Reasonable price for Ruger 3 screw

[osteodoc08]

At the LGS today. I had been eyeing an 1895GBL, but it sold. New in the used case was an unmodified ruger BH 3 screw with 4-5/8" barrel and in decent shape. You can tell someone has been into it and had the grip frame off due to small gouges (don't even know if I wanna use that word) in the aluminum grip frame screw holes. Screws themselves are fine. It has a nice trigger and no rust. Honest bluing wear. Maybe 80-85%. They want $500. Is this market price?

 

[CraigC]

Need more details. Some guns of some vintages are worth a lot more than others. For example, a .45Colt like you describe would be worth double that of a later Old Model .357.

What chambering?

Is it an early flat-top or later eared model? Earlier flat-tops are almost always worth more. Presence of original grips on a flat-top can also greatly effect value. A set of hard rubbers in good shape can go for as much as $150 alone. Later walnuts, not so much.

Has it been converted to the transfer bar action? If so, does it include the original parts. the transfer bar retrofit action is usually heavy and gritty. Obtaining a set of replacement innards can also cost $150.

These may sound like mundane details but the answers can have a profound effect on value.

 

[osteodoc08]

Sorry. I was on my iPhone and got side tracked. Non flat top 357 mag from 71 or 72 based on serial number I can remember. Not converted.

 

[CraigC]

In 80-85% condition, I'd say $350 to no more than $400.

 

[SunnySlopes]

There's a mint BH like you describe, locally, for $550.

I wouldn't pay $500 for 85%.

 

[CraigC]

Nor I, $500 should yield a decent flat-top in the same condition.

 

[osteodoc08]

So a fair offer would be around $400? Ok. Ill see what I can do with that tomorrow.