Help me understand what to expect regarding current pricing on revovlers?!
- Thread starter MajorD
- Start date
At the December 2022 Phoenix Crossroads show, renowned for stratospheric asking prices, I found a very clean 586-3 6-inch square butt in the original box (prod code 103536, spec ord 2036 - Feb 5, 1992) top strap drilled and tapped for optic, with docs and spare Hogue rubber grip. IMO the final negotiated price was reasonable, given current conditions, at $700. YMMV. A friend recently spotted a decent N-prefix 28-2 at a local pawn shop priced at $850.00. Sign of the times.
Gila's 586:
Gila's 586:
Modified
Member
Most of my great deals have been off of Gunbroker. Without gunbroker 3/4ths of my favorite guns wouldn't be in my posession. It's just always a gamble, and sometimes you have to live with the results of that gamble. The platform can be pretty weird, and requires a lot of patience and persistence to do well on, but you can.
It is not a place to just go to and buy stuff though, if you are going to do well with gunbroker you have to invest time into checking it every day, and by that I mean manually looking at everything that comes up in a very broad search. The only good buys on gunbroker are mis-labeled, or the seller doesn't really know what they have.
Green Frog
Member
As we're bemoaning the inflated cost of S&Ws these days, keep in mind that we are in the midst of a period of serious inflation. This means too much cheap money chasing a decreasing amount of merchandise. I look at the increases that have occurred since the onset of the Wu Flu as an anomaly, and hopefully at least partially temporary. The political climate may also be fueling part of this increase as well. 
I just kind of shake my head when I compare current prices to those I was paying as recently as 2018 or 2019, and think of what I paid or got for the several used guns I bought in those happier times. Now I even have to check my credit rating when I want to buy a dozen eggs, a quart of milk and a loaf of bread on the way home from the range!
Froggie
I just kind of shake my head when I compare current prices to those I was paying as recently as 2018 or 2019, and think of what I paid or got for the several used guns I bought in those happier times. Now I even have to check my credit rating when I want to buy a dozen eggs, a quart of milk and a loaf of bread on the way home from the range!
Froggie
The OP mentioned a "Utility grade model 10". I don't think those have gone up in price much in the 10 last years. Just before Covid, LE surplus revolvers like Model 10 and 15 were still selling online in numbers for $300~400. One dealer told me he bought a pallet of worn M15 and M19s. Dealers have gotten smarter and don't put out more than one or two at a time, and say they are "from an estate", which sounds a lot better than "crate in my garage", lol.
This weekend I got a Model 10 with a worn finish but in perfect mechanical shape for $500. It would have been $350-ish, but came with later combat grips.
By way of illustration, one saddle-worn M10 HB 4-screw, with some funky donated shoes. It does not get more "Utility" than that:
This weekend I got a Model 10 with a worn finish but in perfect mechanical shape for $500. It would have been $350-ish, but came with later combat grips.
By way of illustration, one saddle-worn M10 HB 4-screw, with some funky donated shoes. It does not get more "Utility" than that:
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MrG5122
Member
If I ran across these two around here for that money they would be in my safe.
The last two well used but not abused Model 10's I've bought were actually pre-model M&P 38s
One three years ago for around $250 and another about a year ago that had a fair amount of rust freckling for $300.
One three years ago for around $250 and another about a year ago that had a fair amount of rust freckling for $300.
dekeshooter
Member
2022 was a good year for stumbling into S&W revolvers at good prices.
In January I bought a 4" Model 24-3 for $820 at an auction.
The next month I scored a 6 1\2" Second Model Hand Ejector for $740 also at auction.
A 6" M&P Model of 1902 1st change was aquired in a trade for a gun in had paid $300 for a year ago. This gun I later sold for $425.
A Gunbroker auction yielded a very nice Brazilian Contract M1917 for $555.
I was offered a very clean 4" Model 10-5 for $300 and I quickly snapped that one up.
Finally, at a gun show in December I purchased a 90%+ Model 28-2 for $800.
Bargains are out there, you just have to find them and pounce when opportunities reveal themselves.
In January I bought a 4" Model 24-3 for $820 at an auction.
The next month I scored a 6 1\2" Second Model Hand Ejector for $740 also at auction.
A 6" M&P Model of 1902 1st change was aquired in a trade for a gun in had paid $300 for a year ago. This gun I later sold for $425.
A Gunbroker auction yielded a very nice Brazilian Contract M1917 for $555.
I was offered a very clean 4" Model 10-5 for $300 and I quickly snapped that one up.
Finally, at a gun show in December I purchased a 90%+ Model 28-2 for $800.
Bargains are out there, you just have to find them and pounce when opportunities reveal themselves.
Posted above about Mom&Pop gunshops...... 2022 saw me make two buys;
2" Model 15 95%+.. $450
2" Model 36 about 90%+ with one mark on the frame below the cylinder and a bit of speckling under the grips that cleaned up nicely with some cold blue $350
2" Model 15 95%+.. $450
2" Model 36 about 90%+ with one mark on the frame below the cylinder and a bit of speckling under the grips that cleaned up nicely with some cold blue $350
austintexas
Member
reasonably priced revolvers
I have two places to go for reasonably priced revolvers, First is a shop that deals in police equipment, I think they are around in other parts of the country, "GT Distributors". Originally they were police depts only but have branched out into the civilian market. The last 4 revolvers M-10-5 to 10-10 I paid $250-$285, All were nickel police trade ins. Picked up a nice Walther PPK for $550. This has been in the last year. A few years a go they got a conack full of guns from Porto Rico. All police confiscated stuff. Second place is a LGS I have been trading at for 25 years. Joe looks out for finish challenged Smiths for me. When one get traded in he calls, he knows I like shooters and he has a quick sale (Rusty M-36, mechanically OK, etc) ($200, 6 inch 32-20 no finish, $200). The revolvers I Pick up at gunshows are usually more in the collector area, Mint prewar Terrier $700.
SWCA 892
PS, I quit buying Highway patrolmen when they went over $250. I have 8 5 screws, wish I hadn't done that
I have two places to go for reasonably priced revolvers, First is a shop that deals in police equipment, I think they are around in other parts of the country, "GT Distributors". Originally they were police depts only but have branched out into the civilian market. The last 4 revolvers M-10-5 to 10-10 I paid $250-$285, All were nickel police trade ins. Picked up a nice Walther PPK for $550. This has been in the last year. A few years a go they got a conack full of guns from Porto Rico. All police confiscated stuff. Second place is a LGS I have been trading at for 25 years. Joe looks out for finish challenged Smiths for me. When one get traded in he calls, he knows I like shooters and he has a quick sale (Rusty M-36, mechanically OK, etc) ($200, 6 inch 32-20 no finish, $200). The revolvers I Pick up at gunshows are usually more in the collector area, Mint prewar Terrier $700.
SWCA 892
PS, I quit buying Highway patrolmen when they went over $250. I have 8 5 screws, wish I hadn't done that
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Sounds like this is what the OP is looking for, straight out of the classifieds.
WTS: S&W Model 10-8
WTS: S&W Model 10-8
Gunbroker has some good deals.
They are few and far between and one has to pay attention. Visit often and be ready to pounce.
That H/D that Ken bought seems to be the deal of the year for sure. Wow!
Little over a year ago looked at an email from Gunbroker of pistol auctions that's were ending and saw this M10-5 from 76 or 77. Threw a $5 increase and won it. When it arrived and I cleaned up I was very pleased.
They are out there, be vigilant.
They are few and far between and one has to pay attention. Visit often and be ready to pounce.
That H/D that Ken bought seems to be the deal of the year for sure. Wow!
Little over a year ago looked at an email from Gunbroker of pistol auctions that's were ending and saw this M10-5 from 76 or 77. Threw a $5 increase and won it. When it arrived and I cleaned up I was very pleased.
They are out there, be vigilant.
GypsmJim
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When I bought by first revolver, I ended up with a Security Six. It cost $85. I wanted a Model 19, but couldn't swing it. It cost $145. Back then my annual salary was $7,800. The Smith would have taken a week's pay.
A few years ago I bought a NIB Model 19. I paid $550. My salary at that time was $100,000. The 19 took less than 2 days pay.
Costs are relative. Today, the only people that want old revolvers are us old guys (and gals). As the demand goes down, and the supply increases, I predict prices will come down.
A few years ago I bought a NIB Model 19. I paid $550. My salary at that time was $100,000. The 19 took less than 2 days pay.
Costs are relative. Today, the only people that want old revolvers are us old guys (and gals). As the demand goes down, and the supply increases, I predict prices will come down.
I disagree. IMO demand for revolvers is increasing. As States like California and now Colorado are banning semi-autos the demand is shifting to revolvers. If anything people are more frightened and concerned about the safety of loved ones and themselves as guns become less available and violent crime such as riots are on TV.
The revolver is a timeless design refined over decades of production. It has a simple manual of arms and is easy to shoot. It can be stored safely loaded for long periods of time yet ready for instant use.
New revolvers are coming back strong. Colt has reintroduced them although way overpriced. Taurus is introducing Rossi revolvers this year at a very affordable prices. Ruger is asleep at the wheel without a medium frame six round model but do have small frame models.
I have developed a strong interest in fixed sight 38 Special double action 4" barrel revolvers. It is a excuse to go to Gunshows trying to find them from dealers that want to move them.
GypsmJim
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I can't disagree with you, at least from my own personal views.
However, all I know is what I see at local gun shows and gun shops. Black plastic proliferate the shelves, and wheel guns are few and far between.
My best deal ever was a pair I found on Florida gun trader back in August of 2020. A model 66-1 4" and a model 657 no dash snubbie, both in the boxes with tools and paperwork. I think he was asking a total of $2300 or so in two different ads. I offered $2000 for both of them and he agreed. I later consigned the 66-1 to a high volume seller on gunbroker and it hammered at $1725! My cut of that was around $1450, so the way I look at it, I got a very nice condition 657 no dash snubbie with original combats, in the box with everything for $550. Not too long ago at a gunshow, I saw the same exact revolver as mine, but in rougher shape, and an obviously fake end label on the box with a $3200 asking price on it!
Here's mine after I put a pair of Ken's stags and a Tyler-T on it.
Here's mine after I put a pair of Ken's stags and a Tyler-T on it.
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I would suggest going around to your local gun clubs and post WTB ads for the guns you are interested in. Inside the clubhouse, at the indoor range and the outdoor range if allowed.
Many "old timers" are not interweb savvy and might be willing to part with something at a more reasonable price. Online auctions tend to boost prices due to bidding wars and over the last 10 years or so some prices have gotten out of control.
A few years ago I bought boxes of primers from an older reloader that was no longer interested in reloading. I think he was asking $10 a box of 1000. We all know what gun shows are asking these days.
Many "old timers" are not interweb savvy and might be willing to part with something at a more reasonable price. Online auctions tend to boost prices due to bidding wars and over the last 10 years or so some prices have gotten out of control.
A few years ago I bought boxes of primers from an older reloader that was no longer interested in reloading. I think he was asking $10 a box of 1000. We all know what gun shows are asking these days.
I know of no states that have banned semi-auto pistols?? High capacity magazines - yes, but pistols still hold more rounds than revolvers. I have not seen any statistics that revolvers are outselling pistols and if you have any, please share. Pistols still have a few advantages, with higher capacity, faster reloading, and are ease of concealment where CCW is allowed.
You did not mention Smith & Wesson's X, L, J, K, N, and Governor models? In my opinion, they are still the best of the best. The number of revolver models listed on manufacturers web sites tell the story that Smith & Wesson revolvers' still lead the way.
Ruger - 4 major models - 12 listings
Taurus - 5 major models - 14 listings
Colt - 5 major models - 18 listings
S&W - 6 major models - 38 listings
BTW, anyone notice the similarities between Colt and S&W web sites? Scary similar, so wonder if both companies have the same ad agency?
California bans many, many pistols outright by not listing them on "The Roster of Certified Handguns". If a modern pistol, semi-auto or revolver, is not on the list - it is banned from sale UNLESS it is an in-state private party sale.
LEO's, and some first responders, are exempt from this but for us mere mortals, it is an outright ban on new pistols.
Also, because of the restrictions and other importing rules, I believe there is what I call a California DOJ tax of about $200-$300 per pistol due to the hassle caused by these rules.
Even the in-state PPT sales are impacted by this tax; When compared to some very fine pistols that I see sell in Free States, the comparable in-state ones sell for hundreds of dollars more because they are here behind the Golden Wire of California.
Countrycuz
Member
It's true, Smith has lots of revolver items on their website. Finding many of them, mostly the larger frames, actually in stock is hit and miss.
Massachusetts has the same draconian list of evil guns that cannot be purchased. Now with our new female Governor and Attorney General who are totally anti gun (the new governor being the former AG) we will probably face a whole new onslaught of gun restrictions. I heard through the grapevine that there is already a push to go after semi automatic rifles and shotguns but have not verified it yet.
There was also a recent missive from GOAL, our local NRA type group, that there was an "inadvertent" leak of information using ID numbers stating how many guns each ID# owned and what town they resided in. So far it is believed that no name or address information was leaked but who knows what is next.
I fear that the worst is yet to come......
There was also a recent missive from GOAL, our local NRA type group, that there was an "inadvertent" leak of information using ID numbers stating how many guns each ID# owned and what town they resided in. So far it is believed that no name or address information was leaked but who knows what is next.
I fear that the worst is yet to come......
Frieda's Boss
Member
Also, wouldn't the GP-100 classify as a medium frame 6 shot model from Ruger? About the size of a S&W L frame, with the SP101 & LCR being smaller, and the Redhawk & Super Redhawk being larger.
