Shorty 40 update price / value check

[spistols]

Found a Shorty 40, with an original PC box but no stickers on the box. Has 3 PC mags (round logo), two of which are yellow followers and one is blue.

Comes with all documents. It not marked Mark anything, and if I remember the serial number is in the 2XX range. Gun is in excellent condition.

What is a 2018 honest fair value price?

 

[Stentor]

There were several different versions of Shorty 40s--do you know the model number of the specific pistol at which you're looking?

A quick scan of completed auctions on Gunbroker will give you a solid idea of a price range.

 

[vigil617]

For some odd reason -- perhaps the numbers made compared to other calibers, or perhaps that 40S&W doesn't seem to be a widely desired caliber anymore (no offense to those who like and prefer it) -- Shorty 40s even in excellent or NIB condition don't bring near what Shorty 45s or Shorty 9s do. Not that long ago, prices north of $1K were asked and answered; nowadays, it seems getting $700 to $800 is about all one can expect. I do remember at Shorty 40 2000 model -- a rare bird -- bringing good money at a recent auction, but overall, the "Mark 1 and 2" and Mark 3 guns are, IMHO, undervalued for the quality that they represent. I have owned two, and both were superb. They now are an opportunity to own a PC classic for little if any more than some of the nicer TSW guns are bringing in their calibers.

 

[TTSH]

For some odd reason -- perhaps the numbers made compared to other calibers, or perhaps that 40S&W doesn't seem to be a widely desired caliber anymore (no offense to those who like and prefer it) -- Shorty 40s even in excellent or NIB condition don't bring near what Shorty 45s or Shorty 9s do. Not that long ago, prices north of $1K were asked and answered; nowadays, it seems getting $700 to $800 is about all one can expect. I do remember at Shorty 40 2000 model -- a rare bird -- bringing good money at a recent auction, but overall, the "Mark 1 and 2" and Mark 3 guns are, IMHO, undervalued for the quality that they represent. I have owned two, and both were superb. They now are an opportunity to own a PC classic for little if any more than some of the nicer TSW guns are bringing in their calibers.

Exactly right. The only PC guns I routinely (i.e., rarely, but regularly) see around here are Shorty .40 variants. In primo condition, as most used PC guns should be, I see them for $799 to $999 tagged price (higher for guns with their original factory box, extra mags, etc.). The Mk III is generally the highest priced Shorty .40, typically $899ish+Tax, but I've also seen as high as $999+Tax. One recent no-box Shorty .40 (not a Mk III) started at $1,000, dropped to $800 and then dropped again to between $600 and $700 (can't remember exactly) before it sold.

 

[BAM-BAM]

The .40 S&W was the new hot caliber in the mid-90s; when IMHO the PC was making their best guns........9mm and .45s were being thought of/ written about as has been cartridges.

My "guess" is there were way more .40s made than either 9 or .45s.

When the PC made the SD guns (Stocking Dealer) in 1994/95.... IIRC there were about/or less than 100 built in .356S&W; 179 in 9mm and with between 220 and 300 in .40.

SCS&W 4th lists PC Shorty9s as PVC 0001-0611...... only 611 made???

 

[James&theGiant1911]

IMO and granted I have not tried to sell one but a pristine shorty 40 can potentially bring 1800-2200 dollars. That is all original box papers mags and billboards in excellent condition no fading.

Of course I have seen a pre rail 3913 tsw sell for 1300 all original, in that condition depending on the billboard conditions and such. Can not speak on the 45 or 9 mms,

 

[b_san]

IMO and granted I have not tried to sell one but a pristine shorty 40 can potentially bring 1800-2200 dollars. That is all original box papers mags and billboards in excellent condition no fading.

There's absolutely 0 chance a Shorty 40 sells for 1800+ in todays market. They were ~$1400 guns for a short while a year or 2 ago but, due to a combination of so many being made compared to other PC guns and the relative lack of interest in .40S&W at this time, pristine examples with box/label have been bringing in $750-1000 lately with the average being around $900. Without a box or missing the label they are selling for even less, ~$6-700.

 

[James&theGiant1911]

There's absolutely 0 chance a Shorty 40 sells for 1800+ in todays market. They were ~$1400 guns for a short while a year or 2 ago but, due to a combination of so many being made compared to other PC guns and the relative lack of interest in .40S&W at this time, pristine examples with box/label have been bringing in $750-1000 lately with the average being around $900. Without a box or missing the label they are selling for even less, ~$6-700.

Okay since you know it all, and was probably one of the ones which flamed my 1100 dollar 3913 tsw pre rail which I sold for more than that on the auction site. I said what I would sell my mint Shorty 40 for not what you hoped to buy a used, holster worn example. No doubt in my mind that my Shorty 40 would go for 1800+ but it is a 97-99% example not your run of the mill Shorty 40. Condition is every thing in the collector world works for classic cars, watches, etc. Never seen a Shorty 40 sell for 600-700 dollars since they were more than that new in the 90s.

Granted I would not pay that much for it even a Shorty 45 over 2 grand. That gets into Wilson and Nighthawk territory and they are both better 45s than anything coming out of the PC.

 

[Sevens]

There was ONE rare color combination of Shorty 40 that sold for TWICE the typical market a couple months ago and it was a statistical anomaly.

Off base, nowhere near reality and not backed up by the market to suggest that Shorty 40's go for $1800-$2200.

No offense... but just like last time, you'll take this all personally and you'll find yourself offended again, but the market decides these things... not gut feelings and wild opinions.

 

[James&theGiant1911]

There was ONE rare color combination of Shorty 40 that sold for TWICE the typical market a couple months ago and it was a statistical anomaly.

Off base, nowhere near reality and not backed up by the market to suggest that Shorty 40's go for $1800-$2200.

No offense... but just like last time, you'll take this all personally and you'll find yourself offended again, but the market decides these things... not gut feelings and wild opinions.

I am not offended nor do I care, but you all are wrong. I know what my firearms are worth not what yours are worth or what you hope to buy one for. The market dictates value so I just told you what I would sell mine for not what you would sell yours for. A no original box or papers very used shorty 40 is a 700-1000 dollar gun I do not disagree. However, collectors will pay for all original pieces complete with box and paperwork and it is more than the figures you all have throw around. I have noticed a funny thing about this site, y’all tend to flame those which ask higher than what the local beater price should be and then complain when those pieces bring more than you think they should. Originality is what helps value and condition plays a large part in that.

 

[b_san]

Okay since you know it all, and was probably one of the ones which flamed my 1100 dollar 3913 tsw pre rail which I sold for more than that on the auction site. I said what I would sell my mint Shorty 40 for not what you hoped to buy a used, holster worn example. No doubt in my mind that my Shorty 40 would go for 1800+ but it is a 97-99% example not your run of the mill Shorty 40. Condition is every thing in the collector world works for classic cars, watches, etc. Never seen a Shorty 40 sell for 600-700 dollars since they were more than that new in the 90s.

Granted I would not pay that much for it even a Shorty 45 over 2 grand. That gets into Wilson and Nighthawk territory and they are both better 45s than anything coming out of the PC.

Here is the least expensive complete w/label Shorty 40 sold in the past 3 months

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/767968109

and the most expensive in the past 3 months (not including the MK2 that was sent back for a refinish to resemble a 356TSW with an additional 9mm barrel).

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/757639713

Also here is an average priced one all in similar 97+% condition with label from a seller who gets top dollar.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/761585099

Unfortunately the reality is that market for Shorty 40s is dead.

 

[James&theGiant1911]

Again the reality is I sold my pre rail 3913 TSW for 200 dollars more than I had it on this very site. I could care less if the Shorty 40 market is whatever, mine is not for sale. Again, I will stand by my statement and you and whomever can take it for what it is worth. A pristine condition Shorty 40 will bring 1800-2200 as has been done before and will be done again on any number of auction sites. I did not think you could link in auction sites to this forum anyway since it is against the rules. The examples you shown had significant wear marks on them.

The OP asked what an honest fair price for that gun is and we all agree not original box with original serial numbers and holster wear equals a 700-1000 gun. The part I think you all fail to realize is that there is a difference between mint and worn condition. Again, condition is everything I do not care if the Shorty 40 market is dead. Regardless the value for MINT pristine guns in LNIB condition is much higher than what the market dictates.

 

[toddcfii]

I am not offended nor do I care, but you all are wrong. I know what my firearms are worth not what yours are worth or what you hope to buy one for. The market dictates value so I just told you what I would sell mine for not what you would sell yours for. A no original box or papers very used shorty 40 is a 700-1000 dollar gun I do not disagree. However, collectors will pay for all original pieces complete with box and paperwork and it is more than the figures you all have throw around. I have noticed a funny thing about this site, y’all tend to flame those which ask higher than what the local beater price should be and then complain when those pieces bring more than you think they should. Originality is what helps value and condition plays a large part in that.

The market is what people will pay not what you ask for your gun or would ask. Did you even look at the links on gunbroker? All really nice pieces going for about half of what you think yours is worth. Of course it is your gun and you can ask whatever you want but that is not the market.

 

[James&theGiant1911]

The market is what people will pay not what you ask for your gun or would ask. Did you get ben look at the links on gunbroker? All really nice pieces going for about half of what you think yours is worth. Of course it is your gun and you can ask whatever you want but that is not the market.

Evidently it is the market or I found a buyer. Either way I will never try and sell a gun here again since it resulted in multiple bans and just got out of hand. The market is the market I found a market so therefore I set the market and the type of guns I have tend to do just that. Thanks and happy shooting

 

[jjbrewst1]

I’ve sold 4 in the last 3 months on Gunbroker. I’m a top 100 seller. The highest went a tad over 1000 the other 3 sold for under 1000. Other sellers have been averaging around 750-850 tops.

Sorry but the market has tanked for awhile on these. And it’s too bad. If any one wants to verify my credentials. sarah15 on Gunbroker.

 

[toddcfii]

Different conversation

Again the reality is I sold my pre rail 3913 TSW for 200 dollars more than I had it on this very site. I could care less if the Shorty 40 market is whatever, mine is not for sale. Again, I will stand by my statement and you and whomever can take it for what it is worth. A pristine condition Shorty 40 will bring 1800-2200 as has been done before and will be done again on any number of auction sites. I did not think you could link in auction sites to this forum anyway since it is against the rules. The examples you shown had significant wear marks on them.

The OP asked what an honest fair price for that gun is and we all agree not original box with original serial numbers and holster wear equals a 700-1000 gun. The part I think you all fail to realize is that there is a difference between mint and worn condition. Again, condition is everything I do not care if the Shorty 40 market is dead. Regardless the value for MINT pristine guns in LNIB condition is much higher than what the market dictates.

I think you are having a different conversation than the rest of us. We are not telling you what you would sell your Shorty 40 for. That could be one million dollars. What we are saying is what the market will bear. Also I do not agree with your “everybody agrees that a holster worn specimen would go for $700 a $1000”. I think the market says that will go for no higher than $700. A pristine but fired one will go for around $1000 and an NIB one will probably bring $1500 based on comparing to other NIB PC guns versus pristine ones. If you have an NIB one then $1600 might be there (doubt it) but no way $2000 for any catalogued Shorty 40 in any condition.

By the way I am glad you got more for your TSW than you had it for sale for here on this website. But it does not surprise me. This website is a very small market.

 

[James&theGiant1911]

I think you are having a different conversation than the rest of us. We are not telling you what you would sell your Shorty 40 for. That could be one million dollars. What we are saying is what the market will bear. Also I do not agree with your “everybody agrees that a holster worn specimen would go for $700 a $1000”. I think the market says that will go for no higher than $700. A pristine but fired one will go for around $1000 and an NIB one will probably bring $1500 based on comparing to other NIB PC guns versus pristine ones. If you have an NIB one then your $1800 might be there (don’t it) but no way $2000 for any catalogued Shorty 40 in any condition.

Well the market for my pre rail pristine 3913 tsw bore evidence that there is a market for what I sold it for. The shorty 40 in nib condition has been listed for 2200, the market bares what the market bares but to say that they would never sell for that is wrong, they do sell for that and have sold for that.

 

[jjbrewst1]

Well the market for my pre rail pristine 3913 tsw bore evidence that there is a market for what I sold it for. The shorty 40 in nib condition has been listed for 2200, the market bares what the market bares but to say that they would never sell for that is wrong, they do sell for that and have sold for that.

A 3913 is a 9mm. Not even a fair comparison. A shorty 40 will not bring 2200 anymore. It just won’t.

I showed above what the market is bringing. LNIB Guns are selling for 900-1100. The proof is on the auctions. Do I hope they get back up to 1500+. Yes.

Now shorty 9’s and shorty 45’s yes. They bring 1700-2200. Maybe you have those mistaken with the 40’s.

 

[James&theGiant1911]

A 3913 is a 9mm. Not even a fair comparison. A shorty 40 will not bring 2200 anymore. It just won’t.

I showed above what the market is bringing. LNIB Guns are selling for 900-1100. The proof is on the auctions. Do I hope they get back up to 1500+. Yes.

Now shorty 9’s and shorty 45’s yes. They bring 1700-2200. Maybe you have those mistaken with the 40’s.

Several were listed at 2200, but I said they would bring at least 1800. I don’t buy and sell guns I keep them usually except for the 9mm third gens as I’m not a fan. I ccw a springfield Xmd 40 right now so I am a big fan of th sig 357 and the 40 hollow points. The 9mm is a little weak for my liking but I do carry a 380 acp as a back up. I do have a few 9mm but they are the lite sig 228 and a hi power browning. As far as 45 goes nighthawk and Wilson make superior 1911 commanders which are significantly better than the pc 45s.

Either way the shorty 40 is probably smiths best 40 caliber ever. They are soooo smooth, and I like them a lot. So if the op can pick up a nice shooter for 700-1000 then i5 is worth it.

 

[okiegtrider]

This thread took a strange turn.