Ok, your all stupid. Lol

Ad leest wi cann spel

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Sure you did

Interesting read. As I see it I really think that this board is responsible for the prices. It goes in waves. I can remember the 520 craze, then the 27 craze, the model 10 craze, and more recently the model 17/18 craze-with each driving up the prices. Now it seems we have moved into the semi auto phrase and at present are dealing with the third generation-specificallt the 39 series and the Chief Special series. The trick it seems is to be able to guess which area will become hot next. Before the 38-44 HD's took off, I bought what could best be describes as a mint near new example 4" for $300 at a local show. I sold it a few months later to a forum member for $500 and was quite happy as was the forum member. I doubt that he would sell it today for less than $1000 and it would probably get a bit more given the outstanding condition. Should I have held on to it???? Maybe-but I almost doubled my money and when he gets around to selling it, he will double his money. Or if the market tanks on the 38-44HD's he will no doubt be able to sell it for what he has in it. It is the market place at work-capitalism at it's raw pure unbridled best.

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Forum consigliere

I got curious and dug out my old original box the 4506 came in and the sticker price was $509.95. That was back in late 1990. I'd gladly pay that again. This is the only pistol I've never even considered trading/selling.(My avatar)

You know I hear loud and clear
but I think you just have to be a hunter/picker
I think there are still good deals out there but yes overall others are catching on
I was at one of my regular stops yesterday and found a very fair priced CS40 good shape one scratch the famous "idiot mark"
Not 100% but pretty darn nice.I was surprised on that gun I would have expected this dealer to be 50.00 more

With my 3rd gens I have a CS45 and CS40
I thought I had a CS9 a couple weeks ago but it slipped through my fingers
but that just makes the hunt that much more fun
Hank

Im in Ky.6906 local gun show Non le excellent safe queen.with box and all the goodies inside was 340.00 Local Gunshop 5906 very nice with out box 310.00 Alaska state police DPS with the bear on the slide with box very nice with some wear off Gunbrooker for 400 plus shipping to the house. All bought by me with in the last 3 months

Good write up Denver Dick. Your exactly right. In reality I'm searching out the more common ones. Example, at this point I own a 4006, 5946, 3904, 4013, and, well a 745. With the exception of the 745 I paid around 400 for each of them, usually less, and they are all in really great condition but came without boxes. I want to add a 5906, 4506, and a 1006. And later on a couple older ones like a 645 and a 659. I have no problem paying a fair price for any one of these that's in really good condition. What I can't stand is when I see a 1006 at cabeles for $800 that looks like it was used as a hammer to build someone's house. I'm just saying I'm not unreasonable or looking for "the best deal", I'm saying I think people forgot about overall gun condition when they do they're pricing. Example, locally there is a 5906 that is completely tore up for $525 no box. I wouldnt bat an eyelash if it was LNIB, and it would already be in my safe. I would even pay close to 600. I just think people that are doing the pricing arent taking into account the actual condtion of the gun they are selling.

I think.your completely right. Forums, eBay, etc creates crazes within themselves then they spill out into the real world. I just hope the one store in my area with reasonable used prices don't read this forum!

So your telling me you won't take that for it right now? Lol

Nope-The most reliable pistol I've ever had. I wouldn't take twice that for it.

Cerakote finish

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I'm surprised the "Vaue Line" models haven't been mentioned so far in this discussion. I paid $270 for a 915 and $275 for a 910 (both in excellent shape) locally, which surprised me because good deals rarely ever happen in my neck of the woods. I've seen these same guns listed on Gunbroker (complete with numerous nicks and scratches) for $400-$500. The problem with GB is that a lot of folks pay those prices just the convenience of finding what they wanted without even having to get out of their chair. Buying a pistol for what it's truly worth requires patience and shopping around, even with a new one let alone a discontinued one.

While I completely agree with Caj, here's my take on this...

They ain't makin 3rd gens any more... they're all metal... they shoot better than I do... if I want one and it's reasonably within my budget I'll jump on it like an Oklahoma chicken on a June bug in May... and finally... I'm a firm believer in buying high and selling low - it's my contribution to the economy and a way to spread the S&W fever to unsuspecting converts...

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Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13

You too, Phil.

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Sure you did

Capitolism
I just bet if you had 12 stashed and wanted to buy something else you would be thrilled
The world is one place if you are a buyer and another if your a seller
Hank

Pythons must really make you crazy!

I think this thread alone is going to drive prices up 10%!

OK Thats funny and maybe true!!

Okay, you got me! That's why I posted those photos.

Here, let's see if we can't shoot (pardon the pun) for 12%. . These are from a period when I was shooting almost exclusively 3rd gens. Once you get use to the triggers, they shoot pretty good.















The 1006 below groups a hair right. Maybe I'll sell it . . . NOT!


I am the original owner of the 4013 below. I purchased it in 1995. The only 3rd gen I own that I purchased new.


I got no excuse for those two strays below and the one above . . . maybe there was a pretty blond gal shooting next to me . . . hey, it's the best I could come up with.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

Oh its true, I just went over to a LGS and the price of a 1006 went up a hundred bucks cause the owner follows this forum

Your killing me Dick, now I'm envious of your guns and your shooting, maybe I should go home and use a gun on myself! Lol jokin

I have a high priced CS45 out in the classifieds. I did because the condition is great, the supply is low and the worst thing that can happen is that I will still own a CS45!

Here's one at a great price,imo. I wonder why no one's snagged this yet? The square trigger guard?

http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sa...ts-6906-a.html

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Sure you did

The sights are after market (2nd gen style), and it looks like they were roughly installed which could have compromised the dove tails. It looks as though the pistol originally came with standard Novak sights. The squared trigger guard indicates a transition model (between 2nd and 3rd generation). For me, the pictures do speak volumes. FWIW

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

Thanks Dick, shows what I know about 3rd G Smith's

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Sure you did

Sorry, original sights! It was my gun and some came with the night sights...have seen several like this although they are most common with the Novaks. I assume a previous owner adjusted them (poorly?) which accounted for the paint scratches...the rest of the gun was great...dovetails fine or I would have said. I bought a 6904 from a guy who had two...one round guard and one square. The square guarded one also had the night sights that were identical to the sights on my 6906. Hence my opinion that they are original (you may be correct that they are what Smith put on 2nd gen as this was an early 3rd gen). That is about what I paid for the gun so I think the square trigger guard is not as popular as the round. (I bought the round guarded 6904!) I only sold the 6906 to turn it into a 3913. I will keep the 6904 because I need at least one non-stainless 3rd gen auto!

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After looking at the photos again, the slide is not cut for Novaks. I've previously owned what I call transition 3rd gens (usually they lettered to 1989). They do come with 2nd gen type sights. However, I'm still not convinced that these are the original sights. However, if you were the original owner and said it came this way, then I would not doubt it. The discoloring, scratches or whatever on the side of the rear sight is an immediate red flag about possible aftermarket sights, at least for me. That doesn't mean they are absolutely aftermarket, but that's what I meant by saying the photos do tell the tale for me. I personally stay away from squared trigger guards on 3rd gens. I do own two, one (4566) came to me, I didn't go looking for it. As for the other, there were only 1,386 of the 4576 made and I believe they all came with squared trigger guards. So . . .

I think you did good by keeping the 6904. There were less blues made. I'll always stop and look at a blue 3rd Gen, even if I'm not really looking that day. As for the 3913 you picked up, well let's put it this way, there's a reason I have three of them.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

I took my 5906 and 4506-1 to the range yesterday. There were a couple of younger guys next to me. They started watching after I put 6 mags in the black of (6) 3" Shoot n see's. I am a competent shooter but not an competition shooter. These guns just shoot and feel really good in my hands. MY 5906 and my 4506-1 tie for my 2 most accurate guns I own. (at least most consistent grouping) MY 1911 does as well but that's a different breed of gun. I can't say enough good about SW 3rd gen handguns.

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

I totally hear ya! My 5946 is more accurate than me. I neeeeeed a 4506! I've never even shot one, I feel so alone and sad........lol

pc-Fight the feeling...good things come to those who wait. Cast those lustful eyes on these...





I once had this one and silly me traded it.

When pricing, you have to compare apples to apples. It is similar in the car business. Take a nice Buick LeSaber Limited (leather interior, low miles) that is good shape, one owner vehicle. Asking price is $11k. Of course it is priced a little high because no one pays retail, even if it is worth it, they ALWAYS expect you to lower your price, no matter how fair you price.

So a guy comes in to trade his 2005 Buick LeSaber. It is a Custom (cloth interior, few amenities) and has 185k miles, cracked windshield, bald tires and ratty interior. He is very offended when you offer a very generous $2000 for his trade. The fight is on, "Why, I just looked at one JUST LIKE MINE at xyz car lot that they want $11k for it! Mine should be worth AT LEAST that much!

Same thing happens with guns. People see nice specimans with box and all the goodies selling for a decent price. They try to equate/justify asking the same for their nicely used speciman with no box or papers and fully expect to get it. Problem is that when buyers pay it, everyone else follows suit in their asking price.

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otis

It moved. Lol

Shhhhh.....I have many 3rd Gens yet to purchase,and I don't need smart sellers changing grips and charging $100 more per auction.

Thank goodness for those replacement grips being available still. It's how I can cope with the idea of getting a rough looking police gun, polishing it up and making it look new for my own collection.

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Wheelguns 'n 3rd Gens.

So, Denver Dick, I don't see the CS pistols on your list, do you think I'm out of line with my CS45 price? http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sa...ffl-yours.html

I'm not familiar with the CS series of pistols. Except for the 5904, I've shopped for, dickered for, and purchased all the models I listed. However, I have watched prices on the 5904 and may purchase one someday, if I find one in the right condition for the right price.

Good luck with your sale.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

Might have missed it but didn't notice anyone mention CDNN. Picked up a good 5906 for $289 (I think that's right) plus $20 shipping and $15 FFL.

I'm not a professional collector or any such, but I am of the mind that the 3rd Gens haven't quite gotten to collector status just yet.

The prices on the 5906, 4506, 1006, and 4566 are rising to be sure. Notice anything about those particular weapons have in common? They are the most visible ones people are likely to know and encounter from media and Law Enforcement. If anyone's watched TV in the past 10 years or seen an action movie they certainly have seen at least one of the above 4 models. Thus, the more people who know of a gun the more who demand it, triggering an increase in the prices accordingly.I offer this opinion because while 5906s sell for about $500 on Gunbroker via 7 day auctions, its 5946 TSW equivalent on the same site will have "Buy it Now" for $350. Deals can still be had on peripheral models of the 3rd Gen that aren't in the public awareness.You can see this with other gun companies too-the Beretta 92 routinely sells for $50-$100 more than the Model 96 on the same auction site.

We'll know the age of the Collectable 3rd Gen has begun, when we see obscure weapons like the 5903TSW command $1000 selling prices online. Right now id chalk up the current prices as people re-discovering certain models of the series.

About a month ago I picked up a 4553 TSW that functioned great and only showed holster wear and the night site lights were out. How was $300 for a price. I shipped it to the preformance center for complete refurbish two weeks ago and have not heard a word. Is that normal?

Yup totally normal! All the sudden it will just arrive

I have a few 3rd gens. I like them, but many do not. The traditional DA/SA trigger seems to have fallen in disfavor to the Glock and M&P safe action trigger. I also hear many (including former LEOs) complain about their weight. Will they become collectible? Perhaps, but I have my doubts given the lack of excitement for 1st gens. Of course there will always be some who will collect NIB and LNIB versions of just about anything, but I don't see any of the S&W 3rd gens become the next Pylon or Registered Magnum.

People in this very forum though put some beat up tactical 3rd gens on here and expected twice what they should be worth to see if someone will pay it? I have the patience and persistence of an elephant. Will not overpay for any firearm and when I sell something, if I sell something then I at least want my money back.

The 3rd gen smith is for its time a great firearm and is better than the M&P stuff Smith is throwing out now. Everyone makes that gun, Springfield, Glock, H&K does not make a difference.

Sucks to love 3rd gen's in cali seeing as they are off-list and my LGS's do not sell them.
Southern CA prices from the last year:
4506-1=$450
5906=$325
1006=$750(ouch... had to do it. glad i did)
457=$375(earlier today)

DSCN3667 by bigg hipp, on Flickr

A year ago my range sent a notice that they were having their annual Memorial Day weekend used gun sale. Included were (9) 5906's that had been used for demonstration purposes during CCW classes but never fired. Price would not be revealed until the doors opened.
I was first in the parking lot at 7:30 and when the doors opened at 8, first one in.

"Hi John, how much are the 5906's?"

"$279 and one to a customer."





Oh did I mention it is a TSW? Best deal I ever made.

Yep Thats sure a good one
Hank

Actually someone I know sold a Pace style camaro, white with orange stripes, orange interior and convertible. I believe it was a 1968 model but can't remember if that's with or without the wing vents. It brought $28,000 years ago, possibly 10 years ago. He said it would have brought more had the engine been original.

The seller sets a price on something and the market decides whether that price will be held and for how long. it's called capitalism.

Note - I just reread your post and saw you specified 15 years old. I don't know that a Camaro at that age would bring as much as a new one.

Reviving an old thread here.

Given the panics of the last year, any updates on values?

Well I've come to figure out its all in where you shop. I've found two LGS within an hour from my home that are very reasonable. I think every store is stockpiled with guns now so prices have gone back to normal if not better. I just put a gorgeous 639 on layaway. Paid $360 and was happy

That's a great deal. Most of the even pristine or NIB 3 gens I see are under $600. Most are under $500. I've bought 2 LNIB for under $400.

To me, even at $600 a NIB or LNIB 3rd gen is a bargain.

For me, I would go up to $600 for a LNIB 9Mm or 40. .45 and 10MM would go as high as $750. But they gotta be LNIB. Deals are out there if you wait. I just got an excellent 6906 for $385. No box or papers, but round trigger guard and all stainlees trigger and hammer.

A decent gun is gonna set you back $500. Would i pay a tiny bit more for a gun that is like new but no longer made? Yep. S&W is the only manufacturer that has the four things I want in a semi auto. No plastic, hammer fired, manual safety, and mag disconnect. I would sell two Glocks to buy one third gen.

That being said, I have a Shield. It fits the conceal carry purpose. If I can find a stainless CS9 in like new condition, the Shield will be sold.

Post of the day.