount appears to me to be one that clamps on the top strap a no screw mount the rear sight may be present if it is that style mount

ColbyBruce · #10 03-09-2019, 07:31 PM

The last set of factory .22 LR inserts I saw for sale here went for $150.00; the aftermarket versions sold for about $20.00 per insert when Numrich carried them.

SGAMMO had PPU .22 Remington Jet ammo at one time. I believe I still have 1/2 a box of it if you can’t find ammo.

THREEDFLYER · #11 03-09-2019, 09:24 PM

Yes the original S&W inserts are an excellent bonus......especially if included in the $400 price.

I am set on ammo.....have 5 full boxes of original Remington factory ammo, but will save that. Have dies, brass and bullets to reload the .22 Jet.

snake803 · #12 03-10-2019, 10:08 AM

[QUOTE It is very possible it is an aftermarket barrel. [/QUOTE]

If you can enlarge the photos, you can see the normal S&W markings on both sides of the barrel..JMHO..
JIM...........