Model 38-2 worth buying?

Ross3914 · Jan 2, 2013

I found a Model 38-2 at the pawn shop. It has holster wear on the frame, and the cylider has a fairly large rust spot on it from being carried. The hammer was discolored as well. Mechanically, it was fine. Locked up tight, no problems evident. Trigger pull was good. The price was $369.

I have no idea if that's a steal or not. I already have a 642, so it's not like I need one. I just always thought the old school "Bodyguard" was cool, and wouldn't mind getting one. It just seemed like the price was a tad more than I thought it was worth.

Am I crazy on the price?

qballwill · Jan 2, 2013

For the condition you desribe, that sounds high. I got one from a private seller in March for $350. it was in 95% condition. You can get a new model 438 (with lock) for $400.

snubbiefan · Jan 2, 2013

I sold a 38-2 in very good condition some time back for $400. I would say (like above) $369 sounds a tad high. It all depends on that "fairly large rust spot" you mentioned and how the recoil shield looks. The 38-2 is an Airweight with an alloy frame. The barrel and cylinder are steel. You can tell a lot about an Airweight by examination of the pin-trail in the recoil shield.

If the gun was in very good mechanical shape...I think $325-$350 is tops based on what you have described. On the other hand....they don't make these anymore, so there is some value in that. I would take a NL 38-2 over any newer model, but the 438 NL mentioned above for $400 would be a better deal between the two. But, that too depends on the OTD price. If you can get a 438 NL OTD for $400.....that would be a no-brainer between the two. If that 38-2 is mechanically sound....IMHO offer $325 and walk away if you can't get it for that.

smithfelty · Jan 2, 2013

I also think that is high for the condition. I just bought a new 438 from Bud's Gun's for $354.00 with shipping.

Alnamvet68 · Jan 2, 2013

Local LGS selling LNIB M38 for $429.00, and the only reason I didn't buy it was because it had a deep gouge across the logo on the side; $369 sounds like over twice what the pawn shop paid for it. Personally, in the condition you describe, I wouldn't buy it for more then $150.00, considering I would have to spend atleast another $200.00+ to restore it to as new, and I still wouldn't have the original box with papers. My opinion, pass on it.

Model 38-2 worth buying?

Ross3914

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qballwill

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snubbiefan

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smithfelty

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Alnamvet68

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