Info and price check?

[cptdean]

Hi, everyone.

My dad is considering purchasing this from a local guy for $250 tomorrow, and he doesn't know anything about it. He figured it was a good price for any revolver. The seller says it's from 1907 or 1908, and he's shot it without issue. All I know is it's a .38 and the nickel finish is pretty rough. Can anyone offer some insight, please, as to what this is and how much it's worth? (pics are from the seller...my dad hasn't seen it in person yet)

Thanks in advance!

 

[DWalt]

I can't be very precise about the dating without a serial number, but more than likely it is a .38 Hand Ejector, Model of 1902, from early in the 20th century, probably pre-WWI. It's far from being anything a collector would be interested in due to its poor cosmetics, so, assuming it is operable, timing is OK, and with a good non-rusted bore, maybe $200-$250.

 

[cptdean]

Thanks for the information, DWalt. I'll pass it along to my dad and see what he does with it.

 

[Peak53]

I don't see any particular reason to buy that gun if he doesn't even know what it is. If he really wants that model, then maybe. A lot better piece can be found as a shooter for about $100 more

 

[cptdean]

He just found out its a "Hand Ejector 48 M&P." Not sure if it changes valuation. I agree there are probably better options for him, and will counsel him to expand his search. Thanks.

 

[DWalt]

There is no such thing as a "Hand Ejector 48 M&P." It is exactly as I earlier identified it. If it's in shootable condition, it will be a good shooter with a little historical significance, as it was among the first of S&W's long line of K-frame revolvers. However, it should not be used with +P loads.

 

[cptdean]

Ah, thanks for the correction to his bad info. He's in another state, which adds a layer of complication to helping him. I'll tell him what you said. I think that's about all we need. Thanks again.

 

[Oyeboteb]

Ah, thanks for the correction to his bad info. He's in another state, which adds a layer of complication to helping him. I'll tell him what you said. I think that's about all we need. Thanks again.

What does he want it for?

What purpose or use or reason?

Is it just the price which he finds appealing? Or..?

This would not really be a good choice for someone who "just wants a cheap gun".

It is much too special and esoteric for that, even if it is a little csmetically 'challenged'.

If he just wants a Gun...what does he want a Gun for?

That would help narrow down the kind of Gun he would be best to get I think.

 

[cptdean]

He just said he "kinda likes it". He's not a collector or anything...just likes to buy, sell, and trade guns, and this one caught his eye for some reason.

EDIT: I should add that he's a 70-year-old deputy Sheriff and has a safe full of guns. It wouldn't be something he'd use for carry, service, or defense. Just a curio piece, I guess. He's always had a soft spot for older guns, so he'd probably just spend a lot of time looking at it.

 

[JSR III]

He's always had a soft spot for older guns, so he'd probably just spend a lot of time looking at it.

Well personally I would rather look at that S&W than 2 crisp $100 bills. But I have an addiction.

 

[Oyeboteb]

He just said he "kinda likes it". He's not a collector or anything...just likes to buy, sell, and trade guns, and this one caught his eye for some reason.

EDIT: I should add that he's a 70-year-old deputy Sheriff and has a safe full of guns. It wouldn't be something he'd use for carry, service, or defense. Just a curio piece, I guess. He's always had a soft spot for older guns, so he'd probably just spend a lot of time looking at it.

In that case, if the timing and lock-up are good and the Bore is good, I'd say "Go for the Gusto!"

I like it, if it was at a local Gun Store, I'd get it for that price and really enjoy it.

As others have mentioned, to be kind to it, stay with plain Lead standard Loadings, and no jacketed or +P.

It is probably dry as a Bone inside, so, make sure it gets a good Oiling..!

 

[alwslate]

Just a few years ago guns like this one were $100 guns on the auction
sites or at gun shows. I bought a few, played around with them a
while and passed them on for my $100 back. Satisfaction and
enjoyment of ownership is usually brief with guns in that condition and
then who is going to give you back what you paid for it? I'd say $150
tops.

 

[DWalt]

The oldies are kind of fun. You don't have to worry about beating them up. I bought a very cosmetically challenged (but mechanically OK) nickeled M&P from the mid-1920s a short time back for $225, and I didn't feel I was stung at that price. It shoots very well.

 

[cptdean]

A final thanks, everyone, for all your help. Dad ended up paying $200 for it, and says the lockup is tight and it's in good shape apart from the cosmetics. He's happy with it.

These are the pics he sent me after getting it home...

 

[moralem]

If your dad is happy it does not matter what any of us think......that is what makes gun collecting so much fun.