Need some help here

[SFCRangerDoc]

So I have an opportunity to buy one of the revolvers in the pix attached...specifically the "parkerized" 6.5 in 5 screw w/out grips. I thoroughly dumbfounded my LGS when i walked in and said "show me your old stuff in the back" while my younger peers around me in the store were all about the "black rifles" and combat tupperware pistols in the cases. I swear they looked at me like I was speaking greek...but hey what can i say, I've been bitten by the old wheelgun bug and I can't and don't want to say no

Anywhooo...

My LGS isn't really sure what this gun is worth nor could they really tell me anything about it. I've not seen one with a barrel that long with round butt and the half nickel front sight blade before so I snapped a couple pix and figured I'd ask you guys.

I'm thinking about offering them 250-300 for it as they have no price on it and since its refinished any collector value/historic value is gone. The barrel rifling is strong and its in 38SPL Lockup is tight and I think it would be a good range shooter. Also all serials match though i was asked not to take pix of those and forgot to write them down.

Thoughts?

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I personally would go for the Victory Model.It may cost more but it will always be worth more as well.

 

[SFCRangerDoc]

I personally would go for the Victory Model.It may cost more but it will always be worth more as well.

Sadly the lockup on the victory is pretty sloppy...it "looks" ok but i feel the action has been abused.

If anybody can tell me what they thing the long barrel is, that would be great... family member said they thought it was a model 10 but I cant find one that looks like that.

 

[Absalom]

The serial number would really help. The ejector rod knob makes it a reasonably early M&P model, certainly long before a Model 10. My guess would be 1920s at the latest; my 1923 M&P has that style, and I'm currently looking to buy an early 1930s M&P with a different style. But there are experts here who may have a more definite answer. Or you can get us the serial.

In that condition, though, I'd never offer $250-300 for it even just as a shooter. Maybe $200 if bore and action were really impressive. Maybe.

 

[Hedrin]

...my younger peers around me in the store were all about the "black rifles" and combat tupperware pistols in the cases.

"Combat tupperware"?

Haven't heard that one before. Have to steal it. I have a friend who bought a Glock after 911. Only gun he owns. He shoots it regularly, claims it is the best gun ever made. Irks him terribly when I consistently get better groups with a Smith wheelgun from further out.

 

[JP@AK]

It is from before mid-year 1922, since it lacks the Made in U.S.A. on the frame. The serial number would help, of course. Even if they don't want you taking a picture, perhaps you could get the serial number and pass it on to us. If the serial number is below 316648, the cylinder is not heat treated and the gun was made before September, 1919.
I agree with Absalom, $300 would be a bit much for this revolver. Completely refinished and no stocks. I might go $250 at the most (OTD), but more likely I would walk away if they want more than $200. It would be strictly a shooter. If you want it only for some fun range work, the non-heat-treated cylinder is no big deal - just stick with lower velocity lead bullets, like the 148 grain wadcutter loads.

 

[DWalt]

All above is correct. It would be from before mid-1922, and possibly much earlier, owing to the lack of the MADE IN U.S.A. frame stamping. And of course, Parkerizing wasn't even thought of in 1922. A SN would help date it more accurately. Is it a .38 Special or a .32-20?

It will never have any collector value, only as a shooter. Also, it is missing grips. I have to go along with the other comments about a fair price ($200-$250). But I would be more interested in it if it was in .32-20 and a sound bore with no mechanical problems. That's just because I like .32-20s.

 

[Skeetr57]

Also, in the early days, a 61/2" barrel was available, so it might be one of those.

 

[Absalom]

The OP states that it is a .38 Special and that the barrel is 6.5 inches. In combination with the round butt, that is an uncommon (early?) set-up. Anyone know how long the round butt was available with long barrels?

 

[SFCRangerDoc]

Also, in the early days, a 61/2" barrel was available, so it might be one of those.

The barrel is measured at 6.5 so I'm thinking its an early one. I'm pretty sure it said 38SPL on it. All stamping was on the top of the barrel. I'm planning to go back in to look at it again this week so I'll let you all know.

 

[handejector]

It is a Pre WW 1 gun.
I really need a serial range. Anything from a 1905-1st forward has a rebound slide. 1905 and back do not.
So, if you buy a really early one for a shooter, parts can be a problem if ever needed.
The guns with rebound slides can be kept running rather easily.

Pic shows rebound slide stud. It MIGHT be polished flat from the refinish.
If there, the gun could be worth 200 as a shooter. Any more, buy a better gun.

 

[SFCRangerDoc]

The problem I'm having is that I can't find a picture anywhere with that gun in that particular setup...id swear it was rebarreled but the serials all match. My great grandfathers M&P .38 Model 1905 3rd change built in late 1912 or early 1913 has the same back end and started its life out at 6 inch. I just cant find a 6.5. I watched the guy measure the barrel out and its definitely longer than 6.

 

[handejector]

No big deal.
6 AND 6-1/2 were offered through the 1905-2nd till 1909 as standard.
I have a 1905-3rd with a 6-1/2, which could be simply using up parts, or it might have been ordered.

 

[gmborkovic]

Buy it for $200. Great house/truck/shop gun. No hot ammo, stick with std. 38SPL.