Prices are getting stupid

[tlawler]

I spotted this 27-2 at the same gun show where I picked up my pre-war .38 M&P today. Finish looks to be 80-85% with a lot of pitting. I’d be scared of what I’d find under the Pacs considering the overall condition of the rest of it. Cylinder had a LOT of end shake and the blast shield looked very rough. In my estimation, this would barely be a $450-$500 gun. I was floored when the guy said he was asking $950! He jumped right in explaining how it was P&R, had the three T’s and checkered top rib. I asked him if he knew the approximate age (I use this as kind of a test to see how knowledgeable someone is about their S&W’s knowing the S331696 s/n puts it around 1969), and he had no idea. A few more questions proved to me that he really knew nothing about S&W N-frames and very little about S&W’s in general. Then he said that he was giving someone a chance at a real deal before he was going to reblue it (himself, no less!), then that would make it a “$1600 gun”! No box, tools, paperwork or original (or even an unmatched pair of dinged up) target stocks. I just smiled and handed it back to him and said it was a little out of my price range and wished him luck.

 

[ralph7]

Sounds like more than the prices were stupid.

 

[Warren Sear]

I went to a gun show yesterday. Same story: lots of beat-up fecal matter with high prices.

 

[max503]

Gun shows are places you take the stuff you want to get rid of.

 

[Green Frog]

At $950, he just wants to teach it to ride in his truck! I would say your lowball of $450 was at least $50 high! There are people who take stuff to gun shows to sell it and there are those who are fishing for a sucker.

Froggie

 

[paplinker]

Went to a show last week and saw at least four 28-2s

Most like new and one with light muzzle wear. Couple had boxes
Prices were $499 to $900.

All over the spectrum on them. It was nice to see quality condition guns still around.

 

[Farmer17]

I have about all the nice Smith revolvers I need, I may pick up another one if I see a deal but I'm not going to pay the high prices for guns that I shoot and use quite a bit.

 

[kraynky]

. Let him home blue it and see what he lists it at after he sees his own handiwork. Wish I was able to follow up on this one. LOL!

I went to my last gun show about 19- 20 years ago. I think I purchased some ear plugs and some brass for my 32-20. The final out of pocket expense, counting gas, parking, entry fees and a soda was close to $75 bucks. I made an executive decision to never do it again.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

Yes we are seeing some of that here in the commonwealth.

Stupid prices on older S&W revolvers. But I do not see them moving much unless they are something really rare. Most of the younger set going to these shows now. They are more looking towards what kind of deal they can get on a Glock or a Diamondback, or some kind of mixmaster AR.

Most of the people frequenting these shows are pretty clueless in general. And the guys with the overpriced S&W revolvers. There are plenty of them. They are just trolling for suckers.

 

[dogdoc]

Seem to be a lot of wishful thinking at recent gun shows . I see better deals online. I see a lot of older stuff not selling at high listed prices. Also remember ,the younger people, for the most part, do not care about revolvers. That does not bode well for future super high prices on older guns. I think things have already peaked for older rifles and shotguns and prices are not rising .


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[Erocksmash]

I spotted this 27-2 at the same gun show where I picked up my pre-war .38 M&P today. Finish looks to be 80-85% with a lot of pitting. I’d be scared of what I’d find under the Pacs considering the overall condition of the rest of it. Cylinder had a LOT of end shake and the blast shield looked very rough. In my estimation, this would barely be a $450-$500 gun. I was floored when the guy said he was asking $950! He jumped right in explaining how it was P&R, had the three T’s and checkered top rib. I asked him if he knew the approximate age (I use this as kind of a test to see how knowledgeable someone is about their S&W’s knowing the S331696 s/n puts it around 1969), and he had no idea. A few more questions proved to me that he really knew nothing about S&W N-frames and very little about S&W’s in general. Then he said that he was giving someone a chance at a real deal before he was going to reblue it (himself, no less!), then that would make it a “$1600 gun”! No box, tools, paperwork or original (or even an unmatched pair of dinged up) target stocks. I just smiled and handed it back to him and said it was a little out of my price range and wished him luck.

That's a shame Tom.... some times I just let people talk themselves out of a sale, smile and say I'll pass...

 

[tlawler]

That's a shame Tom.... some times I just let people talk themselves out of a sale, smile and say I'll pass...

Erick, did you see my thread on the Pre-War M&P .38 Special I bought there? I went back and snagged it today after doing some research and consulting the forum. One nice thing about the FGE shows is the second day free admission.

 

[DarryH]

Recent show I went to was interesting. One guy had easily a dozen tables covered with a wide variety of long guns and handguns. I have seen his table many times, and know he prices high and deals little. What was different this time?? It appears he doubled all his prices!! NO kidding!! I guess he only has to find one sucker per show. He is now on my list of guys I will never buy from again. That list gets longer each year. The last addition was the major dealer who was boxing up a new gun while I started paperwork. He dropped the gun muzzle down onto the concrete from 3-4 feet. He didn't bother sating anything. Luckily, my wife was behind me, and she saw it and poked me and whispered what she saw. I told him I had to inspect the gun again. The muzzle had severe damage. I went so far as to tell the show owner about it, and he said he was disappointed as this was his largest dealer. Yup, next three shows the gun was there, still damaged and still marked the original price!

 

[Drm50]

Seems in my area the price on S&Ws, P&R era has peeked. They aren't coming down but they aren't selling either. The bottom is creeping up and I see guns of low shooter bracket $700-$900. Same show you will find same model 85% shooters in same price range. Neither one are selling big. I do think it is young buyers having not much interest in revolvers or
classics like m70s, m12s, Ithaca 37s ect. The guys that have low condition
S&Ws and classics are trolling for suckers or they don't know what they are doing. I think they all buy a book and don't read the section on condition and go for top dollar price listed. Truth is we are dying off and the new generation wants the latest wicked looking firearms. The ones they see on the vidio games they play.

 

[dogdoc]

Seems in my area the price on S&Ws, P&R era has peeked. They aren't coming down but they aren't selling either. The bottom is creeping up and I see guns of low shooter bracket $700-$900. Same show you will find same model 85% shooters in same price range. Neither one are selling big. I do think it is young buyers having not much interest in revolvers or
classics like m70s, m12s, Ithaca 37s ect. The guys that have low condition
S&Ws and classics are trolling for suckers or they don't know what they are doing. I think they all buy a book and don't read the section on condition and go for top dollar price listed. Truth is we are dying off and the new generation wants the latest wicked looking firearms. The ones they see on the vidio games they play.

Exactly


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[smith17]

Went to a small show today, about 60 tables or so. Some Smiths were available. A decent 58 for $950. An S prefix M&P for $700 with little finish left. A beat up Victory for $650.
I walked out with a mid 50s Winchester 70 Featherweight in really nice shape for $775. I didn't need another .270 but.....

 

[6string]

I spotted this 27-2 at the same gun show where I picked up my pre-war .38 M&P today. Finish looks to be 80-85% with a lot of pitting. I’d be scared of what I’d find under the Pacs considering the overall condition of the rest of it. Cylinder had a LOT of end shake and the blast shield looked very rough. In my estimation, this would barely be a $450-$500 gun. I was floored when the guy said he was asking $950! He jumped right in explaining how it was P&R, had the three T’s and checkered top rib. I asked him if he knew the approximate age (I use this as kind of a test to see how knowledgeable someone is about their S&W’s knowing the S331696 s/n puts it around 1969), and he had no idea. A few more questions proved to me that he really knew nothing about S&W N-frames and very little about S&W’s in general. Then he said that he was giving someone a chance at a real deal before he was going to reblue it (himself, no less!), then that would make it a “$1600 gun”! No box, tools, paperwork or original (or even an unmatched pair of dinged up) target stocks. I just smiled and handed it back to him and said it was a little out of my price range and wished him luck.

I feel bad for that gun! If it was a child, I'd report the parent for abuse!
For $350-400, I'd snag it strictly as a rescue operation. At that, after fixing the endshake and other likely mechanicals, I'm still not sure I'd mess with the finish. Depends if it crosses the line for what I call "patina"!

The owner/seller is living in dreamland.
Obviously, he heard the siren call "Pinned & Recessed, Pinned & Recessed"....

At a show today, I saw a 2nd model HE in .455. It was nice enough, still in its original chambering. But....he had it mislabeled as a 1st model, with a price tag of $2250!
I'm sure it will be there in December....

Jim

PS: if you want to talk about prices getting stupid, I stopped in at Cabelas on the way home. The so-called "Gun Library" should be renamed the "Gun Used Newspaper Stand". Reblued pre 10 with Pachmayrs for $699.95....

 

[Drm50]

The OP was right walking away from that 27 but just from pictures on finish I would rate in no more than 60%. Then you start into end shake and other hidden mechanical issues - S&W grips? I would have been hard pressed to offer $450. That gun has been rode hard and put away wet. If you take a gun like that and get in blued you still don't have a $900 gun.
Actually I don't run into N frames often in thrashed condition. Some 28s that were issue guns with a lot of holster wear and right grip panel beat up but usually decent with no rust and maybe a little end shake.

A guy at a show was trying to sell a 25-5 that had been cut off right through S&W on barrel. From lettering it had been a 83/8". Bubba shorty Williams ramp on front with rifle bead. His grandfather had S&W custom shop make it back before WW2. He is one of those guys that has $11 worth of $17 dollar guns at every local show.

 

[Erocksmash]

Erick, did you see my thread on the Pre-War M&P .38 Special I bought there? I went back and snagged it today after doing some research and consulting the forum. One nice thing about the FGE shows is the second day free admission.

No I dident, I'll go look for it... saw the fella selling the 41mag... still had everything and wouldn't budge on price... he has that 19-3 with some finish issues, at a hefty price

 

[rubiranch]

Stupid is the person who pays $950 for it.

 

[oysterer]

I was at a show 2 weeks ago and saw a 629-1 4'', a bit dirty, but apparently one of those things where no more than 25 rounds of lead 44 specials were fired, maybe less, no flame cutting, no sign of wear anywhere and spend the last 35 years in the safe. Wood grips lost and a set of Pachs (I know...) on it. Asking 700 on Friday, I offered 600 and didn't get it. Went back Saturday and another guy behind the table said you want it...$500. My pants caught fire as I pulled the wallet. Set of grips on order as she is waiting on hold. A very very nice 1960s K38 masterpiece 6'' had a few tiny surface rust spots but nothing that can't be cured for $350. I general I feel the market is turning a bit softer than it was. Plus one can get lucky...and one should from time to time.

 

[gunnails]

I was at a show 2 weeks ago and saw a 629-1 4'', a bit dirty, but apparently one of those things where no more than 25 rounds of lead 44 specials were fired, maybe less, no flame cutting, no sign of wear anywhere and spend the last 35 years in the safe. Wood grips lost and a set of Pachs (I know...) on it. Asking 700 on Friday, I offered 600 and didn't get it. Went back Saturday and another guy behind the table said you want it...$500. My pants caught fire as I pulled the wallet. Set of grips on order as she is waiting on hold. A very very nice 1960s K38 masterpiece 6'' had a few tiny surface rust spots but nothing that can't be cured for $350. I general I feel the market is turning a bit softer than it was. Plus one can get lucky...and one should from time to time.

===================================

What did decide on for grips?

 

[oysterer]

===================================

What did decide on for grips?

some sort of tulipwood closeout at Altamont. I will see how that is. I am not looking forward to finding a factory N frame north of $150 for now but one day I stumble upon one someplace. I wish the Hogue Tamer would fit but that's only for round buts.

 

[ameridaddy]

...Finish looks to be 80-85% with a lot of pitting. I’d be scared of what I’d find under the Pacs considering the overall condition of the rest of it. Cylinder had a LOT of end shake and the blast shield looked very rough. .

Used to be a truck gun was something adequate power-wise that wasn't too pretty, showing signs of honest use and care, and could be depended upon for whatever purpose the owner intended for it.
It looks like "truck gun" nowadays means the seller tied it to his truck's bumper with a length of cord and dragged it to the show to give it patina, yannow?.
But it's P&R, so Collector Grade, right suckers?
Stuff like your experience is why I haven't been to a show in about two years.

 

[Tubbsy]

Seems in my area the price on S&Ws, P&R era has peeked. They aren't coming down but they aren't selling either. The bottom is creeping up and I see guns of low shooter bracket $700-$900. Same show you will find same model 85% shooters in same price range. Neither one are selling big. I do think it is young buyers having not much interest in revolvers or
classics like m70s, m12s, Ithaca 37s ect. The guys that have low condition
S&Ws and classics are trolling for suckers or they don't know what they are doing. I think they all buy a book and don't read the section on condition and go for top dollar price listed. Truth is we are dying off and the new generation wants the latest wicked looking firearms. The ones they see on the vidio games they play.

There are still a few of us young guys that appreciate walnut and blued steel more than plastic....

 

[vipermd]

I have come to hate gun shows. There used to be an excitement, of new & old guns at fair prices. I was able to go and enjoy the people, the stories, the energy, which seems to have gone away. The internet is a double edged sword, there may be some "good deals", but they have also become an excuse for someone to buy online because it is $5.00 cheaper??? The vendors seem to have increased prices to keep up with the costs of doing a show. Tables used to be $10-15, now it's $50-75 per table, hotel room, food,gas, time, and in many areas there maybe a show every weekend in a 50-70 mile radius, so people decide to wait till next week!! I wanted to open my shop, with a potbellied wood stove, free good coffee always brewing, a couch, chair to discuss guns, hunting, and related stories. Back then early 1990's you had Kmart, Sears, no internet, now you have Walmart, Gander, bass pro, etc, which are great to some extent, ( one stop shopping) but it has hurt the little store. I can not compete with Walmart ammo prices, so I do offer the benefit of knowledge, customer care, and free education. So I miss the old gun stores and gun shows and end up drinking coffee by myself. It is what it is, will it get better? who knows and better than what? Memories... Be Safe,

 

[TTSH]

I spotted this 27-2 at the same gun show where I picked up my pre-war .38 M&P today. Finish looks to be 80-85% with a lot of pitting. I’d be scared of what I’d find under the Pacs considering the overall condition of the rest of it. Cylinder had a LOT of end shake and the blast shield looked very rough. In my estimation, this would barely be a $450-$500 gun. I was floored when the guy said he was asking $950!

One of the many reasons I focus mostly on K-frame collecting is because N-frame prices are too often just plain nutty. So-so condition ones are typically over-priced and really, really nice ones are often crazy money. Thank God I'm not a big Magnum guy. I do just fine with my more reasonably priced J, K and L-frames.

As for the shows... Gun shows in my loony moonbat state are smaller and very different from gun shows in the free states. Private party sales are almost non-existent. The guns brought to the shows by the dealers are the same guns found in the dealer's shops. It is not a dumping ground for over-priced junk as I sometimes hear said about shows in the free states. Overall, I've done quite well at our MA shows. I certainly don't score big at every show... hardly! But I score often enough to keep going back. And even when I don't score, it's still an interesting day out.

 

[CH4]

Gun shows are places you take the stuff you want to get rid of.

If you want to “get rid of” stuff, PM me for my address.

 

[Erocksmash]

I have come to hate gun shows. There used to be an excitement, of new & old guns at fair prices. I was able to go and enjoy the people, the stories, the energy, which seems to have gone away. The internet is a double edged sword, there may be some "good deals", but they have also become an excuse for someone to buy online because it is $5.00 cheaper??? The vendors seem to have increased prices to keep up with the costs of doing a show. Tables used to be $10-15, now it's $50-75 per table, hotel room, food,gas, time, and in many areas there maybe a show every weekend in a 50-70 mile radius, so people decide to wait till next week!! I wanted to open my shop, with a potbellied wood stove, free good coffee always brewing, a couch, chair to discuss guns, hunting, and related stories. Back then early 1990's you had Kmart, Sears, no internet, now you have Walmart, Gander, bass pro, etc, which are great to some extent, ( one stop shopping) but it has hurt the little store. I can not compete with Walmart ammo prices, so I do offer the benefit of knowledge, customer care, and free education. So I miss the old gun stores and gun shows and end up drinking coffee by myself. It is what it is, will it get better? who knows and better than what? Memories... Be Safe,

I would have to agree sir ... one of my local shows has a big company that "sponsors" the show... this past weekend as in a week ago they were telling people "no private sales!"... come to find out they want everyone to go threw them buy low sell high all whilst being rude and telling you what you selling is junk... it's a shame because I'll no longer attend that show. It's really sad. We are the last of a dying breed

 

[TeamPB]

Well, in the last two months I have violated my pledge not to attend any shows, but the Colorado Gun Collectors Show and I was pleasantly surprised. Not by the firearms for sale, but by how well attended and busy the shows were. The wheel guns and classics I was interested were low grade and high priced as many of you have noted. I know prices are high out there, but as someone still building his (modest) collection I will carefully pay a high-ish price for high shooter grade firearms. I think I may be part of the problem!