Price Check 1972 31-1 4" w/box

[125JHP]

A friend said he was going to sell his 4" SB Model 31-1 (32 S&W Long). It is in 95% + condition, has the box, paperwork and orig.1972 sales receipt ($148).
I really don't need it but I thought I might offer to buy it.

I've already looked on GB (most of them offered are 2" & 3") and I tried the search here without much success... so

1.What would be a fair price to offer (remember I'm retired on SS)
2.If I decide I don't want to keep it, what kind of resale market/demand is there currently?

thanks

 

[ColbyBruce]

I own a S&W 30-1 and two 31-1's, all with 3" barrels. The 2" barrel guns are the most sought after and bring $400.00+ in my area, the 3" a bit less. The 4" guns do not attract much attention here. I had a 4" pre model 30 five years ago and had a hard time getting my money out of it. I would think double the original receipt would be a decent price to pay but I would not buy it thinking I could turn it, at least not here.

BTW, .32 S&W Long is a fun cartridge to shoot.

 

[125JHP]

Thanks CB,
You are probably at about the right price point even in today's crazy market. I noticed there seem to be a lot of NIB or hardly used dresser guns being offered frequently and like you say the 2" and 3" are the hotter tickets.

 

[ColbyBruce]

This 1950's era Colt Police Positive Special lived it's entire life in a drawer, until I bought it. I later sold it off, as it was too nice for me to carry.

 

[125JHP]

That is a nice looking Colt, too nice to carry and almost too nice to sell.

I'm debating the "do I need another one" question. I have an 1888 top break 32 and a nickle 1920 Regulation Police in 32 so this one would anchor the modern era but OTOH I don't shoot the ones I have.