Estimated value on Perfected 38 S&W

[Simi-audamadik]

Hello all! Have lurked here for awhile and finally decided to join up last night because I need some help. I have an opportunity to purchase a 38 S&W Perfected Model from an estate sale. Nobody seems to have any idea what it's worth and I'm trying to pick it up before it hits the public view. I noticed right away that it is missing the side cylinder latch button and there is something occupying the screw hole. I hope to have an opportunity to handle it Friday evening to find out more about the mechanical condition. Based on the pix and the missing part, can y'all give me an idea what a fair offer would be? TIA

Later!

Simi

 

[Simi-audamadik]

Well, not sure what went wrong, but none of the pic links worked. Will try to solve the problem tomorrow. Thanks for your patience.

Later!

Simi

 

[Simi-audamadik]

I figured out the problem. I haven't used Photobucket in so long, I didn't realize I couldn't link to it anymore unless I pay them. So, I guess I gotta figure out another way to post pix. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Later!


Simi

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. Try the instructions in this link. http://smith-wessonforum.com/faq.php?faq=vb3_reading_posting#faq_vb3_attachments

 

[JSR III]

I saw one Saturday at the local gun show. I think they were asking $800 but that is just a WAG on my part. They don't come around that often and I would think that finding parts for one would be a bear. That button is unique to that gun IIRC so it could be real hard to find.

 

[Skeetr57]

Since the Perfected was built on the 1903 I frame, the cylinder release button from that model should work. It is held on by a slotted nut, not a screw.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I paid $300.00 mine in 2012....

Lettered with the MOP grips....

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! From the description you gave, I wouldn't give more than $200 for it. Here is what the SCSW, 4th Ed. says:

ANIB Exc+ Exc Fine VG Good Fair Poor
1800 800 ..650 450 285 225 150 100

(Page 97).

 

[deadin]

We really need a picture of the side latch area as there were some Perfected made without the side latch. They are fairly scarce and will bring a premium....

 

[Simi-audamadik]

Ok, looks like I got pix attached...THANK YOU glowe!! This will give everyone a better idea of what I'm looking at. My friend sent me these cell phone pix, but I'm hoping to see the weapon in person tomorrow night and will get an idea of it's mechanical condition. Thanks for all the replies thus far!

Later!

Simi

 

[Simi-audamadik]

Since the Perfected was built on the 1903 I frame, the cylinder release button from that model should work. It is held on by a slotted nut, not a screw.

Thanks for this info! I always thought a screw held the latch on. So, this means I'll need to look for two parts; the nut and the latch. I'll check Numrich and Bob's. Thanks again!

Later!

Simi

 

[glowe]

Simi, You can be sure the finish that is left is original and the gun has not been modified of refinished. The missing side-latch can easily be found, since the frame and components were modified from a Model 1903, 32 Hand Ejector. Most parts for this gun are readily available, not only because of the abundance of 32 HE internal parts, but because the barrel assembly is made up of 38 Double Action parts. A 38 DA, 5th Model barrel assembly will drop right into a Perfected revolver.

As for value, the same gun could sell from $250 to $500, depending on the seller's description, or if the potential buyers/bidders know what they are buying. There were almost 60,000 made, so they are relatively common, but I think most current owners are holding onto them and not many come up for sale.

For comparison to yours, I bought this 4" Perfected for $450 last year. If I sold it tomorrow, it might bring $500.

I forgot to mention that revolver might be one of less than 2000 made with the 1914 patented improved hammer block. I have been lobbying for a 1st Change designation for this patent change, since both the 38 M&P and the Model 1903 both were given a change designation with that improvement. If you check Jim Supica's new book, there is now a reference to the 38 Perfected, 1st Change and if you are interested in the model, take a look at this Commentary. http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?b=109

 

[JSR III]

I just looked at a photo in the SCSW 2nd edition and the thumb piece looks like a normal thumb piece. I must have been thinking of something else.

 

[DWalt]

I haven't seen a Perfected Model for a very long time. I'd make a run at any one that I came across if it didn't have a ridiculous price.

 

[JH1951]

Welcome from Pennsylvania!
I would give a try at picking that one up as well. Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

[Simi-audamadik]

WOOOHOOO I GOT IT for $125!!! There's a small chip on the bottom of one grip and the latch pieces that are missing, but I think it'll be a shooter. I've located the latch parts already for about $20 plus shipping. And, since they're used parts, they shouldn't look out of place. Happy camper! Now I just gotta clean it to get the dust bunnies off and out of it.

Later!

Simi

ps. - Oh yeah...parts ordered!

 

[rhmc24]

Mine $350 20 years ago --

 

[merl67]

Wow you did very well at $125 . I would buy them all day long at that price in similar condition. While they are not uncommon with approximately 60000 being made many are believed to have been shipped overseas, and they just don't show up that often.

 

[jvmm]

I take it did not come with wood grips?? The one I bought has wood

 

[Simi-audamadik]

No sir...those are the grips it came with.

Later!

Simi