K38 14-3 Value

[WisconsinKen]

Hello Everyone.

I have a K38 (14-3) sitting in my gunsafe I am contemplating putting out at the gun show this weekend. It has the original box with S&W paper (I know the paper makes a huge difference ). It is in good shape. My FFL graded it at ~95% (but we all know everyone grades differently.

What do all y'all put as a fair market value to put on it? A range would be nice as I'd like to put some negotiating margin into it.

Thanks!

 

[WisconsinKen]

Working off an ipad so here is pic #2.

 

[WisconsinKen]

Working off an ipad so here is pic #3.

 

[WisconsinKen]

Last post from the ipad

 

[JP@AK]

Hi Ken

I see the box and vapor paper. What about the info/parts list and the various booklets (holsters, cartridges, etc.) that came with the Bangor Punta -3? And the list of service centers? Do you have those? How about the tools? For a collector grade gun, these things make a price difference.

This one is a 2T, which is cool. If I didn't already have several Model 14-3 K-38 Masterpieces in the safe, I'd be making you an offer!

 

[WisconsinKen]

Unfortunately, what you see is what is included.

 

[DocB]

I would say, put $800 on it and negotiate down to $650 if necessary. When many people see a gun out for sale, they assume it is priced close to market value. People also love to bargain and feel like they are getting a deal. With 20% off your asking price, many would feel like they had really done good. There is also a chance that somebody will come along and pay what you have on it. It happens all the time.

 

[fyimo]

S&W prices are very high for collector grade revolvers with all the goodies these days. These gun appear to be unfired or very close to it. The next tier down is shooter grade revolvers that are in very good condition but not like new in the box and don't have all the goodies and in a few cases they have the box. I think the $650 price mentioned above is reasonable and you may get a buyer. For a shooter the Model 14 is a 38 Special only revolver and for nearly the same price you can buy a 357 Magnum that will shoot both 38 special and 357 magnum. That's why the Model 14 was always the little sister of poor when compared to the 357 Magnum revolvers. Don't get me wrong as I have a pre Model 14 (1952) in near mint condition that is a favorite of mine.

 

[MrG5122]

I have a 14-3 95% 8.375" with all the goodies that I would not let go for less than $800 If it were a 2.5" 19 PnR with the same package it would be $1000+.

 

[Targets Guy]

Very nice revolver.

 

[chud333]

Local Gun shop has a 6" 14-2 he has had on
his shelf for a few months in that condition.
You can hardly tell its been fired.
I'm not a big .38 guy so i have left it alone.
he has it tagged at 499.00



Chuck

 

[Dillyp]

in my area, that 14 in that condition would sell for $500-$600. there is a 14-2 3t no box sitting in a LGS priced at $575. There is a 14-3 3t in the box, no tools or docs, sitting in a local pawn shop priced at $750. Both have been sitting for a while.

 

[WisconsinKen]

Thank you everyone. This gives me a good idea of some of you local markets. You know what they say. Something is worth what someone is willing to pay so I will tag it high and hope someone who is really looking for a classic S&W revolver walks by the table

 

[4barrel]

I let this one go for $480 no box or papers 3 years ago and they have gone up about $100. People used them for bullseye guns in the 50s 60s & 70s. Very good target shooters. They are very good trading material. I would like to know the outcome.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Thank you everyone. This gives me a good idea of some of you local markets. You know what they say. Something is worth what someone is willing to pay so I will tag it high and hope someone who is really looking for a classic S&W revolver walks by the table

Good call ........ for a 6" .38 there is a big difference IMO on it's value when for sale in a LGS and what it might be worth to a "Collector" with a gap in his/her collection.

A LGS might be able to flip the $300-400 it has invested in a Model 14 (taken in trade or purchased) three or four times while waiting for the "Collector" to show up and pay for a safe Queen.

 

[Jingles]

California prices are generally higher but I recently snagged a nice 14-3 with some holster wear for $425. I also recently picked up a beautiful 1953 K38 for $650. Most people around here are more into plastic guns than blued steel revolvers, so sometimes I get lucky.

 

[bananaman]

I was very happy to get my 14-3 on G.B. (late 2014) for $410 shipped. No box or papers. One of my best purchases. 1 heck of a revolver. I think it would take $600+ for me to get rid of mine. (don't plan on it though) Bob

 

[ky wonder]

I know I'm reviving and old tread , but I just paid 650, for a 14'3 without box, 3t, in 98+%, very slight turn ring, I think 10 rds max, from condition
No muzzle wear just slight ring strong case colors

 

[Narragansett]

Is it my eyes or picture resolution but is the front screw above the trigger all buggered up?

 

[Fullmetaljacket]

I paid $725 for a 14-2 (1965 gun) from a private seller at a gunshow a few months ago. He had I believe $850 on it. Condition about the same as yours, TT, TH plus diamond center target stocks. Seller though the gun was a later, mid-'70's model with added target stocks. I didn't know if that was true and bought the gun just on the basis of condition. Win for me when I got it home and looked it up. So, long winded answer to your question maybe put it on the table at $800, take $7 - 725?

 

[BoCash]

Having a weakness for the model 14, I would plop down $700 to $750 for one in that condition with box and all, especially with TT and TH.

As said before, many forego a ".38 special" when they can have a .357. The model 14 was meant to be a Masterpiece and it truly is at the range. Shooting a model 14 makes some of us forget about preferring another just because it has .357 engraved on the barrel.

Y'all take care, Bo

 

[BigBill]

At $800 for a m14-3 what’s the k38 target masterpiece pre 14/6” in excellent condition worth no box or papers/tools?