S&W 38/44 going prices

[goldwinghg]

I'm looking at a 38/44,trying to get a reasonable price to offer. I know condition makes a big difference. This looks like it's in very good shape. Normal wear for a handgun this old,but no rust or pitting. I havent seen the serial so if not sure if it's pre war,or post war. I know this isn't a lot of info. Just trying to get some idea of a price. Thanks for your help!

 

[TXBryan]

A tough question without more specifics. Pictures make a difference and a description would be useful. Prices are highly variable, even for Heavy Duty .38s, depending on barrel length, pre-war/post-war, outdoorsman model vs. fixed sights, original grips, bored out to .357, etc. In pretty good condition, a nice specimen, that is not particularly sought after, probably well over a grand these days.

 

[spin132]

Very tough question, is it an Outdoorsman or a Heavy Duty? Pre-war or post? Both questions make a difference. Recently gave 2k for this pre-war Outdoorsman with King cockeyed hammer and white outlined rear sight. On the other hand, gave $700 for a post war shooter grade heavy duty in pretty good shape.

Mike

 

[Okie Red]

I'm looking at a 38/44,trying to get a reasonable price to offer. I know condition makes a big difference. This looks like it's in very good shape. Normal wear for a handgun this old,but no rust or pitting. I havent seen the serial so if not sure if it's pre war,or post war. I know this isn't a lot of info. Just trying to get some idea of a price. Thanks for your help!

 

[Okie Red]

I purchased a 5" Heavy Duty with a 1932 ship date three years ago at my LGS for $900 out the door. It was not punched to a .357 magnum and was in about 90% it did not have the original grips. I may have paid a little to much for it but we don't see many vintage Smith revolvers at our local gun store.

 

[StrawHat]

I believe prices are starting to come down. At least my experience at auctions.

Kevin

 

[goldwinghg]

The seller has come down to $750,but he's not very easy to get pictures and info. He sent two pictures,and what I can see looks pretty good. It looks to have the original grips, and he said it was a post war,and hadn't been converted to a 357 mag.

 

[Gun Relics]

The seller has come down to $750,but he's not very easy to get pictures and info. He sent two pictures,and what I can see looks pretty good. It looks to have the original grips, and he said it was a post war,and hadn't been converted to a 357 mag.

At that price, it's a quick buy no matter which version it is.

 

[GLL]

Are the sights fixed or adjustable? Is the barrel 4 or 5 inch vs. 6 1/2 inch?

 

[goldwinghg]

Are the sights fixed or adjustable? Is the barrel 4 or 5 inch vs. 6 1/2 inch?

Fixed sights,looks like a 5" barrel.

 

[Dave.357]

90% gun for $750 would be time to buy if
Is all original

 

[Abbotson]

I purchased a 5" Heavy Duty with a 1932 ship date three years ago at my LGS for $900 out the door. It was not punched to a .357 magnum and was in about 90% it did not have the original grips. I may have paid a little to much for it but we don't see many vintage Smith revolvers at our local gun store.

From what I've seen, they're a tough sell. And I won't get into converting to .44 Special.

 

[goldwinghg]

90% gun for $750 would be time to buy if
Is all original

That's the problem I'm not getting enough info,and pictures to really tell.

 

[paplinker]

From what I've seen, they're a tough sell. And I won't get into converting to .44 Special.

I agree a tougher sell on a 90% gun but 98%+ in the box are still holding strong in my opinion. I even think RMs are calming down unless very high condition or have provenance.

 

[mrcvs]

I agree a tougher sell on a 90% gun but 98%+ in the box are still holding strong in my opinion. I even think RMs are calming down unless very high condition or have provenance.

Yes they have. The N frame market HAS softened, even if some don’t want to admit that.

 

[paplinker]

Yes they have. The N frame market HAS softened, even if some don’t want to admit that.

Are you thinking prewar 98+boxed are also?
I mostly follow Outdoorsmans prices and high condition HDs

 

[goldwinghg]

90% gun for $750 would be time to buy if
Is all original

Only from what I can tell by the pictures. I think 90% might be a little high. I would say closer to 80 to 85%.

 

[The Gila Bender]

Serial number? S-prefix? Single-line (indicating pre-war or transitional long action) or four-line (1950 model short action) address? Now I'm curious.

 

[Mike LaNier]

I'm a fan of the N-frame guns and a 'Heavy Duty' (fixed-sight 38-44 )with a 5" barrel certainly rings my bell! I think $750 is a great price, but then I live on the west coast, and things in the Socialist states (Washington, Oregon and California) are generally higher than in the midwest and southeast.... Just a thought. I have an 'Outdoorsman' (adjustable sight 38-44) and they are a joy to shoot.

 

[TXBryan]

I purchased this HD about five years ago. It shipped in the summer of 1946 (I have a letter) and it's about 90% or a bit more. I paid $900 for it. I like it and bet you'll like one too.

Bryan

Bryan