First RM purchase

[chiefdave]

Sorry, only one poor picture for now. I've been offered a Registered Magnum at a fairly low price, under $5k. Went back to the factory in 1947 for a refinish. The front sight and grips don't look right to me but I'm not that up to speed on RM's. Looking for opinions and a ballpark price. Would like to have one but don't want a pig in a poke.

 

[g-dad]

chiefdave, I can't help you on your price question but it looks like a fine firearm. The refinish wouldn't bother me at all. Grips are definitely suspect and can't help with the sight either. But what I can do is rotate the pic for you!!

 

[bdGreen]

"Went back to the factory in 1947 for a refinish."

Did the factory stamp the four line address on it on the return for a refinish?

bdGreen

 

[LLOYD17]

Post war rear sight, barrel and ejector rod. Do all numbers match? What’s the serial? I bought a NRM that got a new serialed barrel from the factory a couple years ago for well less than $5000 and it still wore the pre war sight which I prefer.

 

[RKmesa]

Sorry, only one poor picture for now. I've been offered a Registered Magnum at a fairly low price, under $5k. Went back to the factory in 1947 for a refinish. The front sight and grips don't look right to me but I'm not that up to speed on RM's. Looking for opinions and a ballpark price. Would like to have one but don't want a pig in a poke.

[Note - looks like I was typing and lightening the photo, at the same time a couple of astute forum members above gave good advise]

The grips are definitely not factory pre-war vintage (they look to be custom modified grips and I kind of like them). And the front sight is also not pre-war vintage - the red insert "Baughman" ramped front sight came out after the war. I can't tell for sure, but it looks to me like the barrel may have been replaced with a post war barrel, which would also generally require a post war extractor rod (with no knob). The post war barrel would not be recessed in the barrel shroud to take the large knob and the rib/front site face would not be recessed about 1/8th inch from the front crown of the barrel. Looking at a blown up photo, the roll mark on the barrel is too far forward for a pre-war barrel (definitely a post-war barrel).

Here's some photos of what I'm talking about.

Pre-war RM



Post-war .357 (this one is a Model marked 27 - but it had the red ramp for comparison):



I would definitely get some more photos and check the serial numbers in the barrel shroud, the rear of the cylinder and the butt of the revolver.

 

[quinn]

It may be just me but I'd price that gun more in the $2500-3000 range if it is a factory barrel change with matching serial numbers. Neat wood but not original. JMHO

 

[Mrnurse]

ahhhh 5K.... Run Forest Run.... Mama said " Life is full of overpriced stuff spend your $$$ Wisely Forest... invest in Shrimp Boats".

 

[6518John]

It may be just me but I'd price that gun more in the $2500-3000 range if it is a factory barrel change with matching serial numbers. Neat wood but not original. JMHO

I would offer $2k and a case of double-ply (for delivery at a later date)!

 

[Art Doc]

No expert but looks to me you've got a lot of non RM parts. Stocks, barrel, rear sight all look post war to me. IMO nowhere near 5K value. I'm thinking $1500 as a shooter. Actually, I wouldn't buy it at any price.

You do what you want.

 

[younggun22]

The stocks are interesting

 

[weatherby]

I'd wait.
I do like those grips too though.

 

[Timb1]

Richard nailed it. The grips do have large prewar medallions.

 

[lestert357]

You should be able to buy a fairly nice and 100% original RM for $5K - $6K today. They ARE out there.

 

[raljr1]

I have one that went back to the factory and ended up with a newer barrel with the patridge sight....grips later too...paid $3000 two years ago.