General revolver values?

[CSN]

I've gotten the idea that it might be nice to acquire a vintage S&W revolver. a list of guns available to me through someone I know, and I do not doubt for a second his description of "exceptional condition" on all of them. Most of them don't seem to include box or papers.
I have looked around on the internet for prices, and asked around, but it hasn't turned up anything, (getting a GB account has proven impossible), and everyone I talk to sems to have out dated opinions on the value nowadays. They seem to think $500~ is good on these types of things.

Sooo. I don't want to offend my friend on price, and I have no issue paying his price if it's realistic. But I just don't know if they are.

The ones I'm interested in;

27-2 6" blued, 1977, $1500

19-3 4" blued, original box special order 1970 $1300

686 no dash 4" stainless 1981 $1400

 

[MajorD]

All sound sort of high to me. The 27 if it had box and papers would be fair. The 686 is definitely too high , and as far as the 19 it depends what “special order” means, and if provenance can be provided regarding the special order.

 

[Spurdann]

Patience will get you all of them for at least $500 less. None are super rare. Pristine, with the correct box should still be found for significantly less than your friends prices.
I would pass, keep the friend and search elsewhere.

 

[toddimusnimski]

I've gotten the idea that it might be nice to acquire a vintage S&W revolver. a list of guns available to me through someone I know, and I do not doubt for a second his description of "exceptional condition" on all of them. Most of them don't seem to include box or papers.
I have looked around on the internet for prices, and asked around, but it hasn't turned up anything, (getting a GB account has proven impossible), and everyone I talk to sems to have out dated opinions on the value nowadays. They seem to think $500~ is good on these types of things.

Sooo. I don't want to offend my friend on price, and I have no issue paying his price if it's realistic. But I just don't know if they are.

The ones I'm interested in;

27-2 6" blued, 1977, $1500

19-3 4" blued, original box special order 1970 $1300

686 no dash 4" stainless 1981 $1400

I can appreciate wanting to deal with someone you know as it can make the first time buying process feel less stressful, but good gravy those prices seem awfully high to me. Unless you live in a place where those models are infrequently found, you shouldn't have any trouble finding a much better deal elsewhere.

You have a lot of options if you'd like a vintage S&W .357 revolver. Consider a Model 28 - less barrel lengths available than the 27 and a duller finish, but also a bit more affordable. These two have an S prefix SN and shipped in the late 1960's.

Todd

 

[CSN]

Yeah, I was afraid everyone would say that. I have no idea on the market for these guns, here or elsewhere. Like I said, money is definitely not the issue, value is.

What would be an example of a vintage Smith that would be collectable?

Also, have the values of the vintage guns been hurt by the release of the new "classic" guns? IIRC, that's what happened when Colt released the new Python.

 

[Model19man]

Also, have the values of the vintage guns been hurt by the release of the new "classic" guns? IIRC, that's what happened when Colt released the new Python.

As a revolver collector I don't see the release of the "new Python" or the "classic" S&W as having any effect. The new ones are significantly different from the old ones. In the case of the Colt Python it is a completely different revolver. In the case of the Smith & Wesson the stocks are crappy and the revolver is a different dash number than the older - and much better quality - one.

 

[Valmet]

What would be an example of a vintage Smith that would be collectable?

To name a few in the big boy collectible category-

Pre-29
29-1
A second model K22 Outdoorsman
One of the post-war transitional .357s
An Registered Magnum

 

[CSN]

Honestly, I have also wondered why the re-release of the new guns would hurt the old guns. I can speak to the Colt Python in that it is a VERY nice gun in it's new incarnation. I own one and have shot another. My understanding is that it's superior to the old ones in a few ways, but still fairly close. Basically updated. But still, I don't think that should take away from the original's values. But that's what I heard.

Mmm, registered magnum - will keep an eye out.

 

[StrawHat]

I see prices coming down at the auctions in which I participate. Might be a local thing but they are getting less than one year ago.

Kevin

 

[Harv 24]

I think cost of ammo is a deciding factor. I've been toying with buying my father in laws Model 19-3. A box of 50 rds of plain jane .38 is close to $20 a box. Sure I can reload, but a lot of folks don't want to. So these guns sit a lot and get shot very little.

One of the reasons I purchased a 617-6 in .22LR. I can shoot that a lot. and it's scratching my revolver itch. I just purchased a 5000 rd case of Standard CCI ammo for $360 bucks to add to my 22 stash. I already have a large stash of 9mm/5.56mm and 7.62mm. I don't need another caliber.

 

[walkin' trails]

In terms of gauging your gr revolver market, I go to gunbroker. Seems to be what people are paying for certain firearms.

 

[65Whelen]

I have to agree with the consensus here, those prices are high. A good source of information on S&W is the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th or 5th Editions (Amazon). They will answer most of your questions. Detail descriptions of each Model and value guidelines. Also, Gunbroker as a search option for guns that sold which shows not only what the seller was asking but what it actually sold for or didn't sell for. And don't forget use the search here on the forum, lots of good info here if you take the time to mine for it.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I've gotten the idea that it might be nice to acquire a vintage S&W revolver …

You can look here for vintage S&W revolvers.

Your friend sounds like my brother. We have identical revolvers but his is worth 35% more.

 

[65-2x2]

Those prices sound way to high for me. I bought a nice 19-3 two years ago for $500.00 plus tax. I wouldn't consider one that was over $800.00.

 

[Malkovich]

Those prices sound way to high for me. I bought a nice 19-3 two years ago for $500.00 plus tax. I wouldn't consider one that was over $800.00.

Sounds like a good deal and I’d bet prices didn’t go way up in the past 2 years.
I have a 4” 10-8 HB former service revolver, it’s far from a safe queen, and it’s not a collectible. I wonder what it would fetch today, I’m thinking I might be a seller at this point.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Take a look at True Value gun asked to see what they sold for.
Gunsinternational are priced way above market.
Check Gunbroker auctions that end for a little while, while bearing in mind the condition.

27-2 6”… you’ll get a nice one for $1000 if you look long enough or catch the right auction.
A nice 19-3 4” you’ll get for 750-900
A nice 686 for 800-1100 .

I’ve been looking at prices/auctions for the last 18 months daily and those seem to be fair.
Check the classifieds here. You’ll get some of the best prices from guys here who want to sell or trade.
Good luck and have fun.

 

[LANDSHARK850]

For Sale Thread '2 1/2” 686 No Dash **price drop** $1050 offers considered'

Jun 12, 2025

Selling a 2 1/2” 686 no dash. I would describe as a very nice shooter grade. I can send more pics if interested. It looks like a Lew Horton to me. But I haven’t been able to verify. SLarusso has not replied to my inquiry. I bought it from the son of original owner. He said grips were refinished and I believe that to be true. However the grease pen writing is still visible on grips. $1175 shipped from my FFL to your FFL. USPS money ordered preferred. First I’ll take it applies. Thanks for looking.

• Bald1
• Replies: 4
• Forum: GUNS - For Sale or Trade

• 
• 

Beautiful snubby 686 on this very forum. Just about all of the prices he gave you are 400-500 over what most Smith enthusiasts on this forum would pay.

 

[Marcruger]

We've been riding a roller coaster for the last 5 years, so you really have to look at CLOSED auctions to see what things actually sell for.

As was said earlier, these prices are not very reasonable in my opinion. In 2021 when everyone was home watching auctions the prices went crazy. They have settled down now.

Keep in mind tiny details can make a huge difference in price. Also always keep in mind, if you are "investing" in a gun, you want the finish to be close to perfect.

27-2 6" blued, 1977, $1500 - I believe that all Model 27s are wonderful, and in my opinion are better shooters than Pythons (yes, my dad had three Pythons and an Officers Model Match, and he agreed). That said, I would say that in the normal 27-2 range, the values (highest to lower) fall in this order : 3.5", 4" or 5", 6.5", 8-3/8", and then 6". $1500 should get a nice 5" gun, much more desirable than a 6" on the market. Also, the 1977 guns with N serial are not quite as nice a S serial guns from the '60s for example. Box? Papers? Grips? All matter.

19-3 4" blued, original box special order 1970 $1300 - I have heard of some pristine 19-3 in 2-1/2" going for $1200, but a 4"? That is way high. Again, "special order" may make a difference. In the 19-3 a 4" gun is common.

686 no dash 4" stainless 1981 $1400 - There have been a ton of variations of the 686, and you can still buy one new today. I would not pay over $900 unless it was a super interesting variation. Great guns. Not sure there is a rabid collectors' market for 686s though compared to the '50s, '60s and '70s revolvers.

Lastly, keep in mind that a lot of us greybeards are dying, and the market is evolving. Whereas I have always appreciated fine blue and walnut, today's younger folk with money want a Glock that can be optics ready in 10 minutes. Or a long range chassis rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor with a $5,000 scope on it. Or a fat bullet AR with night vision to hunt hogs. When I walk through gun shows I see more and more fine firearms collections appearing on tables. Doesn't change my opinion, but if you are looking to "invest" it is something to consider. Less folks interested can equal less ability to sell and lower prices.

I hope this helps. Best wishes, Marc

 

[CSN]

Yeah, I think we've reached a consensus. Little high. I'd love to check gunbroker, but those idiots refuse to unlock my account. I do have one, but I'm not allowed to use it. They say my info "looks suspicious", or something and want a whole bunch of further personal info, which they won't be getting. And without that, you don't get to see completed auctions.

 

[ken158]

Priced 2x high value to me…