What to look for, selection of 1980 and up S&W revolvers

[SteveJewels]

I have been talking with a friend of mine who inherited some S&W revolvers. He mentioned to me he wanted to sell them and we talked about what I was looking for. He had one of the right model but it was a -1 and not the barrel length I was looking for. We talked some more a few weeks later and he said it would help him out if I were to buy some to help him get rid of them. I am not really looking to buy any but to help him out I probably will.

I expect them to be of the 1980 to 2000 vintage although there may be some older ones. What are some models/dash number (or no dash) and barrel length combinations that have held their value well or conversely, have not held their value well.

Not looking to score the one-of-a kind, million dollar piece, nor to get stuck with a skunk. Just maybe pick up some descent, interesting stuff and help out a friend.

Thanks!

 

[stansdds]

That is a very broad question. It really depends upon exactly which model and engineering change, barrel length, finish, wear, original or replacement stocks, and the inclusion of original box, documents, and tools.

 

[weatherby]

There isn't much to go on.
As a general rule N frames are worth more.
Short barrels are also hot.
Any with factory combats would be a chunk of change in the price.
Ones with target sights or less common cartridges could help too.
Like 44 special 32 mag etc

As an aside you could just steer him here to find out what he has there values and easy sales in the classifieds

 

[413Maxwedge]

What model was the -1 that you turned down?

 

[THE PILGRIM]

How bout a list-description of the guns?
Then we tell you exactly what we think about each one!

 

[Breakaway500]

Kinda like asking about a parking lot of Chevys and their value. Details count! What I can guarantee you is none of them will be worth a million dollars unless the barrel is full of perfect diamonds.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

If the guns are truly from the 1980s and one is a -1 ...

I'd guess it's a Chiefs Special Model 36-1 with a 3" Heavy Barrel.

Beyond that I'm lost at the vague question.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Couple I can think of.............

3" 66s -3,-4 approx. 1983-88 Got mine "new" in 88 for $270 going for +$1,000 today. Only about 5500 made.

4" 27s, special order only until 1979. Least common barrel length.

3 1/2" 27s are popular and bring nice $$s

Matching "box and docs" adds to value

Grab a copy of The SCS&W 5th .........

 

[dubshooter]

I’m not much of a help. But let me know if there’s a model 49 in the mix

 

[SteveJewels]

Kinda like asking about a parking lot of Chevys and their value. Details count! What I can guarantee you is none of them will be worth a million dollars unless the barrel is full of perfect diamonds.

Not really. The details are what I am asking for. If it were a lot full of Chevrolets, all at the same price, I would tell you to take the Corvettes and Camaros and pass on the Pintos and Vegas.

That is the kind of info I am looking for.

@413Maxwedge & @two-bit cowboy 629-1 with a 3 or 4" barrel

The info from @weatherby and @BAM-BAM is exactly the kind I am looking for. Very helpful. Thanks!

 

[SteveJewels]

So the guy can't make up his mind. He reneged on the offer which was to buy at least five at a fixed price and wanted to dicker. He doesn't want to dink around selling them one at a time but he wants to get dink around selling them one at a time prices or close to it. LOL

I told him I was never actually interested in any of them but accepted his offer to help a friend and I would still do that but I was not up to negotiating a price for each one.

He did originally offer to sell me two 629-1's at a stated price. I think one is 6" and the other is 4". I told him I would still do that and he started to dicker which I declined. LOL

He said he would honor his original offer for the 629-1's and will bring them to the match next month.

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[reddog81]

He did originally offer to sell me two 629-1's at a stated price. I think one is 6" and the other is 4". I told him I would still do that and he started to dicker which I declined. LOL

He said he would honor his original offer for the 629-1's and will bring them to the match next month.

Thanks for everyone's help.

What’s the price he’s at? $500? $1000? $1500? Throw us a bone. It’s a lot easier to give guidance if we have something to go on.

IMO When the seller starts to go back on a stated price, it means they have no idea what they are doing or a person you probably don’t want to do deals with.