Gap in my collection: Pre-war or transitional .357 Magnum.

[The Gila Bender]

Showing my new-to-me New Model #3, a Triplelock, .38/44 HD and OD, a 1950 Model .44 Target, and a first-year .44 Magnum to a friend the other day, explaining the timeline of "evolution" and "revolution" in S&W N-frames and models (really nerding out), I realized that I don't have a pre-war or transitional .357 Magnum. I have a 1950 Model .357, and 1954 Highway Patrolman, but no pre-1950 examples.

My question to the group: "How much is a pre-1950 .357 Magnum in reasonable shooter/show and tell condition going to set me back?"

 

[lestert357]

For a Post-War transitional .357 Magnum I would just throw a number of $8K to $10K + out there…..if you’re fairly lucky.

Over half of the transitional .357 Magnums were shipped to the Kansas Highway Patrol and have either a 3-1/2” or 5” barrel; thus they are the ones normally encountered.

Keep in mind that only 142 were manufactured (according to the SCS&W) and invoices for only 123 have been discovered at the S&W Historical Foundation.

Over the last 8 years I can recall only seeing maybe a half dozen for sale on the big auction sites, however I don’t screen them consistently so probably missed some. Also I have not attended any of the Annual Symposiums so don’t know what may have been offered there.

I got interested in the transitional .357 Magnums in 2017 when I discovered this one on GB and hit the Buy Now button for $8500 - which even the Big Gorilla thought was a steal……

That was one of my luckiest days and best purchases in 35 years of collecting. Since then this gun has changed hands several times in the $12K - $14K range.

This chart gives you an idea of what barrel lengths were produced in transitional .357 Magnums…..

I will let others address the Pre-War .357 Registered and Non-Registered Magnums. There are so many variables that I don’t even want to start on it.

Good luck in your search.

 

[quinn]

Tom: I collect a niche in the pre 1950 magnums: documented law enforement carries. As a result, all but one are refinished, often in nickel, and have signs of wear and tear. Also, this group comes to me sans correct grips. These are usually 3.5 and 4" barrel lengths, and my latest has a cut barrel but very interesting history. I have paid between $4500 and 6500 by the time I add correct wood. Typically, the lower price range represents non-registered guns.

Happy hunting! There are obviously many different niches to choose from.

 

[22hipower]

A Registered (or unRegistered) pre war 357 Magnum is going to be fairly expensive but perhaps less so than the transitional ones Terry mentions. I looked at a common length (6.5) last week at a LGS which showed a lot of use, maybe 85% condition. Just the gun, tagged to $7500. I've seen a number offered on the Cabelas Gun Library website for around that price, don't know if those are still available.

The nice ones with box and any accessories/paperwork in the less common barrel lengths are likely in the $7500-$10000 range. If I were looking for one I think I'd stalk the large auction sites and try to grab one when no one else is paying attention. And if that doesn't work put the word out here that you're looking for one and come to the Symposium in June and there's likely to be one or more available. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Flygas]

I recently sold a 5” post war Transitional magnum that shipped to the Kansas State Patrol in 1948. It was in original condition with some holster wear, not perfect but better than one would expect for a law enforcement gun. I sold it for $9,000, which I thought was on the cheap side, but I sold it to a friend who is building a great collection, I only offered it to him, and I wanted him to have it.

 

[Thinnes]

Tom, I have sent you descriptions and pics of transitional magnum S71751 and NRM 60245. Dave

 

[The Gila Bender]

Dave - Received, thank you.

 

[handejector]

For a Post-War transitional .357 Magnum I would just throw a number of $8K to $10K + out there…..if you’re fairly lucky.

Over half of the transitional .357 Magnums were shipped to the Kansas Highway Patrol and have either a 3-1/2” or 5” barrel; thus they are the ones normally encountered.

Keep in mind that only 142 were manufactured (according to the SCS&W) and invoices for only 123 have been discovered at the S&W Historical Foundation.

It has been a few years, but I have sold 3 Transition Mags. Two 5" Kansas SP guns shipped to Topeka and a 3-1/2 that shipped to Atchison, KS and was probably a SP gun also. It was very worn. All 3 had the original but worn finish, and I think two had original grips.
All 3 sold between $12,000 to $14,000 as I recall. They were direct sales, not auctions.
Reg Mags vary greatly. NICE, original guns always bring big bucks. Rare guns bring bigger bucks. NICE, rare guns with the original goodies will hurt you.
Worn Reg Mags with interesting history usually do well.

Non-Reg Mags vary greatly, even among nice guns. Though many fewer were made, people have not yet put proper values on them. There again, history can add a lot.