Model 58 Sighting

[scotchblade]

Yesterday was an interesting day. Maybe I was just lucky or maybe I need to check out gun shops more often to see what's in the display cases.

It's important to point out that being a CA resident, the vast majority of revolvers are not on the roster. So I can't shop Gunbroker, I am limited to PPT or a local classified. Needless to say, it is very frustrating to be so restricted in my ability to purchase an old six shooter. Being that is the case, demand is high and we pay more than other parts of the country.

Anyway, back to yesterday. Between two stores, I stumbled upon:

Model 27-2 with a 6 or 6-1/2" barrel
Model 66-1 with a 4" barrel
Model 58 with a 4" barrel and the box.

All pinned and recessed. Maybe this is a common occurance in Utah and Texas, but for a guy like me, that's the stuff that dreams are made of.

Now if I only had more money! The 27-2 was too $$$ so I grabbed the 66-1.

I walked away from the 58 but can't stop thinking about it. It's not often that these opportunities come up. I reload and would need to purchase .41 Magnum dies, brass and projectiles, but have found sources for all. It also is wearing rubber grips. The service magnas issued with it are missing. I prefer wood, even though they may not be as comfortable. I checked around for "original" square butt target N-frames and they seem to be out there, but not cheap. Somebody neatly put white paintfill in the Smith and Wesson on the barrel. I don't think it came that way. Otherwise, it appears to have seen little use.

Model 58 owners, past and present, I welcome your thoughts on what just might be my next purchase.

 

[scotchblade]

By the way, I did check Gunbroker to get a sense of price. There are less than 10 available for sale at the moment, nationwide. There are many more 57's. Is the 58 a fairly uncommon model?

 

[gwpercle]

They are about as common as honest politicians .
The model 58 in my avatar has Ahrend's Retro Combats. He also makes Retro Target's. To my hand both are an improvement to the factory service grips that came with the 58. The Ahrend's stay on the gun and get range time. The factory grips are in the box for collection purposes.
If you can can get one , do so. I have never regretted getting mine.
Gary
Member of the Unofficial Model 58 Club.

 

[SuperMan]

...if it has the box and is in that nice a condition don't be awaitin'...get it before it is gone...

As to their popularity...this may answer your question...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/173441-unofficial-58-club.html

Bob

 

[SAFireman]

...if it has the box and is in that nice a condition don't be awaitin'...get it before it is gone...

As to their popularity...this may answer your question...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/173441-unofficial-58-club.html

Bob

Bob is right...see the link and the growing group of happy model 58 owners

 

[scotchblade]

I'd be honored to join. I'll have to wait until Tuesday to make it official. The store opens then.

Cheers!

 

[BigBill]

I went in search of a model 57 I always wanted a 41 mag revolver. My dealer had both the m57 6" & m58 4" both in nickel. I purchased the m57 for $699 but the m58 stayed on my mind. A few days later I had the m58.
I went to s&w store online and purchased the n frame combat grips for the m58. Now it's a handful of wood and feels perfect in my hand.

 

[Maximumbob54]

It strikes me that the 58's still out there are drying up in numbers since those finding them don't tend to give them up. If you can go back and get it you may yet be one of those that finds out you didn't know what you were missing. Worst that could happen is you get your money back out of it in another deal.

 

[Sixgun100]

Well, I am one of the newest Members of the "Fan Club." The Model 58 has certainly become my favorite revolver. Just something about them.....I would grab it while you can. Good luck!

 

[Old TexMex]

Sell whatever you have to raise the dough to get that 58. It'll never be less rare or more affordable. Dies and brass will come along.

 

[SuperMan]

I'd be honored to join. I'll have to wait until Tuesday to make it official. The store opens then.

Cheers!

...well...it's TUESDAY!!!! Where's the pics!!!!

Bob

 

[g8rb8]

They are about as common as honest politicians.
...
Member of the Unofficial Model 58 Club.

gwpercle got that right. You might be lucky to see just one in your lifetime.

So, ask yourself, "When's the next time I'm going to see a model 58, especially in that condition and in California?"

Not to be too personal but because there's always the "what's it worth" question and there's conjecture about price variance throughout the country, it would be nice to get some real examples of California revolver prices. What were the asking prices on the revolvers you cite in your post?

John

 

[scotchblade]

...would be nice to get some real examples of California revolver prices. What were the asking prices on the revolvers you cite in your post?

Two years ago, I paid $900 out the door for a 29-2 with the wood presentation box. Looking back, I think I got a pretty good deal. Here are the prices on what I saw Saturday. I hope you are sitting down!

Model 27-2 6 or 6-1/2" barrel (no box or papers) - $1100
Model 66-1 4" barrel (no box or papers) - $750
Model 58 4" barrel with box and papers - $1100

Here is another one, from a local seller on Gunbroker that could sell to me via PPT. Unfired 28-2 with the works for $1450.

A couple of months ago, I paid $450 for a Ruger Security Six, no box, no papers. Was thrilled to even find one.

So there you have it. Pretty brutal. Buying options are few and sellers know it.

 

[scotchblade]

...well...it's TUESDAY!!!! Where's the pics!!!!

Bob

LOL - Store opens in 2.5 hours! If I purchase, I will have to wait 10 more days to pick it up. Maybe he will let me snap a pic in the store.

 

[Jack Flash]

Model 58 4" barrel with box and papers - $1100

That price would certainly be in the ballpark here in Michigan. In CA, it must be considered downright cheap!

 

[Retired W4]

Count me as a .41 mag fan. It took me 40 years to find a replacement for the 58 I sold long ago. Thanks to a forum member I finally have it in my hands. I really doubt you will regret the purchase and it might even become your favorite Smith. I'm not letting this one go.

 

[scotchblade]

I got it! Beautiful condition. The previous (and only owner) added some paintfill to the markings. It would have not been my preference but I looks very nice and looks like it was done by a pro. No magna grips either, but those are fairly easy to find. It is a S prefix and according to the standard book came from 1968-1969.

I'm tickled pink.

So, will this get me in the club?

Cheers

 

[SuperMan]

WELCOME TO THE CLUB SIR...and The Cult of the 4T1....

If you don't reload Georgia Arms makes a 210 hardcast at just about the speed of the original 210 lead Police Load. Very pleasant recoil.

The Winchester Silvertip 175, CorBon 170 are 1250+- fps loads that kick a little less than most 210s. They will however usually shoot a little lower than point of aim.

Now you just need a nice holster to show it off in...

Bob

 

[Retired W4]

Very nice. Acetone will get that paint out of there. Remember, you will need the PC (modified magnas) for it I believe. Welcome to The Club and congratulations!

 

[SAFireman]

I got it!
So, will this get me in the club?

Cheers

Heck yeah! It is a dandy! and S prefix too

Now you just need to get it out of Cali jail and go shoot that wonderful N frame.

Be sure to post pics ect over on the 58 Club if you haven't already.