99% vs. 85%

[keithpip]

I'm hoping someone can answer this question for me. A well known Smith & Wesson dealer has for sale a Military and Police .38 transition. It's described as 6" blue 99%+ with box and factory letter. This particular revolver is priced at $1,000.
About three years ago I purchased at a local gun show a similar revolver. This speciman was also a Military and Police .38 transition with a 5" barrel with gold box that numbered to the gun. I'm not good at rating finish but I would guess that it would be about 85% (original). The stocks, while correct, do not number to the gun. I paid $290 for this revolver. The difference in price between the two is $710. The differences in configuration and condition are 6" barrel vs. 5" barrel and 99+% vs. 85% finish. His gun comes with a letter ($50 value), mine- no letter. I'm going to assume his grips number to the gun, mine don't. My question: do these differences amount to a $710 difference in price, or did I just get some fantasic deal? (I believe I got a good deal, but not a steal). I'm not at all questioning the price of this gun. I'm well aware that you just don't see many guns of that age in that condition (and that may be the answer). Thanks.

Keith

 

[mbliss57]

What was the manufacture year? Sn? Pics? These would help tremendously to answer question. I happen to have the SWSC sitting right here. As well as a Blue Book of gun values. Let's see what they tell us.

 

[Jack Flash]

One thing you are not accounting for is that you bought yours 3 years ago, his is for sale today.

 

[H Richard]

The difference between a 99% and a 95% gun can be more than 25%. True 99% guns are that much more rare.

 

[murphydog]

I would say you got your gun at a good price for a shooter (finish and mismatched stocks take it out of the collectible range), but $1000 seems high to me, even for a 99% gun of this type with the box.

 

[fat tom]

This particular example is a 99% 5",but if this is the model that you are referring to,$1,000 is much too high.

f.t.

 

[boatbum101]

Since we don't know the serial # & only the stated condition it's not easy to say . A lot depends on rather you need this to fill a hole in your collection . SV prefix guns in high condition with original box , grips etc have been seen with asking prices in this neighborhood . Later production S prefix guns with long action , original grips / box in trully 99% aren't exactly rare but are uncommon .We're talking about Smith's most produced revolver & the only rare barrel length in this production range is 2" . While the letter is a nice touch does it tie the gun to a famous person or event ? Later guns in the S prefix range had the new post war short action & aren't in my mind transitional . Even later production guns with a C prefix are down right common . Personally IF the gun is an SV or S prefix with original grips / box etc & is absolutely flawless I could see it changing hands for $ 650 - $ 750 . I would not pay more . I think if you wait patiently one day you'll find one as nice for a price you're willing to pay . Sincerely hope this helps .
Andy Brunt