I have another chance to acquire a .38 snub - need opinion

[neon8]

I visited a local pawnshop and found a model 36 no dash 2" SB which looks clean---maybe 90%. There are some chipping in the stocks but the bluing looks good. Mechanically it needs a good cleaning as the cylinder does not rotate freely but it locks tight. Probably needs some cleaning an lubing. Trigger pull is a little stiff compared to my other pre-lock S&Ws. The owner wants $375. There is no box or papers. He was selling a nickel 12-2 but it looks kinda rough($500). what do you guys think? I was thinking of waving $350 ODT in cold cash and see if he bites. Oh and if anyone can help me date this I would be very appreciative. Thank you

 

[neon8]

I visited a local pawnshop and found a model 36 no dash 2" SB which looks clean---maybe 90%. There are some chipping in the stocks but the bluing looks good. Mechanically it needs a good cleaning as the cylinder does not rotate freely but it locks tight. Probably needs some cleaning an lubing. Trigger pull is a little stiff compared to my other pre-lock S&Ws. The owner wants $375. There is no box or papers. He was selling a nickel 12-2 but it looks kinda rough($500). what do you guys think? I was thinking of waving $350 ODT in cold cash and see if he bites. Oh and if anyone can help me date this I would be very appreciative. Thank you

 

[jjones33]

Just to be honest, for 350 dollars it would have to be in the box and a whole lot nicer for me. I know that's not what you want to hear but...

 

[MaineProbation]

That is a early to mid 1970's Chief. I would not worry to much about the grips (S&W calls them stocks) as you can find a nice pair on eBay for usually 10 to 20 dollars. $350 to $375 seems like a lot for a gun that was probably $100 new. For that money, I would rather an older Model 60. Square butts are okay but a round butt would give you more options for concealed carry grips. Just my opinion.

 

[MaineProbation]

I'd offer $300 and note to the seller that the grips are beat up and the action drags a little. As long as there is no rust and no metal damage, that would be fair to both of you.

 

[noshow]

If YOU like it, I would offer $275. It's a buyers market rite now, use that to your advantage!

 

[akr]

He's asking waaay too much.

 

[ken158]

If you have that kind of cash, you can get something much nicer than that one. No way would I pay over $250 for a square butt 36 in that condition.

 

[dmbrewer]

It looks to be refinished to me but sometimes pictures make it hard to tell.

 

[Iggy]

Too much.

I got one in very similar condition for $212 OTD.

I really harped on the sticky action, grips, etc., and got him to come way down.
All it need was a good cleaning but the pawn broker didn't know that.

 

[neon8]

thanks for all your opinions. It wasn't an itch I had to scratch. I think I'll pass on this one.(I doubt he'll go down below $250)

 

[M28]

Good move. I bought one out of the classifieds here several years back for $ 200. It was cosmetically challenged, but it was mechanically excellent and it's an occasional carry piece. In today's market, you can get a lot nicer M36 than you described for the money the seller wanted.

Brian~