M15-4 help please!

[wrkerr]

$550 is fair for that gun but you might not get it. Have a bottom number in mind and stick to it. Don't tell the seller your desperate to sell.[/QUOTE]


I'm never desperate to sell a gun.

 

[TTSH]

Recently, there was a pristine perfect Model 15-4 (no box/papers/tools) near me tagged at $500.00+tax for a cash sale. Not being an expert on Model 15 prices, I consulted the forum and, based on responses I got, I made my offer of $450.00+tax. The offer was "tabled" (not rejected outright, but "tabled") by the seller.

A couple days later, I learned the gun was sold to another buyer who had actually looked at the gun and made an offer similar to mine a few days before I found it. The seller apparently used my offer to pry up the first interested party to the full asking price.

In retrospect, I wish I had just bought the gun outright at the tagged price of $500.00+tax. Big regrettable mistake on my part.

 

[raylan007]

Model 15-4 with box and papers 98%

You Just never know until you list. Do the obvious and start as you are selling a S&W revolver to start with, second in spite of the M15-4 being out there in abundance there are not that many in unfired condition or hopefully NIB if you do have the box and paperwork. Here is one I sold a couple of weeks ago on GB to a very happy buyer. I started the sale price at $525 and the buyer opted for my "Buy it now" price of $600. Mine was in what I considered to be 98% condition with the box also in excellent condition and included paperwork. As I said the buyer was very pleased as the condition of my M15 was exactly what he was seeking and he commented he just didn't want it to get away. I love the M15 and am always looking at them primary on GB so I felt I had a good handle for pricing on that format. I have also seen some get away in this condition due to a soft market in my opinion for under $500 so I would not suggest a penny auction or listing for any price lower than the minimum that I felt the gun was worth. I would also start on the Forum as I have had very good experiences both buying and selling but the only downside is you have a very educated crowd, what you don't have is the $30 sellers fees that I will most likely have on GB , good luck. buy low sell high.

 

[ken158]

It is nice but still a 38... I'm thinking $400-$450.

 

[TTSH]

I should have added that a different dealer near me has had a Model 15-4 in his shop for one full year now. Again, no box/papers/tools and I would rate it 97-98% (still extremely nice but a couple small flaws). It does have a target trigger and target hammer. His asking price: $585.00+tax. The seller seems to be dead set firm on that price for reasons that aren't entirely clear. The gun could have been snagged by someone on our MA tax-free weekend for $585.00 OTD, but still it had no takers.

I think I'd have jumped on it on our recent tax-free weekend for $500.00 OTD, but there was no way the seller was going to do that deal. I know for a fact that there has been a fair amount of interest in the gun, but $585.00 firm (plus tax) hasn't moved that gun for an entire year.

 

[wrkerr]

I just checked with FedEx. They said shipping a handgun MUST go priority overnight. To the east coast (from the west coast) would be $82!!!!!

Is there a better way? This is why I haven't posted it here. Shipping is a bit#h!

 

[Bullet Bob]

Usually, the least expensive way is to have a local FFL ship it for you. You pay a nominal fee for their service, but they can get cheaper rates than you can.

 

[Jersey Doug]

Try selling on Gun Broker first with a $550 starting bid, will probably head on up from there.. "Like New" model 15's go for $750 worn ex-police versions down to $325 and everything in between. Condition sets the price, I'd buy yours in a second at "$550".

 

[Jaymo]

If I saw that at a shop for $550 I'd reach for my wallet!

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Same here. I'm weak when it comes to any old Smith revolver, especially K frames. 15s are great shooters.

 

[Jaymo]

It is nice but still a 38... I'm thinking $400-$450.

I wish more people felt that way about K32s and 24s.
I'm still trying to find one of each that I can afford.

I forget what I paid for my 15-3 and 15-5, but it was a lot less.
HOWEVER, they both have a tiny bit of holster wear in a couple of spots and neither came with box, tools, or documents. And, they had both been fired some. More so, now that I own them.
They sure are great shooters, though.

 

[Jaymo]

I never got the attraction to nickel finishes. If I want a shiny model 19 I'll buy a 66. A shiny 15, I'll buy a 67. No worries of the nickel flaking or certain solvents damaging it. I saw a nickel model 13-2 in the shop yesterday. Labeled as "rare pinned and recessed". Was listed at $575. I didn't even look at it.

$550 is fair for that gun but you might not get it. Have a bottom number in mind and stick to it. Don't tell the seller your desperate to sell.

Nickel has a warmer and more attractive look to it, than stainless steel.
Stainless has a bluish hue to it and isn't as appealing to look at as nickel.
For rough service, I'll take my stainless guns over my one nickel gun.
For looks, I'll take nickel.

Plus, the nickel models are not as common as blue or stainless.

 

[raylan007]

No dickering policy

So...... I plan on selling it locally. Are you saying I should ask more than $550 and take $550? Sorry for my ignorance, but I really don't know it's value. I don't want to take advantage of anyone, but I also want to get a fair price.

If you prefer to sidestep the BS of offer counter offer just note (PRICE FIRM) from my experience you will still get those people that just can't help themselves but I just refer them back to the Price Firm policy, in other words take it or leave it. I find this just be what works best for me as I am one that cares not to do the back and forth routine, I'll leave that to the Arabs. Remember there are no rules written in stone that says one has to dicker.

 

[wrkerr]

Thanks for all the replies. FYI: I was able to sell it locally, no shipping to hassle with, for $550. Thanks for all the help.