Price check S&W Model 38 Nickel

[Shooter 9]

Have an opportunity to purchase a mint Mod 38. Has original grips, no box. Very slight turn ring on cylinder. Nickel finish has no marks. Unsure of the year. Thank you for any info you can provide.

[Double-O-Dave]

Shooter 9: I haven't seen Bodyguards up for sale regularly in a while. That goes for J-frames in general. The prices on J-frames over the past few years has gone nuts, but as a generalization, the price of any J-frame in good condition would start at around $350.00 and go up from there based on condition, box, docs, accessories, etc. I bought a used Model 38-0 in good condition a few years ago for around $350.00 and considered myself lucky to get it. If I were considering buying the Model 38 in front of you, I would think $450.00 would be the most I would be willing to pay for it - with or without the box, etc.

Please let us know how you make out.

Good luck,

Dave

[Shooter 9]

Originally Posted by Double-O-Dave

Shooter 9: I haven't seen Bodyguards up for sale regularly in a while. That goes for J-frames in general. The prices on J-frames over the past few years has gone nuts, but as a generalization, the price of any J-frame in good condition would start at around $350.00 and go up from there based on condition, box, docs, accessories, etc. I bought a used Model 38-0 in good condition a few years ago for around $350.00 and considered myself lucky to get it. If I were considering buying the Model 38 in front of you, I would think $450.00 would be the most I would be willing to pay for it - with or without the box, etc.

Please let us know how you make out.

Good luck,

Dave

Thanks Dave. The price I am looking at is significantly higher than $450. And I agree about the prices going sky high. I'm looking at near the $600 mark for the gun. And I also found out the grips are not the original ones and there is no box, paperwork or anything else. Just the gun. It does look like a sweet mod 38 in nickel though. Not sure what to do.

[kaaskop49]

Hi Shooter! Proceed with caution. Interesting how quickly the accoutrements and extras of the sale vanished. Any chance you can have some one who really knows revolvers and J's in particular have a look?

I'm really down on used guns for reasons I've made too clear in other posts.

[Shooter 9]

Originally Posted by kaaskop49

Hi Shooter! Proceed with caution. Interesting how quickly the accoutrements and extras of the sale vanished. Any chance you can have some one who really knows revolvers and J's in particular have a look?

I'm really down on used guns for reasons I've made too clear in other posts.

kaaskop, not possible to have anyone I know look at the gun, unfortunately. I am starting to agree with you about these used guns. I made up my mind I'm not going for this gun. Too little for too much. I'm really after a mod 38, but these mod 36's are everywhere. I've found a few m38's available, but nothing has wowed me.

Can you link me to your posts about buying used guns? Thanks!

[DRJ]

I just paid $400 for a very nice blue 38. I am happy with the price but I would not have paid more. Hope this helps.

Doyle

[Double-O-Dave]

Shooter 9:

Have you tried listing on the "Wanted to Buy" thread on this website? I purchased a very nice Model 649-0 from a fellow Forum member a few years ago for an excellent price. It was LNIB, with the original box, documents, tools, and grips (including an extra set) it's on the bottom, right hand side in the enclosed photo. Also, you may want to check the "Guns for Sale" thread here as well.

This is an excellent, and very popular guide to buying used revolvers:

http://www.darkcanyon.net/Complete_H...d_Handguns.htm




Best of luck,

Dave

[Shooter 9]

Originally Posted by Double-O-Dave

Shooter 9:

Have you tried listing on the "Wanted to Buy" thread on this website? I purchased a very nice Model 649-0 from a fellow Forum member a few years ago for an excellent price. It was LNIB, with the original box, documents, tools, and grips (including an extra set) it's on the bottom, right hand side in the enclosed photo. Also, you may want to check the "Guns for Sale" thread here as well.

This is an excellent, and very popular guide to buying used revolvers:

Complete Guide To Buying Used Handguns

Best of luck,

Dave

Dave,
I have not and that's a very good idea (posting a WTB ad). I may just do that. I have been scouring the "for sale" threads here lately and nothing has come up, yet. Thanks for the great suggestions. BTW, the 649 looks awesome!

[Shooter 9]

Originally Posted by DRJ

I just paid $400 for a very nice blue 38. I am happy with the price but I would not have paid more. Hope this helps.

Doyle

I've been eyeing a few of the blued versions. But they are no where near the $400 mark. There are several for sale on GB. I was always afraid of the Blued version not holding up as well as nickel plated or stainless. Thanks for the input.

[Rpg]

I'm interested in any m38 in nickel.

If you don't want it, let me know.

I may well buy it.