LGS Find: Model 49; Worth the Price?

TJm15.38 · Aug 31, 2023

I looked at this S&W Model 49 at a local LGS. Advertised as original in original box with tools and papers. Probably from the 1970's, but I didn't get all the details like serial number. The sales person let me take a couple of photos and briefly handle the gun. Looks unfired, but would need a closer look to confirm. They are asking $895 and said that might be willing to deal a bit with hard cash. This would be a perfect companion to my Model 638-3 Airweight. Your opinions, please. Is it worth the asking price? Thanks for looking.

two-bit cowboy · Aug 31, 2023

Looks like a nice one with a barrel pin and small S&W logo on the left side of the frame. You almost captured the whole serial number on the tag.

Based on checking others in the database, J90551x likely shipped around the summer of 1982.

The price seems a bit high, but the Bodyguards don't last long on the auction sites and seem to command a higher tariff than the Chiefs.

gmborkovic · Aug 31, 2023

Mr. TJim, seems really high for a pocket carry gun. I have three mod-38s, one blue, 2 nickel. Never thought of them as safe queens. Just a load and put in your pocket.

alwslate · Aug 31, 2023

With brand new Air weight +P rated J frames at under $500 on sale that 49 seems grossly overpriced. It's not a collector's safe queen as said above. It's a SD revolver.

TJm15.38 · Aug 31, 2023

I tend to agree. Think they are overpricing this 49 which should sell at least a couple of hundred dollars lower. I really don't even need another J-frame, and I already have the 638-3 Airweight which is a great carry gun with a much more durable finish. Glad I did not impulse buy, as I tend to do when I see something I like.

CH4 · Aug 31, 2023

About $300 to $350 more than I’d pay.

ken158 · Aug 31, 2023

As noted - too much $.

crc4 · Aug 31, 2023

ken158 said:
As noted - too much $.

I love the M49 and have had one for 50+ years and would buy another at a fair price. It's my favorite of all the .38 snubs.

But this is a sucker price. And, as in most things overpriced, some sucker will buy it.

But. as it's his money, let the sucker buy it and be happy.

JH1951 · Aug 31, 2023

If I really wanted one I would pay maybe in the neighborhood of $700.00 for one that is exceptionally nice with correct box, papers, etc.
I think if you look at past sales on the big auction site you will find them changing hands in excellent condition for somewhat less than the asking price in the OP.

gmborkovic · Aug 31, 2023

A perfect example of the brotherhood taking care of one of its own.

alwslate · Aug 31, 2023

Rural King recently had the 642 on sale for $479. You could just about buy two of them for the price of that used 49. Run, don't walk away from the 49

rincar · Aug 31, 2023

Offer a $500.00 Cash bid and go from there. Do not pay over $700.00 fpr it preferably less. If you become at a dead lock walk away. Remember paying too much only encourages price gouging.

Cal44 · Aug 31, 2023

Too expensive.
49s are not that rare.

Wait a while, and another will come along.

shawn mccarver · Aug 31, 2023

TJm15.38 said:
I looked at this S&W Model 49 at a local LGS. Advertised as original in original box with tools and papers. Probably from the 1970's, but I didn't get all the details like serial number. The sales person let me take a couple of photos and briefly handle the gun. Looks unfired, but would need a closer look to confirm. They are asking $895 and said that might be willing to deal a bit with hard cash. This would be a perfect companion to my Model 638-3 Airweight. Your opinions, please. Is it worth the asking price? Thanks for looking.

Assuming the timing is good and everything looks original, then it’s probably a bit high, but not much. They don’t make them anymore.

Rpg · Aug 31, 2023

I sold one here a year ago or so for $500.

biku324 · Aug 31, 2023

Mine was $143.50 new. Forty-two years ago.

lkabug · Aug 31, 2023

$900 is too high, even with box. In my area $600 for a decent used 49.
However, it's your wants, needs and money. I won't bad mouth you.

Gunhohulk · Sep 1, 2023

Sometimes you have to pay the sucker price for something you’ve been after for a long time and finally come across. That’s a personal choice though. I usually only buy when the price is well below the current market value but every once in a while I throw caution to the wind.

For example, I recently bought a 3” 65-3 for about 1200 which was a little painful but I hadn’t seen one in my parts for several years and it’s one I won’t be parting with.

alwslate · Sep 1, 2023

Wow! Makes me feel good about the really nice 3" 10-8 RB that I found a bit under priced at a gun show a few years ago for $250. I was amazed that nobody grabbed it before I saw it

Hawg Rider · Sep 1, 2023

alwslate said:
Wow! Makes me feel good about the really nice 3" 10-8 RB that I found a bit under priced at a gun show a few years ago for $250. I was amazed that nobody grabbed it before I saw it

TJm15.38- I agree, seems pretty pricey to me. Around here, nice Model 38s and Model 49s are sitting on gun store shelves when priced at $600 or more.

alwslate- a couple of years ago I sold a minty Model 10-8 with all the goodies for $450 at a local gun show. I didn't even get in the door of the show before it was sold! But I'm not a Model 10 guy, I didn't have much money in it (it was part of a trade), and I wanted some $ for the show so both the buyer and I were OK with the deal.

LGS Find: Model 49; Worth the Price?

Member

Attachments

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads