Best Source for Gun Prices

New to S&W and was wondering what is the best book to get that shows up to date prices for mainly S&W Pistols from the 80 and 90's .

I would like to buy an older auto in either 9 or 40, NIB is preferred but have no ideal on prices for that era of S&W auto's.

I'm not even sure I know what I would like yet as I'm still in discovery mode.

Any suggestions other then surfing the gun auction sites?

Blue Book of Gun Values, 36th Edition, by S.P. Fjestad.
I buy every other edition. It has most everything. A very large S&W section. Under $40.00 at Amazon.
Read how to use it. It's easy.
Also you can check any of the auction sites. Guns America, Gun Broker, etc, or just google the model your looking for.
Cabela's Gun Library is over priced, but has pics and gives you an idea.
A problem with the auction sites is everything can change drastically in the last 15 min.

Gunbroker COMPLETED auctions.....

Go to Gunbroker and the page defaults to current auctions. There is a tab where there are completed auctions. Do your looking in there and see what guns actually sell for instead of what is being 'asked'.

What rwsmith said; a helpful Forum member put this post up to describe the process:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...65-guide-using-gunbroker-determine-value.html

+2 on what rwsmith said.

Thanks,

That's a more complete description. Maybe it should be a 'sticky'

PS Yeah, a lot of sites are tricky to navigate. The site where I play chess has people complaining how even after they've used it a long time, it's still horrible to navigate. The site managers says he'll fix it when we give him $5000.

Thanks everyone for the info .. I had done a search , but guess I didn't word it right for that thread to come up. I had thought of looking at past sales to get some prices but then your never sure on the condition of the item!

Think it will be helpful as are everyone's suggestions .

Only 2 gun shows in my area a year unless I were to travel 75 miles or more. The Central Illinois area is pretty anti gun .. as is all of Illinois.

I have thought of stopping at a gun show while we were traveling to another state but not sure how buying a pistol would work if doing so. Has anyone done that? How did they get it home, did you send it to your FFL?

Whitwabit, for what it's worth, if you'd like some guidance from the folks here on this part of the Forum in selecting a good 9mm or 40S&W semi-auto, I'm sure you could find plenty of opinions here on what to get and how much to pay.

The problem with gun shows is that, contrary to what you might think, prices there can be way out of line with what you can buy a pistol for online or at a gun shop. Likewise, sometimes you can find good deals on them, too.

If I were in your shoes, I would try first to identify what I wanted -- from the 80s or 90s, these could be First, Second, or Third Generation Smith and Wessons -- and then develop ideas on good pricing.

Are you looking for a range gun, a concealed carry, a home defense gun, competition shooter, or something else? Full-size (5" barrel), mid-size (4 1/4"), compact (3 1/2" size to 4"), or subcompact? Metal frame or polymer? Single-stack or double-stack? Traditional double action (DA/SA), single action, or double action only (DAO)? Black finish, silver finish, or two-toned? S&W style or 1911 style? The list goes on and on....

Not trying to complicate this for you, but we're glad to help if you want the benefit of our expertise. There are some mighty good folks here, and all of us have learned from those who were here before we came.

vigil617 said:

Whitwabit, for what it's worth, if you'd like some guidance from the folks here on this part of the Forum in selecting a good 9mm or 40S&W semi-auto, I'm sure you could find plenty of opinions here on what to get and how much to pay.

The problem with gun shows is that, contrary to what you might think, prices there can be way out of line with what you can buy a pistol for online or at a gun shop. Likewise, sometimes you can find good deals on them, too.

If I were in your shoes, I would try first to identify what I wanted -- from the 80s or 90s, these could be First, Second, or Third Generation Smith and Wessons -- and then develop ideas on good pricing.

Are you looking for a range gun, a concealed carry, a home defense gun, competition shooter, or something else? Full-size (5" barrel), mid-size (4 1/4"), compact (3 1/2" size to 4"), or subcompact? Metal frame or polymer? Single-stack or double-stack? Traditional double action (DA/SA), single action, or double action only (DAO)? Black finish, silver finish, or two-toned? S&W style or 1911 style? The list goes on and on....

Not trying to complicate this for you, but we're glad to help if you want the benefit of our expertise. There are some mighty good folks here, and all of us have learned from those who were here before we came.

Click to expand...

I know sometimes a on line buy can be much cheaper then buying locally. Just bought my 40c on line, at a much cheaper price then I could have done locally, through Bud's.

I'm just beginning the process of researching which model would better suit my needs/wants whether it would be 9 or 40.
Of course price of models would be a factor in any decision I would make. This would be for carry/range/home so size would be in the 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 inch barrel. Not too worried wither single or double stacked as my Beretta is double.

My 40c will probably be my carry gun in the hotter weather. Right now am carrying my Beretta.

I'll watch the on line auction sites for getting a feel on prices of different models. And a couple of gun shows I plan on visiting this fall I hope to fondle a couple to get the feel for the models. Will not be buying one blind. My 40c took 4 months of investigating and shooting different models before I decided on the S&W. That has made the ownership of the 40c very pleasurable so far!

Yes I would like the opinions of the members here knowing they will be prejudiced as to the persons own weapons. But through those owners experiences others like me will surely learn !

Once I break it down to the 1 or 2 models I would eventually be interested in I will better know on questions to ask as far as price. Want Stainless Steel, and I want it to be DA/SA, or a really nice DAO but low trigger pull, and am leaning toward the 9mm because of cost to shoot. But a nice 40 would be interesting also !!

Decisions, Decisions !!

You sound like a guy who knows his stuff and does a thorough job of researching before buying. Good on you!

Assuming you want to go with the more recent (Third Generation) models, in 9 and 40, you're going to have a bit of a challenge ahead in finding an all-stainless in the compact to mid-size range. Most of those models in either DA/SA or DAO are going to have stainless (or carbon) steel slides and aluminum frames.

The 3906 (a single stack DA/SA, 1998 to 1990), 5906 (double stack DA/SA, 1989 to 1999), or 4006 (double stack DA/SA, 1990 to 1999) are good places to start, in the Third Generation series. The 5906 and 4006 have TSW versions as well, with tighter tolerances and an attached rail. There's also a 5946 (double stack, DAO, 1991 to 1999), 4046 (double stack, DAO, 1991 to 1999) and a 4056TSW (double stack, DAO, 1997) to choose from.

All of these are 4" barrels.

If you decide to drop back into the First Generations, starting with the Model 39 and Model 59 in 9mm, and the Second Generation pistols that evolved from them, you'll find more choices in all-stainless configurations. Many folks like theirs, but as a general rule, the Third Generation pistols were the more advanced versions as well as the ones more likely now for you to be able to find parts for, if you ever need them.

If you decide to go with stainless slide/alloy frame, there is a plethora of models to choose from in both calibers. Don't be concerned about the alloy frame from a strength/durability standpoint: they are proven reliable over many thousands of rounds.

Just a few things to think about. Good luck, and we'll be glad to help you with ideas on pricing if you spot one some you like.

vigil617, thanks for that info! I really don't know my stuff and that is why I research before acquiring something. Eliminates wasting my precious money by buying something I would be unhappy with and then selling usually it seems at a loss if bought new.

When I said I wanted stainless steel I probably should have said all metal, as I've found all stainless would be a challenge as you stated and probably out of my price range, as would be most NIB. I would be using this and wouldn't really want a safe queen! And I wouldn't want to fire an older pistol that was still 100%

I've thought of acquiring future parts for an older firearm and already can see some pistols because of their age and rarity could have parts problems in the future. Because of that I will probably go with a 3rd generation pistol and am leaning toward a DA/SA over a DOA . How much more are the Tactical models over the other models and what are the difference between them is one thing I need to find out.

Am just learning which models are what and will have a list shortly of models I would be interested in and will narrow those 6-8 down to 2-4 with them evenly divided between 9 and 40. I've never owned a 45 and haven't shot one since the late 60's in the AF in Alaska. But those were poorly taken care of and didn't shoot well. So gave a poor lasting impression on me . So don't think I'm interested unless I find a steal people are always talking about but which I never seem to find !!

So the search begins !

The TSW ("Tactical Smith & Wesson") models are production guns that are machined to tighter tolerances, have the accessory rail (usually riveted on), and often were chosen by LE agencies back when they were buying all-metal Smiths. There's no hard and fast rule about how they compare in price with their non-TSW models, except NIB models will definitely command a premium.

These days, with most Third Gens being sold as used, you can even find TSWs priced similarly to production pistols, but usually they'll run maybe 10 to 20 percent more. Attached is a flyer from the 1990s that covers the newly introduced TSW series of models.

Sounds like you might be looking more at price than caliber or features, and I think you'll find Third Gens available anywhere from $350 to toward $1,000 for rare or especially collectible ones. (I'm not including the Performance Center pistols, of course.)

Also attached is a link to a great spreadsheet of our members has put together showing the Third Gen pistols. Have fun choosing one!



http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/350215-complete-3rd-gen-model-list.html

rwsmith said:

Go to Gunbroker and the page defaults to current auctions. There is a tab where there are completed auctions. Do your looking in there and see what guns actually sell for instead of what is being 'asked'.

Click to expand...

IMHO, "THE BLUE BOOK" IS MERELY A ROUGH GUIDE, AND THE OPINIONS OF THE VARIOUS PUNDITS, INCLUDING THOSE ON OUR FORUM, ARE OF LITTLE WORTH. THEY ONLY REFLECT WHAT ONE INDIVIDUAL WOULD BE WILLING TO SPEND. THE TRUE VALUE OF ANY ITEM IN A FREE MARKETPLACE (ONE THAT IS INFLUENCED SOLELY BY THE FORCES OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND) IS EXACTLY WHAT THE ACTUAL BUYER WAS WILLING TO PAY FOR IT. THAT'S JUST SIMPLE ECON-101. THAT BEING SAID, I MUST WHOLEHEARTEDLY ENDORSE THE ABOVE STATEMENT BY rwsmith……

I DO MOST OF MY GUN TRADING ON GUN BROKER, BECAUSE IT GIVES ME THE WIDEST VIEW OF THE MARKETPLACE AS A BUYER, AND THE BIGGEST AUDIENCE AS A SELLER ---ALL FROM THE COMFORT OF MY HOME. ALSO, THE INFORMATION GLEANED FROM READING THE LISTINGS IS INVALUABLE. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER…..

One Eye,
I agree it is not a really good guide to use except maybe for NIB or very rare models of some sort. Have been watching GunBroker, and a few others for the last month now . Have been getting a range of prices and matching them to the quality .. Sometimes that is hard to judge from the pictures! But checking on the reliability/longevity of the seller helps to judge that.

Seems many of the models range from $350 to $500 dollars for a pretty decent quality pistol . The Tactical Models selling about $100 to $250 dollars more in most cases.

I should be able to pick up something under my budget of $600. There are a couple of gun shows this fall I plan on going to, missed the one this spring here in town as was out of state that weekend. I really want to handle the model I buy before buying even if I end up buying on line.

Vigil,

that spread sheet was blurred when I blew it up to see it .. will have figure out something .else .

Whitwabit said:

Vigil,

that spread sheet was blurred when I blew it up to see it .. will have figure out something .else .

Click to expand...

Go here instead, in the "Notable Threads" section:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/350215-complete-3rd-gen-model-list.html

I'll go up and edit my other post to include this link instead, which is to member skjos's fine spreadsheet that is an incredible resource to the Third Generation guns.

IMHO, GB completed auctions is a much more realistic source than the Blue Book, which tends to under-price significantly. Depending on where you're located, you might once in a blue moon find an old Smith going for BB prices, but not likely where I come from.

ma deuce said:

IMHO, GB completed auctions is a much more realistic source than the Blue Book, which tends to under-price significantly.

Click to expand...

I see both under and over myself. BB is a good general guide - and I find a lot of LGS will still use it as a guide for their buy/sell pricing, so knowing BB price can help in negotiating there.

It seems the more unusual the item, the less accurate BB is - I've yet to find a P7 or a Wildey for anywhere near as low as BB listed them, but my LGS shelled out almost double the going rate for one P7 recently by misreading the BB

vigil617 said:

Go here instead, in the "Notable Threads" section:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/350215-complete-3rd-gen-model-list.html

I'll go up and edit my other post to include this link instead, which is to member skjos's fine spreadsheet that is an incredible resource to the Third Generation guns.

Click to expand...

That's just what I was looking for .. Thinks to who did this! took some time to complete.. have it saved now for referencing.

I didn't realize there were so many different models of the 3rd gen pistols.

Thank You for digging this up and posting it for us !