How much is my Model 3954 worth?

MICoyote · Mar 5, 2017

Sorry for this being my first post.

But I'm cleaning out my safe queens and I have a 3954 in LN condition, 2 mags that came with it, and the manual. Been in a bore-store for the last 25yrs. Shot, maybe, 1 mags worth through it.

Box got lost a couple moves ago.

Thanks for the help!

ColbyBruce · Mar 5, 2017

My thoughts

I own and love a S&W 3953; which I believe is the best CCW S&W ever made. Too bad it does not have a repeat pull trigger, as some of the 3914 pistols built for the LE market had. The S&W DAO pistols are not popular in my area and are difficult to sell, thus prices are not high.

My gun was re-imported and is so marked, which lowers the value a bit. I figure my pistol is worth $300.00 tops, and it would take a while to sell.

I would think yours might bring $100.00 more.

GaryS · Mar 5, 2017

Keeping in mind that I live in a highly restrictive state where it's difficult to import "non roster" guns, I paid $425.00 for a very clean 3953 with two magazines.

Condition and location can play into price, so it's hard to suggest a price without a picture and an idea of where you are.

The 3954 was only made for two years 1991-92, so they aren't especially common. If I were buying it, I'd be looking for a shooter/carry piece, not a collectible. If someone wants a collectible, then they'll likely offer more than would I, even without the box.

If you list it here, it will likely go quickly.

Good luck.

ColbyBruce said:
I own and love a S&W 3953; which I believe is the best CCW S&W ever made. Too bad it does not have a repeat pull trigger, as some of the 3914 pistols built for the LE market had. The S&W DAO pistols are not popular in my area and are difficult to sell, thus prices are not high.

My gun was re-imported and is so marked, which lowers the value a bit. I figure my pistol is worth $300.00 tops, and it would take a while to sell.

I would think yours might bring $100.00 more.

TTSH · Mar 5, 2017

ColbyBruce said:
My gun was re-imported and is so marked, which lowers the value a bit. I figure my pistol is worth $300.00 tops, and it would take a while to sell. I would think yours might bring $100.00 more.

GaryS said:
Keeping in mind that I live in a highly restrictive state where it's difficult to import "non roster" guns, I paid $425.00 for a very clean 3953 with two magazines.

Condition and location can play into price, so it's hard to suggest a price without a picture and an idea of where you are.

IMHO, condition is going to dictate everything on a Model 3954. If it is truly "like new" as the OP states, it's going to bring in some serious cash relative to the typical used 3900-series gun for sale these days. Too bad he doesn't have the factory box to go with it. I might even be interested in it myself.

BTW, I posted elsewhere that I went to a show yesterday and the one Plain Jane Model 3913 at the show was tagged at a whopping $589.00.

Guess I better bump up my firearms insurance policy again!

Dparker · Mar 5, 2017

MICoyote said:
Sorry for this being my first post.

But I'm cleaning out my safe queens and I have a 3954 in LN condition, 2 mags that came with it, and the manual. Been in a bore-store for the last 25yrs. Shot, maybe, 1 mags worth through it.

Box got lost a couple moves ago.

Thanks for the help!

Here are the prices according to the SCCW 4th ed. It's been documented that less than 1000 units were produced. I have 3 of them. 2 LNIB and 1 excellent condition but no box. All three have SN's that place them in the initial production run of 440 units TJA8500-8939.

I value my 2 LNIB $700-750 range and the one in excellent condition, no box @ $625. All have 2 mags.

Hope that helps!!!

Cheers!!!
David

MICoyote · Mar 6, 2017

Thanks for all the help, guys!

I had no idea they are worth that much!

I would post a pic, but my camera does really poor indoor pics.

I think the LEDs are messing them up.

lhump1961 · Mar 6, 2017

I think it's a hit or miss kind of deal...right buyer at the right time. The pool of DAO shooters isn't large so I think $600 would be about top end face to face but maybe more on GB finding that right buyer. Having said that I love 'em! I paid less than $600 for mine not too long ago.

GaryS · Mar 6, 2017

The true value of a gun, or anything for that matter, is how much someone with cash in hand is willing to pay for it. Some things that are rare are worth a lot of money, others are rare because they were pieces of junk when made.

The 3rd Gens are well made, but the problem is that they are our of production, might be hard to get fixed, and there are cheaper guns that will go bang just as reliably.

TTSH collects his for what they are, I buy mine because they are a great self defense firearm. He's more concerned about cosmetics, I'm concerned more about functionality.

What either of us would be willing to pay is based on our judgement of the value based on our preferences.

lhump1961 said:
I think it's a hit or miss kind of deal...right buyer at the right time. The pool of DAO shooters isn't large so I think $600 would be about top end face to face but maybe more on GB finding that right buyer. Having said that I love 'em! I paid less than $600 for mine not too long ago.

pmosley · Sep 13, 2019

Dredging Up an old(er) thread.

Stopped in an out of way sometimes honey hole this afternoon - I get by 3 or 4 times a year.

As often happens, they had a nice sampling of overlooked 2nd and 3rd generation S&W pistols.

Spotted one of my long sought after models, a very nice 3954, one magazine and no box. I have a 3953 and 3913NL so I have plenty of magazines.

Based on serial number, appears be among the first 100 manufactured. Stepped down slide release makes this even more slender.

These DAO pistols are among my favorite carry pistols - been looking for a reasonably priced 3954 I can use for some time.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How much is my Model 3954 worth?

MICoyote

Active member

ColbyBruce

Well-known member

GaryS

Well-known member

TTSH

Guest

Dparker

Well-known member

Attachments

MICoyote

Active member

lhump1961

US Veteran

Attachments

GaryS

Well-known member

pmosley

Well-known member

Similar threads

Latest posts