saw a 38 top brake at pawn shop. was wondering what is a good price for one. did not check out well since i dont know much about what to look for as far as excess wear, lock up, finish for a shooter.
Without additional info there is no way to give you an answer. There are many different 38 top break revolvers built by S&W, and depending on condition it could be worth from $10 for a paperweight to $1000+. Most likely if it is a shootable, mechanically sound gun it will fall in the $100 to $300 range. Pictures are needed to really tell.