13-2 price check

[tlmetesh]

Found a 13-2, blued, 3" barrel, pachmayr grips, listed in "excellent condition" that a guy has been trying to sell since February for $900. Blue Book lists a price of $500 for a gun in 100% condition. What's a reasonable price?

 

[Double-O-Dave]

$900.00? What the heck is that guy smokin', and why didn't he save some for the rest of us? That price is just nuts. I bought a pristine Model 13-3 a few years ago, no box, no documents, no original grips. I wanted it for a shooter, and I paid around $400.00 if memory serves me correctly. I normally take the Blue Book prices with a huge grain of salt, but I believe that a price range of $400.00 - $500.00+ depending on condition, accessories - including the original box, documents, etc. is reasonable.

Regards,

Dave

 

[sodacan]

Last year I paid $400 for a CAI import, albeit a 4" barrel. The gun was in excellent condition in all aspects, except for the dreaded import mark on the side. No box or papers, but it is a P&R gun with matching number stocks. As long as I don't look at the left side of it, it's a beauty. I know some 3" guns are commanding stupid prices, but $900 seems high for that model. I would make sure the barrel has not been cut down. Good luck.

 

[tlmetesh]

Thanks for the input. I thought $900 was pretty darn high, but wanted to be sure. No original stocks, no papers or box, a visible turn line, but the barrel has not been cut.

 

[ischia]

It's a 13-2...round butt ....3" barrel... Seldom seen set up for sale in any condition. Blue Book says $500 for 100%? DREAM ON.. Would be closer to $900 than $500 Not even a 4" square butt in 100% could be had for $500 around here(Seattle) If you even see one for sale.

Ischia

 

[raisedin99]

Although unlike what you are looking at, last month I sold a 13-2 that was a 4" square butt in like new condition however no box or documents for $500.00. I was happy with the price as was the guy who bought it from me.

terry

 

[Goblin]

Since 3" 13s have seen unusual price increases, sellers get carried away. For a -3, $550 to $700 is in the ballpark, the lower end without original grips. For a -2, I think there will be a premium asked that isn't worth paying if it's a shooter.

 

[mrpendleton]

I bought one last fall in great shape with no box for $440.

 

[GCF]

Year before last, I spotted a like new 3" / RB / HB 13-something, for sale by a member on this forum. Seems like I offered him $500 shipped - but he declined the offer.

He sold it locally (Ohio) a few days later, for $600 +.

A short time later, I paid a bit more then that, for what I believe to be a NIB, 3" / RB / HB 65-3. Yeah, I'd have PREFERRED to get it for $500, but no regrets - what so ever. It's a real sweetheart!

You snooze / you lose - on a pre-lock / pre-MIM, 3" K frame M&P.

That said, $900 does seem a bit optimistic... ;=)

 

[Kframerbluvr]

Yep. He is about an hour north of me. Someone might pay him $750. I have wanted a 3" fixed sight K frame for years but not that badly.

 

[Martya]

If I recall my history there were a lot of M13 3" issued to the FBI for a short time till they went to semi's, then they collected them and destroyed them. M13 3" are not common, but I don't think $900 rare either. Not yet.

However, if you think it is worth $750 then I think it is not a stretch to go $900 if you want it for a collection.

If you want a K frame to take to the range there are lots of them around for a lot less. My 13-1 is a well worn pawn rescue and is a joy at the range, and a great bedroom gun, but it will never win a beauty contest. I would be happy to get $350 for it if I [n]ever decide to sell it.

 

[alwslate]

Thanks for the input. I thought $900 was pretty darn high, but wanted to be sure. No original stocks, no papers or box, a visible turn line, but the barrel has not been cut.

It's hardly in collectable condition. $500 sounds like plenty.
It's tempting to get hung up on a particular gun sometimes
but it's not the only one in existance. Keep looking.

 

[murphydog]

If it is pinned and recessed, a 3" 13-2 is a scarce gun and not really comparable to a 4" collectability-wise. It 'might' be worth $900 if unfired since factory with the original box and contents, but the fact it has gone 4 months without a buyer may be a clue. You can offer the seller a lower price and see if he got it .

 

[g8rb8]

If it is pinned and recessed, a 3" 13-2 is a scarce gun and not really comparable to a 4" collectability-wise. It 'might' be worth $900 if unfired since factory with the original box and contents, but the fact it has gone 4 months without a buyer may be a clue. You can offer the seller a lower price and see if he got it .

murphydog is correct. A pinned and recessed model 13 with a 3" barrel is scarce. Since it has sat it is overpriced. $900 might be more like it with original numbered grips and box and documents but as it sits maybe closer to $700 is a reasonable value?

 

[raylan007]

Why we even waste time talking about "Blue Book" prices is beyond me. If they were accurate to within even 20% there would be a lot of happy buyers out there. Taking regional buying out of the discussion and the rare deals we all like to talk about I have not seen a M13 3" in 90% condition on GB and the likes for much under $650. If I had seen one under that amount it would be in my safe. I have been looking on and off for the past year.

If anyone can explain the benefit for consulting the "Blue Book of Gun Values" I would love to hear how it has any value whatsoever in today's market. I just don't get it.

 

[GCF]

If anyone can explain the benefit for consulting the "Blue Book of Gun Values" I would love to hear how it has any value whatsoever in today's market. I just don't get it.

Non-realistic BB valuations, are of great benefit to SELLERS, when dealing w/ non-savvy BUYERS.

Sorry, just couldn't resist...

 

[tlmetesh]

We were unable to make a deal. He's going to list it on gunbroker...

 

[raylan007]

$900.00? What the heck is that guy smokin', and why didn't he save some for the rest of us? That price is just nuts. I bought a pristine Model 13-3 a few years ago, no box, no documents, no original grips. I wanted it for a shooter, and I paid around $400.00 if memory serves me correctly. I normally take the Blue Book prices with a huge grain of salt, but I believe that a price range of $400.00 - $500.00+ depending on condition, accessories - including the original box, documents, etc. is reasonable.

Regards,

Dave

The operative words being "a few years ago " are ones often used on the Forum, in desirable revolver terms that is a big deal. I agree the $900 is not reasonable but so is using the useless "Blue Book of Gun Values". Regional factors are also a huge factor in pricing. I have been looking at M13's the past year or so primarily on GB and you seldom see one going for under $500. The 3" barrel even higher, up to $650. Bottom line is whatever the market will bare. Good Luck

 

[ipetebro]

I just picked up a 3" 13-2 last week for $477 out the door. This is my first revolver and really don't know much about them. When I got home I noticed that the firing pin wiggles on the hammer. Is this normal? Let me know if I need someone to look at this before firing.

 

[BC38]

I just picked up a 3" 13-2 last week for $477 out the door. This is my first revolver and really don't know much about them. When I got home I noticed that the firing pin wiggles on the hammer. Is this normal? Let me know if I need someone to look at this before firing.

Nope, that's normal - or at least I hope it is since every Smith I own with a hammer-mounted firing pin does it!

Good deal on the 3" 13-2 BTW. I recently bought a shooter grade 13-1 4" and paid $400 for it.