29-3 question?

[ptrckdillard]

Hello all, was hoping to meet some good people and have a 29-3 value question. Anyone who can help?
Neighbor asked if I wanted to buy it for $600. The neighbor bought it brand new back in the 80's and said he only put about 15 rounds through it since he bought it. He said he still has original box and all paperwork from original purchase. I held the gun and it is immaculate-looks like it only had 15 rounds through it like he said. This gun is the nickel plated 8 3/8" barrell and has the original grips on it which still look brand new. The serial # on this firearm is
AFW0xxx. Included is a holster and two speed loaders. I'm pretty sure this is a reasonable deal, but neither of us are experts. He needs the money and I'm all for getting a good deal but I also want to make sure this is a fair price for both of us. Thanks for any input.

 

[Gunhacker]

$600 sounds very reasonable in the condition you describe with and all of the original "trimmings", AND a holster & 2 speed loaders... icing on the cake. Here in California the price would be North of $600, in the $650 - $750 (even $800) range... in your location $600 could be the average, prices vary by location (State).

Some folks shun the long 8-3/8 barrel, others seek them out and are willing to pay a premium for the less common barrel length. Nickel guns are a "love them or leave them" for most people, no middle of the road there. Maintenance of a nickel plated gun needs a bit more care, you have to make sure that any cleaner (bore or otherwise) used does not contain any ammonia, or it will cause the nickel to breakdown.

Having said that, I'd buy it in a minute.

 

[ptrckdillard]

$600 sounds very reasonable in the condition you describe with and all of the original "trimmings", AND a holster & 2 speed loaders... icing on the cake. Here in California the price would be North of $600, in the $650 - $750 (even $800) range... in your location $600 could be the average, prices vary by location (State).

Some folks shun the long 8-3/8 barrel, others seek them out and are willing to pay a preimum for the less common barrel length. Nickel guns are a "love them or leave them" for most people, no middle of the road there. Maintenance of a nickel plated gun needs bit more care, you have to make sure that any cleaner (bore or otherwise) used does not contain any ammonia, or it will cause the nickel to breakdown.

Having said that, I'd buy it in a minute.

Thanks for the info, especially the ammonia recommendation. I like the nickel plate myself and have wanted a 44 mag for awhile just haven't really shopped for one. I guess it's kind of a sign when your neighbor brings it over out of the blue and asks if you wan it.

 

[Sebago Son]

While good shooters, the -3 guns don't sell as well up here, 8 3/8" guns even more so. Having the original packaging and stocks is good, and the goodies plus the nickle finish helps it, but I would think that $600 is high retail. Wholesale would probably be around $400 and median retail about $550 or so. Of course, location does come into effect. In places like California or Massachusetts you could easily add 20% to these prices.

But really, unless you are going to resell it, why quibble over a few dollars with a neighbor in need?

Drew

 

[nipster]

While good shooters, the -3 guns don't sell as well up here, 8 3/8" guns even more so. Having the original packaging and stocks is good, and the goodies plus the nickle finish helps it, but I would think that $600 is high retail. Wholesale would probably be around $400 and median retail about $550 or so.

You must be in a unique location, as good condition N frames of any type cant really be had for most places for under $600, especially in a retail situation.

I see beat up 29-2's all the time for $700+

There's always exceptions, but they are few and far between

 

[ptrckdillard]

While good shooters, the -3 guns don't sell as well up here, 8 3/8" guns even more so. Having the original packaging and stocks is good, and the goodies plus the nickle finish helps it, but I would think that $600 is high retail. Wholesale would probably be around $400 and median retail about $550 or so. Of course, location does come into effect. In places like California or Massachusetts you could easily add 20% to these prices.

But really, unless you are going to resell it, why quibble over a few dollars with a neighbor in need?

Drew

I do happen to be one of those somewhat unlucky Californians, with those kind of prices my retirement location may be up your way, haha.

I completely agree with you on the neighbor in need statement, I even told him I'd sell it back to him if things change. The reason I asked about decent price for both of us is because, I am willing to pay a fair price to a neighbor and help them out if it helps me out too. On the other hand I'm not going to pay too much either. Online I've seen them anywhere from $550 (good but obviously used often conditon) up to $900(mint with all original goodies, like this one has) online.

We all know also that asking price is different than what things are selling for. I have a Kimber Eclipse Ultral II and I saw one at a local gun shop that the owner is asking $1600 for just because it's a 6 month wait out here in CA to get a new one(asinine) I know.

I spoke with a local gun shop owner here and he said if it's how I explain it's a very fair price as he would ask anywhere from $700-$900 for that gun dependent on condition.

 

[Sebago Son]

You must be in a unique location...

I see beat up 29-2's all the time for $700+

There's always exceptions, but they are few and far between

Welcome to few and far between. Yes, I see overpriced guns all the time. But when it gets right down to money changing hands, my numbers are pretty accurate for around here. And yes, I am a steady buyer....