What is my 38 S&W SPL worth?

[godawgs31]

Brand new to the forum. Just trying to figure out the approximate value of the .38 SPL I inherited. I'll post some photos. It's still in the original S&W box with the S&W wax paper. I called S&W this morning and they looked up the serial # and said it was manufactured between 1974-1977.

Would be looking to sell it just wondering what the value might be so I have an idea.

Thanks

 

[godawgs31]

Additional photos

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome to the Forum.

S&W likely shipped your heirloom in '75.

Recent sale prices I've seen are above $600 for ones like yours.

 

[22hipower]

With the box and papers I wouldn't be surprised to see it priced at close to $800 where I shop and sell somewhere between $600 and $800.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[godawgs31]

With the box and papers I wouldn't be surprised to see it priced at close to $800 where I shop and sell somewhere between $600 and $800.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Thank you for that information. What is the best avenue for selling a firearm like this? Try to sell to a local firearms store, sell on the forums here? Sorry for the stupid questions I’ve never done this I’m terms of a firearm. Thanks for any advice.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Thank you for that information. What is the best avenue for selling a firearm like this? Try to sell to a local firearms store, sell on the forums here? Sorry for the stupid questions I’ve never done this I’m terms of a firearm. Thanks for any advice.

Local gun shop will most likely offer 50% of what they think they can sell it for ; maybe less.

Shipping insurance and transfer fees (FFL) tend to eat into online sales.

Can't go wrong owning a 2" Model 60...... guns tend to keep up with inflation..... that was probably a $200 (?) in the mid-70s


Another thread; 1987 S&W price list showed a Model 60 MSRP $271

 

[Camster]

Thank you for that information. What is the best avenue for selling a firearm like this? Try to sell to a local firearms store, sell on the forums here? Sorry for the stupid questions I’ve never done this I’m terms of a firearm. Thanks for any advice.

All depends on what you really want out of it.
Easiest way-sell to local dealer -maybe see 300.
Next easiest way-put it on consignment with a local dealer. Whatever he gets, minus 15-25%.
Don't know your locale, but state and federal regulations will come into play.
Offering online will get you closer to retail, but with the expense of your dealer's cost to do a transfer,(25-65) and gun sale site fees, if you use one of them. Be aware of shipping costs and shipping requirements.
Handguns are not so easy to deal in.

 

[smithra_66]

Thank you for that information. What is the best avenue for selling a firearm like this? Try to sell to a local firearms store, sell on the forums here? Sorry for the stupid questions I’ve never done this I’m terms of a firearm. Thanks for any advice.

Gunbroker, penny start. You'll get the most the market will bear.

 

[NCBeagle]

Welcome to the Forum.

S&W likely shipped your heirloom in '75.

Recent sale prices I've seen are above $600 for ones like yours.

Agreed. I shipped from the factory that same year and don’t look nearly as good.

Nice snubbie.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[otis24]

Look to see if your local newspaper or new’s station has an online classifieds section in your local area. Ours used to have one but the host decided not to allow gun sales.

 

[murphydog]

You will definitely net the most selling here.

Here are the selling rules:

The Rules

You have to have an FFL on your end who will send it to the buyer’s FFL, but the transfer and shipping costs are paid by the buyer. But consider keeping it, it’s a nice model 60 that will only go up in value.

 

[Rudi]

That is a nice Smith. I'd keep it.

 

[scooter123]

I would suggest that you sell it direct to buyer. Gun shops have lights and personnel to pay for and typically will offer 35% of the retail price estimate. So for a 700 dollar revolver they will offer 200-225 to start off and cut the bidding off at 250 dollars.

As to how to sell direct, joining a forum such as this one is a good place to start. Another good place is a Gun Club, however as you are willing to actually sell this revolver I suspect that you are not a handgun shooter. So joining a gun club isn't likely to be an option for you. Best thing to do in this case is tell a friend or family member who does shoot you want to sell this revolver. One thing you do NOT want to do is put in on Craigslist if that is even allowed. Too many people have been killed trying to sell something as basic as sneakers.

 

[toddimusnimski]

If you do choose to sell, please consider putting it in the For Sale section here on the Forum. Its a beautiful gun and many would be glad to own it. There are a lot on Gunbroker that have sold for $5-800, depending on condition and extras. You could list it here for $750 and lower it by $50 if it doesn't sell in a week. Or whatever amount and timeframe you like.

Most FFL's do private firearm shipping all the time. Check gunshops in your area for prices and reputation. It's a pretty straightforward process for them so don't let your unfamiliarity make you hesitant.

USPS money order is usually the safest way to receive payment. The buyer will send funds to you and provide your FFL with his FFL info so they can coordinate shipment and transfer.

Someone had great taste in firearms! Best wishes as you do whats best for you.

Todd

 

[shovelmike]

Keep it!

That is a beautiful revolver, even if you are not a gun enthusiast you should keep it in remembrance of the one you inherited it from.
If you are in dire need of money it's understandable, on the other hand, it will appreciate in value in years to come.

 

[raljr1]

If you are a Bulldog fan and live in Georgia, you could conceivable do a fave to face transfer in state. Look tonsee if there is a Georgia gun trader .com that you can list the gun on. ..cost is minimal and you can specifly a local transfer, either face to face or at a locap gun shop.

You could offer it here, but some buyers are reluctant of the seller hasn't been here for long.

Nice revolver, worth leeping if $60 os life changing money. It will sell quickly of you choose to sell it.

Robert

 

[stansdds]

That's a pretty desirable piece, I'd say $700-$800.

 

[Grayfox]

You don't say where you're located. Guessing Georgia by your screen name?
The laws regarding firearms sales vary greatly from one state to another. In some states like mine (Tennessee) its perfectly legal to sell a handgun to another individual. No paperwork required at all.
However, in some other states, you have to sell through a FFL dealer and deal with background checks or waiting periods.
Where are you located?

 

[LostintheOzone]

Welcome to the forum.

I don't think you would have a problem selling it here. Just follow the rules.

60 is a nice carry and a popular model among people here who traffic in revolvers.

Probably worth $700 considering the high condition.