Triple lock opinion

[AZ Rebel]

Gentlemen, A near local gun shop has a TL for sale. It's been in his case for a year now. Condition looks original finish at about 60%. No pitting, bore is shiny. It has a lot of honest wear but no visible abuse. Numbers match, and it retains the yoke spring. Grips are pre war magna style so not original to the gun. Asking price is over $4K (it's been sitting there for awhile!). Dealer says he will take offers. What would y'all believe is a fair starting offer on it as described? I failed to mention it's 6inch and ..44 SPC.

 

[moosedog]

Almost impossible to guess without pictures. But I can safely say that $4,000 is way too much.

 

[AZ Rebel]

Almost impossible to guess without pictures. But I can safely say that $4,000 is way too much.

I have a picture of it but I'm not comfortable putting it on line without his consent.

 

[iby]

Here's 2 pictures you can show to your LGS when you make an offer
From Amoskeag last May
Less than 1/2 of $4000 incl BP/etc . About 80%+

 

[DARE]

I paid $1000 for this one about two years ago. Had some non factory pearl grips on it. Sold them for $150 and paid $325 for a nice set of correct grips. So have around $1200 in it as equipped.
I paid $750 for a nice set of pre-war Magnas a couple of years ago. Think the Magnas add some value but agree nowhere near a $4000 gun.

 

[Tom K]

Here are some screenshots and links to recently completed Triple Lock auctions on GunBroker. All are obviously refinished although some claim "original finish". Except for the .455 Webley, I'd say they were all overpriced. That is to say, I wouldn't pay that much for them. Asking $4000 for a 60% gun also sounds wildly overpriced.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1115232418


https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1111105027


https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1118151628


https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1119144398

 

[DBrainard]

The $4K is the reason it's still sitting there. The most I ever paid for a triple lock was $850 and that one is in 455 Webley!

 

[quinn]

I don't see any of the critical info here. What is the barrel length? Is it a target model? Both of these items have have a major impact on value. I paid $4k for a nice 4" one and haven't been able to afford a target model yet. And if it were a 44wcf version....

 

[AZ Rebel]

I don't see any of the critical info here. What is the barrel length? Is it a target model? Both of these items have have a major impact on value. I paid $4k for a nice 4" one and haven't been able to afford a target model yet. And if it were a 44wcf version....

Standard 6inch non target, .44 spc

 

[mrcvs]

Standard 6inch non target, .44 spc

I can almost guarantee you that it's got a 6 1/2" barrel and not a 6" one.

 

[mrcvs]

What's the condition? Standard 6 1/2", .44 Special really needs to be at least 90% and probably closer to 95% or more to bring 4k. Which explains why it's been sitting for so long.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! That's one of my grail revolvers...although not for $4K! If I could find a nice one for under $2K, I'd be all over it but I never see any for sale around here. It would have to be 99% in the original box to bring $4k...that's almost getting into Reg Mag pricing.

 

[mrcvs]

Condition far from pristine, but this IS a Target Model with a 7 1/2" barrel. $1700, purchased in April.

 

[greenwellg]

I had a couple of very tired triple locks 40 years ago. Like many of the long term appreciating value S&W guns that many here have owned for decades the value to me has reached a point where I just pass on acquiring another one. I could say above my pay scale but that would be false. At current prices the cost benefit ratio just does not add up for me and me alone.

 

[mrcvs]

I had a couple of very tired triple locks 40 years ago. Like many of the long term appreciating value S&W guns that many here have owned for decades the value to me has reached a point where I just pass on acquiring another one. I could say above my pay scale but that would be false. At current prices the cost benefit ratio just does not add up for me and me alone.

IDK, it's a long wait for a Triple Lock Target Model with a 7 1/2" barrel.

 

[hkcavalier]

TL "Bisley" Half Target w/cylinder shaved for .45ACP on moons, less than $800 last year.

Unusual and rare variation but the modification definitely reduces the value. I still feel I got a great deal! The stocks alone are probably worth $400. I've seen some rougher but all original guns sell for around $1200. $4000 gavel price would have to be an amazing high condition and/or Target variation.

 

[Riposte1]

I have a 1012 Triple lock, it was likely a standard model but profesionally modified by Kings or Micro (not sure when) - I paid $400 for it perhaps 12 years ago. I paid $500 for the 1950 target with it 20 years ago - both in .44 spl.



BTW, Bryan Pearce has a nice vidoe on YouTube on why you should never fire jacketed bullets through a 1950s or prior S&W!

Riposte

 

[iby]

TL "Bisley" Half Target w/cylinder shaved for .45ACP on moons, less than $800 last year.

Unusual and rare variation but the modification definitely reduces the value. I still feel I got a great deal! The stocks alone are probably worth $400. I've seen some rougher but all original guns sell for around $1200. $4000 gavel price would have to be an amazing high condition and/or Target variation.

was it a 455?

 

[hkcavalier]

was it a 455?

Almost certainly. Not cut deep enough for .45 Colt. It's actually at the gunsmith now to get the charge holes fixed since a couple of them aren't deep enough even for .45ACP.

 

[Hal H.]

Just curious… what would a .44 triple lock target model in it's original box be worth… anyone.