Smith & Wesson pre 17 in rough shape cosmetically what would you pay for it

[murphydog]

Wouldn't consider buying it. I have nothing against used and well-cared for guns but this one has the signs of being stored wet (holster?) and left there. Who knows what examining the internals might find?

If you are determined to own it and can live with its appearance, however, inspect it thoroughly and offer $300 if it checks out. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Dieseltech56]

It's hard to walk away from stuff like that. Believe me I know because no matter how bad it looks someone will buy it.

A few months ago I walked way from a 65-5 that looked like it had been tied to a tailpipe and dragged down a gravel road. I had pipe dreams of refinishing it, replacing the side plate and bringing it back to its former beauty. The store would not come off the price though so I walked away. Sure enough it didn't last 2 weeks in the case and some poor sucker bought it. The more I think about it the happier I am, there was just no saving it without some major dollars.

 

[Capt. F.]

Bought a 5 screw off one of the auction sights last year, about 90%, for $450. Included was an after market cherry presentation box. They're out there, I'd keep looking.

 

[SweetMK]

It's just not a gun that I want.
A pass for me.

Don't hunt with a gun that embarrasses the dog.

I purchased a 17-4 for $250 about 7 years ago,,, the little bluing loss bugged me EVERY time I took it out,,

One day, my neighbor offered me $650,, I did not bat an eye,, it was gone,,
I really wanted another 617,, so that is what I got,, just about for even money,,,

Other than the Model 18,, I am DONE with blued rimfires for shooting,,,

 

[Camster]

It's hard to walk away from stuff like that. Believe me I know because no matter how bad it looks someone will buy it.

A few months ago I walked way from a 65-5 that looked like it had been tied to a tailpipe and dragged down a gravel road. I had pipe dreams of refinishing it, replacing the side plate and bringing it back to its former beauty. The store would not come off the price though so I walked away. Sure enough it didn't last 2 weeks in the case and some poor sucker bought it. The more I think about it the happier I am, there was just no saving it without some major dollars.

Let the suckers have them.It's not a competition,and neither should one be compelled to deny one to someone else. I also get the impression that some guys will pay just as much for a rough gun as a nice one,as they're bored and want a project to occupy their time....I'm not one of them.

 

[2152hq]

The cylinder has the worst of the bluing damage. A bit on the bbl around the markings but not bad there.
Of course the rest of the gun we cannot see...
But with that showing and the rest of it looks actually quite nice from the pic,,I'd probably throw an offer of $300 in. Maybe take it at $350 if they came back with that.
I don't really need another one, but damaged & orphan guns interest me as projects which I have too many of already

Either reblue the cylinder to bring the gun back up in condition,,or maybe refinish the bbl and cyl in nickel for your own Pinto,,,
Or perhaps use the gun as a full custom project. The finish doesn't matter in that case so why pay for it.
The grips would go in a custom project so they would re=claim at least some $$ from the original buy. They look like pretty nice diamond magnas.
Projects can be expensive if you can't do any of the work yourself and have to farm it all out to gunsmiths and mechanics.

If I was just wanting a M17 and an earlier one to own and shoot,,at the asking price I'd pass given the outside condition. Seems high for a somewhat common pistol with that much damaged blue.

 

[Texas Star]

I wouldn't buy that at all, for any price. The $550 price tag is disgusting.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

$550 is ridiculous, and I would ignore the price tag in any conversation with the seller. It would make a great first pistol for a kid, or just a shooter for yourself. I would pick it up at $300, maybe $350 if it was really in supreme mechanical condition.

Obviously you have gotten a lot of different answers, which reminds us that value is subjective.

 

[delta-419]

M17

A $12 bottle of rust blue and some 400 grit paper would fix the cylinder if its not pitted. If the bore and chambers are bright and it checks out mechanically, start the bidding at $300. Its worth that much as a shooter. I picked up one a couple of years back for much, much, less than the asking price for that one. It happened to be a k-cheq conversion to 22 Hornet that somebody had put a ton of money into. It was a brown gun but mechanically 100%. Then again I love project guns.

 

[Waveski]

3 years ago I found a 1930 Outdoorsman , worn bluing , nice patina , mechanically sound - with gold "Call" front sight , for $546.

About 1 1/2 yr ago I found a 17 dash something , 8 3/8" bbl , finish 95%+ (conservative estimate) ., mechanically excellent , for $750.

That $550 price tag is an insult , the kind of thing that makes me inclined to leave the gun shop.

 

[Corgilover]

Update

First of all I would like to thank everybody for their opinions and comments and points of view, you all have been very helpful. Second I called the gun shop yesterday talk to the owner son and he said if it's still in the case after 30 days then he might look at reducing the price but right now$550 is the price.

 

[AlHunt]

First of all I would like to thank everybody for their opinions and comments and points of view, you all have been very helpful. Second I called the gun shop yesterday talk to the owner son and he said if it's still in the case after 30 days then he might look at reducing the price but right now$550 is the price.

It'll be there.

 

[sigp220.45]

I'm a sucker for guns like that, but the list price is crazy.

I think I would put three one hundred dollar bills on the counter and see what happens.

It looks a little better rightside up.

 

[Waveski]

Anyone know what would make the bluing of the cylinder fail in such a blotchy fashion?

 

[cadmike]

The 550 price tag would offend me to the point I would likely not make any offer at all. If I really wanted that gun, I'd be tempted to make an equally offensive offer of $45, just to see what the shopkeeper said. Or maybe ask him in a totally serious tone while pointing at the gun "hey, is that a colt python?"

 

[hkcavalier]

I've seen nicer K22s/17s sell for $250 in private sales pretty recently. Perfect, no, but nicer than that one!

I have been known to argue with pawn shops or LGSs that sell on consignment. "No sane person would pay that price. You're fishing for an idiot" has left my lips more than a couple times. At least they know where I stand

 

[jimmyj]

Pre-Model 17

$250.00 tops

 

[pumpgun]

my first pre-17 was like that, maybe a little worse. mechanically fine and shoots great. i paid $440 with shipping and FFL fee's and thought i paid a bit too much but didn't care. what the heck is 50 or 75 bucks anyway? let it sit a month or so and offer 450 OTD.

 

[JohnRippert]

People have been saying for years that any K frame in good mechanical condition without rust is worth $350. Being a pre model number gun, that is a $400 revolver. Latest Catalog lists fair condition as $500. I realize that some of y'all will not pay that. Does not mean it is not worth it.

 

[shouldazagged]

Looks like somebody's tackle box gun. A saltwater fisherman.

But if it's sound mechanically and has a clean bore and chambers, and if I had any money (insert rueful laugh here), I'd offer $250 and work not too far up.