Advice, Please

[Babalooie]

I have a Model 617-5; 22lr (of course); 6 shot; 6" barrel; target trigger and target hammer.

I have all factory components, but have made a few "upgrades."

I removed the internal lock and installed, "The Plug."

Took off the original S&W logo Hogues and put on a set of right hand target grips with S&W medallion on right grip.

Removed the original thumb piece and installed a Hogue speed thumb release.


Here are my questions:

-I'm thinking of selling this gun. Should I return it to factory original condition, or leave it and include the original parts with the gun?

-What is the going price for an original Model 617-5?

I hope this doesn't violate forum rules. I've never made a request like this before.

Thanks in advance to all contributors.

 

[Boogsawaste]

My opinion is to return it to stock. You can either include the extra parts or sell them separate.

 

[Old cop]

I agree w/returning your gun to stock & offering the other goodies as part of the deal, or a separate sale. As to value, I'll let others weigh in.

 

[H Richard]

I'd return the gun to stock, but offer to include the extra's for $XX.XX additional.

 

[Babalooie]

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it.

 

[Alk8944]

Either offer the gun as-is with all original parts included or return it to stock configuration and keep the after-market parts for your next S&W revolver. The stocks will fit any K-L-X frame gun, and the other parts will fit any K-L-N-X frame revolver.

You spent over $100 for the "Custom" parts, why give them away? Remember that any "Custom" item is only custom to the original owner who was willing to pay for the modifications. For anyone else the item is simply modified from original and may be worth less than it was before the modifications.

 

[Babalooie]

Either offer the gun as-is with all original parts included or return it to stock configuration and keep the after-market parts for your next S&W revolver. The stocks will fit any K-L-X frame gun, and the other parts will fit any K-L-N-X frame revolver.

You spent over $100 for the "Custom" parts, why give them away? Remember that any "Custom" item is only custom to the original owner who was willing to pay for the modifications. For anyone else the item is simply modified from original and may be worth less than it was before the modifications.

Valid points. That was my original concern. A person who could care less about the upgrades, wouldn't be willing to pay more than base price.

It appears that I have three choices:


1) Sell on consignment at my LGS.

• I don't think many potential customers would consider "The Plug" as anything more than a novelty, if they even know what it is.
• I'm guessing the other upgrades would probably fall into the "Fluff" category. Nice to have but totally unnecessary from a financial position.
• This option can potentially take a long time and I may have to lower the price (more than once) in order to make a sale.
• The LGS will get a cut of the selling price.

2) Sell on Gunbroker through my LGS.

• Possibly a good opportunity to get maximum fair market value without the upgrades.
• The LGS photographs, posts on GB, packs and ships all items as part of their service.
• Saves me the trouble of finding the proper shipping container and taking it to UPS or FEDEX, where I would have to explain to employees their company's policy on shipping firearms. This has happened before and became a frustrating experience.
• The LGS' commission will reduce my take home amount.

3) Sell on Our Forum.

• Could offer the buyer the option of keeping the upgrades installed, or removing them.
• Would have to pay LGS to package and ship the gun.
• Would have to determine a selling price before posting.
• Would have the satisfaction of knowing the gun is going to a good home, where it would be appreciated for what it is.
• Provides the opportunity to negotiate with potential buyers.
• No commission, but would make a donation to the forum.

So, what's a good selling price? I'm thinking somewhere between $600 and $800, but have seen some really outrageous prices on the auction site.