Hi , I own a model 24-3 that my blue book has valued kind of low I feel. It says it is a Lew Horton special. It has a 3" barrel. I read that these were a limited run production?? If so why would it be valued under $400? I did see where a 24-3 went for over $500 at a show. But didn't know if it was accurate value or just competetive bidding. What is your opions on this?
Model 24-3
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Hi , I own a model 24-3 that my blue book has valued kind of low I feel. It says it is a Lew Horton special. It has a 3" barrel. I read that these were a limited run production?? If so why would it be valued under $400? I did see where a 24-3 went for over $500 at a show. But didn't know if it was accurate value or just competetive bidding. What is your opions on this?
29aholic
Member
Welcome to the forum
In the wise words of a dealer buddy of mine "The Blue book never sold or bought a gun"
The Blue Book is a rough gauge of value, but a more realistic medium would be a search of closed auctions on either Gunbroker or Auction Arms
I would think your gun to be in the $500-$600 range
FWIW I sold Colt SAA #2697 for $550 years ago cuz the Blue Book said it was worth $650 in 10% and the gun was about that....turned out to be a $3000 mistake
In the wise words of a dealer buddy of mine "The Blue book never sold or bought a gun"
The Blue Book is a rough gauge of value, but a more realistic medium would be a search of closed auctions on either Gunbroker or Auction Arms
I would think your gun to be in the $500-$600 range
FWIW I sold Colt SAA #2697 for $550 years ago cuz the Blue Book said it was worth $650 in 10% and the gun was about that....turned out to be a $3000 mistake
Any amount listed in a book regarding gun valuations has to be taken with a grain of salt, you can look in 3 different price guides and get 3 different prices. The compilation of a book can be months ahead of the printing date... a lot of things effecting pricing can change before a book hits the stores.
Real market prices can vary greatly by geograpic area and conditions... I think a better gauge is a composite of the selling prices seen on the gun forums, what people are paying on the auction sites, gun shows, gun stores, etc. You'll start to get a feel of what a realistic price range is.
I own a 24-3 Lew Horton too, and if you've been following the prices of what factory N-Frame round butt combat grips, the grips on our guns alone are worth between $100 - $150, and that's something that the price books don't take into account.
Real market prices can vary greatly by geograpic area and conditions... I think a better gauge is a composite of the selling prices seen on the gun forums, what people are paying on the auction sites, gun shows, gun stores, etc. You'll start to get a feel of what a realistic price range is.
I own a 24-3 Lew Horton too, and if you've been following the prices of what factory N-Frame round butt combat grips, the grips on our guns alone are worth between $100 - $150, and that's something that the price books don't take into account.
Norton 750
Member
I feel pretty safe in saying I would give "book value" for any 44 Smith the forum members want to sell...I never pay too much for guns, but I have been known to buy them too early. Time always catches up, and I wish to God I had put my work 401 K money into Smith and Wessons!
Mr. Swoop,
If you check out some of the gun auctions (as Curtis recommended), you will see guns like yours selling in the $700 range. I'd not put a value on that gun much below $700 unless it were a "quick-sale".
.44 Specials are an in-demand gun...'specially in 3"!! I have one w/o box and would not let it go for less...try to replace it...right now Ruger has a 44 Special on the market, brand new chambering (for them) and it's selling like HOT CAKES...waiting lists.
Bob
If you check out some of the gun auctions (as Curtis recommended), you will see guns like yours selling in the $700 range. I'd not put a value on that gun much below $700 unless it were a "quick-sale".
.44 Specials are an in-demand gun...'specially in 3"!! I have one w/o box and would not let it go for less...try to replace it...right now Ruger has a 44 Special on the market, brand new chambering (for them) and it's selling like HOT CAKES...waiting lists.
Bob
Thank you.. I took a look and saw that one gun in paticular had a 6 1/2 inch barrel. It was alot more than the book says mine is worth, but I'm unfamilar with price differences in barrel lengths. I figure what I'll do is just consult the forum for an accurate price becuase I am definately struggling with this.
I have seen them selling for anywhere from $650 to $800. They are sought after and don't last long when up for sale. The "Blue Book" is probably the most inaccurate price guide ever printed. Remember he makes his money by selling books. That's why he is producing them more frequently than annually. Compare to the Standard Catalog of Firearms, and the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, both of which are more realistic.
Mine has self customized grips.
Keep in mind that the environment is changing constantly, and the locality has a lot to do with pricing. All the catalog's are just "guides".
Mine has self customized grips.
Keep in mind that the environment is changing constantly, and the locality has a lot to do with pricing. All the catalog's are just "guides".
Swoop, from what I understand, Lew Horton did a limited run of 1000 24-3's. I just recently found one and added it to my collection with the help from others here. They gave me advice on it and I went ahead and purchased it.
When did you purchase this gun? And does it have the original grips, box, and tools?
I would value the grips over the other stuff.
Post a pic of that beauty for all of us to enjoy.
Here's mine.
When did you purchase this gun? And does it have the original grips, box, and tools?
I would value the grips over the other stuff.
Post a pic of that beauty for all of us to enjoy.
Here's mine.
Andy Taylor
Member
The grips alone are about $150. Box and papers add to the value.
Although I have seen the "run of 1000" in print as well, further research reveals that it was a "run of 5000".
As far as the price, three or four years ago I tried to corner the market on the three inch model and was really in tune with what they were going for. At that time, NIB specimens were going for anywhere from $ 550 to $ 600 per. NIB N-frames haven't gotten any cheaper since then.
Brian~
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