snubby prices!

[SquarePizza]

My wife got her permit and started carrying. We both bounce back and forth between glocks and J frames, clothing and temperature depending. She started with a 351PD and liked it, but doesn't like the exposed hammer because it snags. Then stole my G26, which was ok with me because I had fallen for a G39.

However she still favored a J-frame for those times when the glock would print too much, so the little ferret started carrying my 649! Ok, I'm not mad because I am glad she is armed with a good gun, but I miss it sometimes. No problem, I will just buy her a j-frame of her own! She requests one with a steel frame and a 1 7/8ths barrel, since my 649 pokes too far out of her belly band.

Alright... I can work with that... lets see what S&W has. Ok... they only offer steel guns with the 2 1/4 barrel. Over to GB it is then for an older model...

I knew plastic fantastics were in demand, supply is short and GB prices are above MSRP. I get it, everyone wants their cop gun to protect their family in unusual times. Just like I expect 9mm and 5.56 to be out of stock.

Its been awhile since I have looked at buying another snubbie.... boy was I in for shock when I fired up gun broker. S&W msrp for basic models is $477, it seems GB going rates are low 600s into the 800 range, and many of them are having double digit bid wars on them.

A quick look through our here classifieds shows mostly full size guns for sale, nothing in the J-frame flavor on the front page. I guess I am in for some sad times ahead while I wait for something to pop up on the radar. At least I know my wife is well served with her stolen 649.

 

[billwill]

Be glad that you are not trying to buy a gun and a bicycle ....you would be in sticker shock land.

 

[Beauetienne]

Although numerous, I've see a rise in price for the pre-hole guns and I think it's well deserved. i cannot live with over $600, though. Damn!

 

[ContinentalOp]

Steel pre-lock J-frames are only going to go up in price. If you shop around, you might get lucky. I'd suggest checking not only gun stores in your area, but pawn shops, too, if you haven't already. Personally, I'd be happy with something in the $500-600 range for one in good condition. Might be willing to go a little higher for something I really want, like a 640ND (assuming I had the money, which I don't... ).

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My wife won't admit it but she thinks of shooting in competition mode instead of defensive mode! So when she wants to steal a revolver, she takes a shining to my 6" 17-3! Since her ccw gun is a glock17, I talked her out of my K-22 and into my 422. "After all a hammerless auto to help train for your hammerless auto. Right honey?"

Why she couldn't take a liking to my K-38's, after all, I have a stack of them in different barrel lengths! Funny thing is she turns her nose up when ask if she would like to try the like new early 60's model 10 6". With moderate velocity SWC 38's, it is the most accurate revolver in the heard! (including the K-22!) I guess Barney Fife influenced her more than she realized! She's left handed and thinks all fixed sight guns are factory sighted right handed (and maybe so at 25 yards) but at the 10 yards she shoots at it doesn't make any difference!

But my 49 No Dash and 36 are safe! (My brother not only absconded with my best J-frame ankle holster he took the 37 in it too! Happy birthday to him!!!)

Ivan

 

[Old cop]

Bought my Colt Cobra new for off-duty in ‘68 for $85. I saved the money for it during my three months in the police academy. Can’t imagine what it’s worth today.

 

[Rudi]

I think it is clearly a case of real value. A S&W or Colt snub are such well made guns. Strong, reliable, and valuable. At one LGS I visit they have them all in a special case together. You get what you pay for.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

About 10 years back I bought a S&W 638 because it had a hidden hammer. After a couple of boxes of ammo I learned the gun. Had a spring kit installed & it got much better. Great carry gun.

 

[dr. mordo]

I have to say I've been thinking about selling off my old J frames to capitalize on the current insanity, but then I think that the really old guns will only climb in value so I should probly keep them for now.

 

[DeathGrip]

36-1, rough shape. it's been thrashed around a bit and has the scars. 3" so not a snub but it goes with the others

60-7, one of my favorites wearing the wrong grips and a Tyler T

36 no dash. I have the box. The gun is in great shape finish wise
except the hammer was chipped so now it's been cleaned up a bit.

I love my J-frames