To buy or not to buy????

[lackejd]

I just purchased a 17-3 this evening. It is a very nice gun. When I was buying it, the individual came out with a 14-3 and asked if I would be interested in it as well. He wants $550 for it. It is a 14-3 with an 8 3/8" barrel and has very dark walnut grips. The gun is really immaculate both cosmetically and mechanically. He does not have the box, and there is a very, very faint turn line on the cylinder. Other than that, it is near perfect. When would the DOB for this 14-3 be with a serial number of 6K84**? I am sure it is not the bargain of the century, but it is a really beautiful gun, in my opinion. There have been several times that I have wavered on purchasing a gun, thought about it overnight, decided to get it the next day, and it was already sold when I finally came off of the fence and decided to buy it. I have already gotten the Smith and Wesson bug, and I am not sure if I will regret letting this one go. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[29aholic]

Welcome to the forum

Buy it....14's are getting harder to come by and $550 for the shape you describe is a decent deal.

 

[pownal55]

i love 14's and that long barrel means it's a tack driver. might be a bit high with no box but i would grab it anyway, just my two cents.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

It looks like it was made in 1975. Sounds like
a really nice gun, GO FOR IT. I have one that is a
single action. Don

 

[fyimo]

Buy it as that's a great price on a really great gun.

I love mdoel 14's and I have a model 14-4 in 8 3/8 inch barrel.

 

[Not....Simple]

I would probably go ahead and buy that 14. It's after all not a gun that was produced in tremendous numbers and if it's in that good of condition it will be hard to find one for a great deal less money to beat it. I make that serial number mid 1975 as well, and it's going to be very difficult to ever come up with a .38 that will shoot as nicely as those do. I think I would do it and post an add in the wanted section and try to find a correct box. That shouldn't cost all that much and if nothing else you have one very nice piece of trading material for something you just can't live without down the road.


N.....S




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[clang444]

I'll be the contrarian - I think $550 is too much for the gun. In the long run you probably won't get hurt, but I would put this gun in the $450 price range tops.

Market conditions might be different by you, but late model blued guns (1970s) and .38 specials are not appreciating like some other S&Ws. That doesn't mean they won't catch up, but not yet.

 

[Camster]

I'm with Clang.I'd be more positive if it were a 6 inch tube-the longer one isn't everyone's cup of tea.However,if you find it beautiful, that's all that matters.

 

[USAF385]

I'd say buy... I mean.. of course I'd tell you to buy another S&W.. but still...

 

[Troystat]

I prefer the 6" barrel but when in doubt buy it. You might offer 500.00 worst thing that could happen is he would say yes.

Troy

 

[winchester1]

I agree with the members thinking it is a little high, not much, but a little. With that being said whats a few bucks? If you like it and can swing it, treat yourself to it. Take care of it and the value will only go up.