Need help with pricing on a M&P M10

[raylan007]

I am stepping out of my comfort zone as a result of this revolver. It has a certain appeal and I have as yet to buy any post war M&P. Seller claims mechanics are good.

M10 M&P 5 screw with diamond magna grips, numbered to the gun, 4" barrel. The "Wonder Sight" is something I had never seen but as I said I don't usually shop post war M&P. Serial #C309364, Seller states date of mfg to be 1952. I do know these revolvers are not uncommon but there is something about the honest wear I could get along with here. Would this be a fair starting point at
$475 to maybe start collecting from this period ?
Thanks in advance for the help. Sorry I can't seem to get the photo I wanted to copy and paste and it is from a ongoing auction but i would call the cosmetic condition of finish and grips 80-85%

 

[JP@AK]

Serial #C309364, Seller states date of mfg to be 1952.

More likely 1954 or 1955.
$475 seems a bit high to me for one in only 80-85% condition.
I don't know if the Wonder Sight would up the value any. It would not for me.

 

[DWalt]

That SN would put likely shipment in 1955, and a collector would call it a pre-Model 10 M&P. Not knowing condition, $475 seems somewhat high. $400 would be much more attractive. Wondersights woudln't add value but might make sighting a little better.

 

[jmace57]

I have bought 3 of these C prefix revolvers in vg to exc condition in the past 6 months and have paid $350-$400 for each

 

[bananaman]

$475 seems high. I would not be a taker even though W. Sight looks cool. Remember it would take a special 10 in some way to be a collectable. Would probably be a good shooter! Let us know how you make out! Bob

 

[raylan007]

THANKS FOR THE INPUT, UNLIKE A SELLER I LOWERED THE PERCENTAGE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION HE WOULD HAVE RATED IT. THE LOSS OF BLUING WAS UNIFORM. AFTER THESE COMMENTS I WILL KNOW BETTER WHAT TO LOOK FOR PRICE WISE. I WAS A BIT SURPRISED THAT THE DATE WAS STATED INCORRECTLY DUE TO THE SELLER BEING A DEALER. THANKS AGAIN

 

[Muley Gil]

THANKS FOR THE INPUT, UNLIKE A SELLER I LOWERED THE PERCENTAGE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION HE WOULD HAVE RATED IT. THE LOSS OF BLUING WAS UNIFORM. AFTER THESE COMMENTS I WILL KNOW BETTER WHAT TO LOOK FOR PRICE WISE. I WAS A BIT SURPRISED THAT THE DATE WAS STATED INCORRECTLY DUE TO THE SELLER BEING A DEALER. THANKS AGAIN

Don't be too surprised. We have the most knowlegable members concerning S&Ws and sometimes WE disagree with each other.

Dealers seldom know everything about every firearm out there.

 

[DWalt]

Most dealers are not that knowledgeable, especially about older guns. I've observed that many dealers (or people who work for them) don't know much more than what's stamped on the barrel.

 

[Plain Old Dave]

Around here, that's $150-200 too high. If it has diamond grips, that and the wonder sight might get it to 325 for your average buyers. MAYBE.

 

[backer]

While on the subject, what is a reasonable price be for a 1949 vintage 5", in the box, with all matching numbers. Its in 99% , or like new condition, with an asking price of $475. Seems reasonable but I'm no expert.

 

[Plain Old Dave]

Not much over 380 here.

 

[rjb1]

Plain Old Dave's estimated selling price is a great example of the effect of geography on S&W prices. He's in East TN and I'm in Middle TN and a dealer at last week's gun show in Nashville had one similar to, but not quite as good as, the one described as: "...1949 vintage 5", in the box, with all matching numbers. Its in 99% , or like new condition, with an asking price of $475." The dealer here had that one listed at $600 (with no box).
Another moderately-worn Model 10 was listed at $400.
Old S&W prices have jumped a lot here in just the past few months. (I don't know why...) They haven't yet started to sell at those prices, but that's what is on the tag. I now have a tendency to look at dealer pistols and prices and just say "Wow! and walk away.
Even a moderate distance can have a significant effect on prices. I'm tempted to make a trip to East TN and buy up some S&W's while I can still afford them.

 

[tlay]

A lot of so-called dealers know very little about older Smiths. I went to a gun show a while ago and found a dealer at a table with many guns. I noticed 3 pre-war smiths on one end. I asked the guy if I could look at them. He said ok, they are old M&Ps. 2 were 20s models and one was a Heavy Duty! I couldn't believe he couldn't see the frame size difference! So I bought the N frame M&P at a very good price!