Request fair price range for S&W .32-20 HE Revolver

[Johnny Guest]

Just ran across a kinda neat revolver in a local shop:

S&W .32-20 Hand Ejector with five-inch barrel. Serial number indicates it was produced late in the model run, probably 1938 - - 1940. Lack of wear patterns indicates this was probably a desk drawer handgun. Some rubbing at muzzle but probably never carried in a holster.

Bore and chambers are excellent. Mechanically perfect - - Meets ALL the "Used Revolver Check List" criteria. Action is slightly stiff but very smooth.

I'd rate overall condition at around 50%, mainly due to a lot of small rust spots with some shallow pitting on the left side of an otherwise excellent blue finish. Otherwise, it'd be a strong 90 -- 95% piece. Plenty nice for me, and I wouldn't be worried about ruining a really primo collector's item by shooting it. Five screw, of course. I've already looked this one up in SCS&W, but I don't have the serial number with me at the moment.

Proper non-medallion large diamond stocks in excellent shape.

You don't see this type in the shops very often. They weren't as popular in this area as were the larger calibers.

I'd appreciate some objective input as to fair market value. I don't have a DEEP yearning for this one, but I sure like old revolvers in nice shape. I'll not fool myself that I need this one for a trail gun or survival piece - - I just think it'd be fun to shoot.

Thanks in advance
Johnny

 

[newfalguy101]

I dont know how real world fair market it is but the book prices is:

AS PER YOUR DESCRIPTION:

100% $375

90% $235

50% $115


How much are they asking??

Hope this helps

 

[Gordon]

I would expect to pay $300-375 . These are REALLY nice, but not that popular YET! Buy it! Buy it ....BUY buy buy. Offer $300 in dead presidents


Start stacking the bills with offering $250 first! (which is fair) tell them $300 is as high as you can go-cash.

 

[Old Fuff]

The minor rust and pitting will bring the value down, but a clean bore is a big positive because I've seen a lot of 95% guns that have very poor bores. Most shooters aren't interested in the .32-20, and the cosmetic problems will turn off a collectors. I'd go no higher then $275.00 and expect a good chance to get it for $250.00 (cash).

Clean the dried grease and crud out of the lockwork, lubricate it, and trade a standard (current) mainspring for the one now in the gun. You can always put the original one back, but making this little modification will work wonders for the way the action feels.

 

[Master Blaster]

About a month ago a local shop had a model of 1905 32-20 hand ejector like the one you describe. It was in nearly perfect condition. If it had been a .38 spl. gun I would have bought it. But I really didnt feel like dealing with reloading 32-20.

The gun sat there for a couple of weeks and finally someone bought it.

The price on it was $195.

The other day I saw a model of 1905 in .38spl. with a 5 or 6" barrel, checkered front and backstrap, checkered trigger, adjustible Target sights.

It had a lot of scratches and the front half of the gun was missing the blueing. I looked at it, and it had good lock up. The shop wanted $150 for it, but I passed. It had the original walnut stocks.

It was kind of dirty, and the shop clerk said that the guy who sold it to them had been carrying it for self defense.

 

[0007]

M/B If that happens again with a 32-20 let me know, please, I just ended up with a '92 Win and am thinking I need a pistol to go with it. Thanks.

Ditto, JG, if you decide you don't want that one.

 

[quiettype]

I used to have one and it was really nice.Soft trigger pull and easy to hit with.