Current Transitional Heavy Duty 38/44 values?

[YouveHadYour6]

Hi guys,

Been a while but finally had a chance to get back to the hobby recently - came across a pre-20 Transitional Heavy Duty today in about 75-80% condition. The wear is purely cosmetic but it generally uneven, which is why I rate it somewhat middling at 75-80%. What remains is original however, with some plum coming in on the backstrap. No pics allowed at this local show's tables, so forgive the lack of photos.

The configuration is the somewhat standard-ish 4" barrel, grips appear to be correct and original, and the action is solid. I've long hoped for a 'shooter' quality HD or Outdoorsman I'd not feel guilty about using as intended now and again when hiking/camping, and as an occasional range gun.

That said - what is a fair price for an original but far-from-pristine example these days? The seller has $925 on it but mentioned they're flexible, which having bartered with them before I suspect means it can be had around $800-850. This seems mostly in line with Supica's estimates for a 'good' example, which is what I'd call this, good, not great nor bad. However in the few recent sales I can find fairly clean examples seem to be moving around $900 total, with minty examples lingering with 4-figure asks.

So - N-frame experts and .38 lovers, fill me in - what might actually be fair here? It's not a must-have right now, so while I can theoretically afford it and do want a shooter, I'd prefer not to overspend on such an example.

Not the example in question, but the closest example of any HD (a slightly later pre-20) I could find with approx. same degree of bluing wear:


Thanks for any thoughts all!

 

[22hipower]

I think that price range $800-$900 in the condition described is about right. I paid $800 here on the Forum for one in perhaps 95% condition five years ago. I've seen some offered for more but likely in better condition than the one you describe.

 

[Kansasgunner]

I agree with 22hipower on the value, the four inch is a popular barrel length. And by a transitional you do mean it has the pre-war long action?

 

[Gun Relics]

I think the price is a bit high. Maybe $700 since you can get a really nice one for $1000. And this is coming from the sucker of the year who seems to always overpay , although I will say the 4" is not as commonly seen.

 

[YouveHadYour6]

Well, no dice on this one as going back to talk to the seller today an older gent just ahead of me was laying out cash for the HD - and waaay more of such than I would have been comfy with for the condition!

Oh well, just another one to keep an eye out for!

P.S. Yes to answer one above question, this was the postwar Transitional version with the long-action.

 

[Abbotson]

Hi guys,

Been a while but finally had a chance to get back to the hobby recently - came across a pre-20 Transitional Heavy Duty today in about 75-80% condition. The wear is purely cosmetic but it generally uneven, which is why I rate it somewhat middling at 75-80%. What remains is original however, with some plum coming in on the backstrap. No pics allowed at this local show's tables, so forgive the lack of photos.

The configuration is the somewhat standard-ish 4" barrel, grips appear to be correct and original, and the action is solid. I've long hoped for a 'shooter' quality HD or Outdoorsman I'd not feel guilty about using as intended now and again when hiking/camping, and as an occasional range gun.

That said - what is a fair price for an original but far-from-pristine example these days? The seller has $925 on it but mentioned they're flexible, which having bartered with them before I suspect means it can be had around $800-850. This seems mostly in line with Supica's estimates for a 'good' example, which is what I'd call this, good, not great nor bad. However in the few recent sales I can find fairly clean examples seem to be moving around $900 total, with minty examples lingering with 4-figure asks.

So - N-frame experts and .38 lovers, fill me in - what might actually be fair here? It's not a must-have right now, so while I can theoretically afford it and do want a shooter, I'd prefer not to overspend on such an example.

Not the example in question, but the closest example of any HD (a slightly later pre-20) I could find with approx. same degree of bluing wear:
View attachment 758505

Thanks for any thoughts all!

I've tried moving mine for $800ish and have had zero luck. It seems to tick all the boxes, 4-inch, matching grips, decent finish. I've yet to see another one at a show in TN.

 

[Model19man]

I think you dodged a bullet. Those revolvers might have been popular in earlier days but they are not now. It's hard to sell a 38 Special let alone one that is saddled with an N frame - read very heavy for the caliber.

 

[quinn]

I agree with Tim... I'm not sure that is a transitional as it had the short action hammer to my eyes, though my eyesight isn't very good these days.

 

[Friendofbillw1]

So I purchased a HD .38/44 circa 1949 a couple years ago, I paid 500.00 for it. It is mechanically fine with worn finish. It doesn't look like this any more as I sent it off to S&W for a refinish.
I am in it for about 900.00 with gun purchase, box and refinish.

 

[Gun Relics]

So I purchased a HD .38/44 circa 1949 a couple years ago, I paid 500.00 for it. It is mechanically fine with worn finish. It doesn't look like this any more as I sent it off to S&W for a refinish.
I am in it for about 900.00 with gun purchase, box and refinish.

From the one pic, refinish looks great! Are you happy with it? How long did it take to get the gun back?

 

[YouveHadYour6]

I think you dodged a bullet. Those revolvers might have been popular in earlier days but they are not now. It's hard to sell a 38 Special let alone one that is saddled with an N frame - read very heavy for the caliber.

I buy .38s due to my own love of them rather than anything else, though I do try to avoid over-paying for them. At what this one seems to have gone for I wouldn't be a buyer but eventually I'll add one in part because it ISN'T a .357, and it IS an N-frame (which w/a 4" or 5" barrel I find a handy size, personally) - but that's the joy of collecting.

 

[Friendofbillw1]

From the one pic, refinish looks great! Are you happy with it? How long did it take to get the gun back?

Here is a better photo. I first had to grovel and beg because typically S&W won't take in anything older than 1980 for parts availability issues. I told them I had had the gun apart and it is sound. With some misgivings they took it in. After 7 weeks and 233.00 which included shipping I received my revolver back. I am beyond happy with it. The did not touch any of the parts but for the bluing.