38 M&P-fair price

[zonker5]

I am being offered a .38 M&P with 4" barrel. 5 screw, appears to be unfired since leaving the mother ship. Comes with correct gold box, has correct diamond grips, and all numbers match.

Asking price is $695, too much?

 

[Thinnes]

Sounds nice a nice,original gun with box. I'd do it.

 

[daddio202]

Yes I would say if it is perfect and with box that's about right. Of course $650 would be even better. Probably $650 would be the most I would pay down here in florida. A lot of older guns come retire down here that look like they spent thier life in a sock drawer.

 

[mh51]

Never hurts to negotiate a little, but the correct box adds a lot of appeal to
collectors. I'd have to go for it if I wanted it.
Mike

 

[22hipower]

I've got a five inch with box (1957 I think) much as you describe. It would take $695, maybe more, to get it away from me. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[KEN L]

We expect to see pics soon!

 

[glowe]

It all boils down to how you define "almost unfired" as compared to official grading standards. Pictures are a must in order to support or discuss a stated value. Gold box tells me is is a post-war M&P and therefore is subject to stricter grading criteria than pre-war M&Ps. SWSC4 states ANIB $1200 and Excellent $600. Interesting to note that Excellent for a post-WWII S&W is 98%, so grading that last 2% requires a detailed appraisal.

Is it worth the asking price, maybe . . . does the box have the serial number on the bottom? Otherwise, you can pick up a gold box for $150 - $200. Is the gun worth $550 by itself? Post images.

 

[zonker5]

~~UPDATE~~

Got to see the gun in person today, it is not in the condition I was told. It did have the correct box but the grips didn't fit well, seller refused to pull them so I could see if they match the gun.

Appears to have been fired little but there was a fair amount of holster wear and some pitting on the side of the cylinder and on the frame.

It still sleeps with the seller.

Thanks for the advise.