k38 snub

[Blov]

A friend of mine has this k38 (he also has a 33-1 that I posted) This appears to be from 1949-52 (I have looked up the serial but now can't find it). These are not the original grips and it does not have a box. The condition is probably around 87% or a little better. It has some wear but is nice and tight. He's willing to sell this one to me and was wondering what a fair price is. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[murphydog]

This is a .38 Military & Police, and it appears to be from the time period you mentioned. The stocks are from a slightly later gun, as they have the rounded PC (or "plainclothes") bottom contour that was introduced in the early 1950s. Usually "K-38" refers to one of the target-sighted versions, but it is a K frame .38 .

As pictured, I would call it a $300-350 gun; without the backstrap wear it would go a little higher. Others may differ on this. Hope this is helpful.

 

[diamonback68]

This is just me, but in that condition for a very common gun, I would go $250-275.

 

[Art Doc]

Gee, I'm usually the cheapskate around here. I would call it $350-$400 as the 2" guns are not all that common and are highly sought after.

 

[diamonback68]

Gee, I'm usually the cheapskate around here. I would call it $350-$400 as the 2" guns are not all that common and are highly sought after.

True, it probably is a $350-$400 gun, but I just don't like that wimpy caliber. An 87% gun in that caliber just ain't worth that much to me as a collectible.

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

I very rarely to never see one of these offered at any price. I'd go $300 on it.

 

[DCWilson]

I paid a over $400 for an early 1947 (long-action) version of one of these not too long ago. It is probably a 97-98% gun, and was worth the extra money to me. I agree that this one would be fairly valued at $300-350.

SCSW says the two-inch K-38s enjoy a 25% premium for scarcity. A longer-barrel Pre-10 might be only a $250 gun, but you should expect to go higher for the snubby.

 

[Blov]

Thanks everyone for the very helpful info.

 

[Art Doc]

"...I just don't like that wimpy caliber."

The 38 Special? Sort of a standard defensive pistol caliber. Not "wimpy" in my book. At least not with my loads it isn't (125 JHP at 1,150 FPS).

 

[n4zov]

That is a nice older gun that isn't common in these parts, and I wouldn't hesitate to put $400 into it. You can haggle over whether it is worth that amount of not, but finding another one in that condition probably won't be easy.

 

[twaits]

I had been on the lookout for one of these in nickel for about 10 years. When I got mine at auction it was in a lot with a rather undesireable 70s or 80s Taurus .38. I won both guns for $550 and was thrilled.
I never see these "fish hook" hammer S&Ws in my neck of the woods. 2 inch barrels are even harder to come by.

 

[diamonback68]

"...I just don't like that wimpy caliber."

The 38 Special? Sort of a standard defensive pistol caliber. Not "wimpy" in my book. At least not with my loads it isn't (125 JHP at 1,150 FPS).

Again Doc. Pig sorry, I must humbly apologize, I read the barrel marking as 38 S&W. I may need to get my glasses checked or re-read before I type. So I therefore agree it's $350 or so gun.

 

[mikepriwer]

That is a $400 gun, minimum. I challenge anyone to show one offered,
in that condition, for less. As noted, the 2" fish-hook hammer
variations are scarce. You just don't see them often, and that gun
is better than 95% easily.

Mike Priwer

 

[Joe Kent]

I recently {within two months} bought one in similar condition for $275. The one before that one I paid $500. for ,which I think is closer to the norm. My son told me ,"He had never seen my hand fly to my wallet so fast and was proud of me for not doing back flips away from the seller when the sale was completed." The back flips would have been hard at my 61years of age and overall lack of ability, however , the hand speed to wallet for a great deal is still "lightening" fast. Joe.

 

[murphydog]

That is a $400 gun, minimum. I challenge anyone to show one offered,
in that condition, for less. As noted, the 2" fish-hook hammer
variations are scarce. You just don't see them often, and that gun
is better than 95% easily.

Mike Priwer

Mike;

I would agree with the condition you stated, except for the apparent "resting the gun hand on the ol' six-shooter" wear on the photo showing the backstrap. If that is not present I would agree it is a $400 gun.

 

[S&W Neophyte]

Are those stocks original? I would have thought the gun would have sharp shoulder magnas.

 

[S&W Neophyte]

FWIW, I saw a two inch fish hook hammer version tagged for $399 in my area earlier this year. It did not linger long in that dealer's cabinet.

 

[crsides]

Bought one just like it for $445 including shipping last yr and traded it on a pocket watch. Think i got around $500, but who knows on a trade.