Need to know aproximate value on a pre model 42 centennial airweight .38 spl with the bugscrew above the top sideplate screw ( early production later they deleted this screw ) screw gun is about 92 , 93 % and has 4 digit serial number and has faux pearl grips with the S&W logo medallions gun is tight exc. mechanically nice piece overall thanks 41steve [email protected]
Pre Mod 42 Airweight Cent with bugscrew
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Steve,
Is your gun nickel or blue? Does it have an alloy cylinder (check it with a magnet)? (It is probably steel with that serial number.) Hard to tell if the grips are factory or not from your description (I doubt it if they really are false pearl). Is the lockout pin still stored in the grip frame?
The early Centennial Lightweight guns are highly desirable, however, if it is actually in the low 90% in condition that moves it toward the bottom of the collectible percentage. Pictures would certainly help make a judgement.
Bob
Is your gun nickel or blue? Does it have an alloy cylinder (check it with a magnet)? (It is probably steel with that serial number.) Hard to tell if the grips are factory or not from your description (I doubt it if they really are false pearl). Is the lockout pin still stored in the grip frame?
The early Centennial Lightweight guns are highly desirable, however, if it is actually in the low 90% in condition that moves it toward the bottom of the collectible percentage. Pictures would certainly help make a judgement.
Bob
rburg
Member
I don't know if I've ever seen a steel gun with the bug screw. I've got a steel one (nickel) serial 157 and it doesn't have the bug. I think it was only on alloy guns.
41steve's gun is alloy (pre-42); the cylinder is steel. I'd call the gun black rather than blue.
Before we get to a value, I would comment on the grips. They appear more ivory than pearl (either faux or real). The look like nice grips but from the fit I will tell you that they are not factory.
Regarding the price, please remember that our guesses are purely subjective, not having held the gun. If I were to walk up on it in a show I would take it for $300 and seriously try to talk them down if it was at $500. If I couldn't get them down at least to $400 I would pass. Perhaps that is a wider range than you were looking for. It would make a very nice carry piece with a lot of character but it isn't in collector condition.
Bob
Regarding the price, please remember that our guesses are purely subjective, not having held the gun. If I were to walk up on it in a show I would take it for $300 and seriously try to talk them down if it was at $500. If I couldn't get them down at least to $400 I would pass. Perhaps that is a wider range than you were looking for. It would make a very nice carry piece with a lot of character but it isn't in collector condition.
Bob
Malysh
Member
I agree with Bettis ' evaluation. The gun has some rust on the cylinder, and unfortunately does not have the original stocks.
I have one very similar, a 4 digit Centennial Airweight with the lock screw. It's in better condition and has the original stocks but I bet I couldn't get $500 for it. At a $500 threshold, the gun should be in exc. condition, have the box and original stocks.
It's not a collector's gun, it's a working gun.
I have one very similar, a 4 digit Centennial Airweight with the lock screw. It's in better condition and has the original stocks but I bet I couldn't get $500 for it. At a $500 threshold, the gun should be in exc. condition, have the box and original stocks.
It's not a collector's gun, it's a working gun.
Bell Charter Oak Holsters
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I agree with the rest of the guys, for all the same reasons. However, if the grips/stocks are genuine ivory, that's an exception. Can't really tell from the photos. Anyway, it's a nice carry gun, wonderful for the pocket.
Cheers;
Lefty
Cheers;
Lefty
They are the best pocket-carry guns ever. For comparison, I recently picked up a 95%, low five-digit, model-marked, original grips, no box example . . . that still has the locking (bug) screw . . . for $410.
Russ
Thanks Guys , they all can't be in mint condition , people actually used these things u know , thats what they were made for , even though we , myself included hold them so highly prized now , I remember years ago when the Peacemakers and 1911 colts were culled for a little wear ( wish we could do them days over again ) If u see one with orig grips and the box for $500 that would be a steal as the box is $100 prob and the grips $50 -$65 or more , it is still a way better piece than the J frames they are makeing now , I would prob take around $500 or so but if I can't get it she has a home carries great and shoots well thanks for all the replies 41 steve
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