S&W 31-1 value?

[Lokichoki]

I'm bidding on a 95% S&W model 31-1 in 32S&W, the serial number is unknown to me right now so can't date it. What would be a decent value for this revolver. I'm sorry for no info or pictures I can't seem to download the pictures in the ad and the S# is blurry

 

[ThomasT]

I wouldn't take less than $450 for mine. I have a 4" barrel on my gun. What barrel length is on the one you are looking at?

 

[Lokichoki]

It looks to be 4" it was one of those sellers who suck at descriptions. Its at $471 and I put my bid at $475. It looks like that person incrementally bid but gave up at $471, which sucks ass if your a quite and now im paying for it haha

 

[ThomasT]

Well if you win the auction I promise you will like the gun. Mine was the first ever 32 revolver I ever shot. I had some 32 acp rounds and had heard they would work. So I tried them and they all fired but I could barely keep them on the creek bank 15 feet away. When I got my hands on real 32 Long ammo I found out it was a shooter. And even with a 4" barrel it will fit in the front pocket of my jeans. But the 2" and 3" model 30-1s I later bought fit better.

I hope you are a handloader. I load all my ammo and cast most of the bullets too. I like the Lee 94gr SWC bullet. I load it unsized. I think you will find that the gun probably has .314 throats and a .313 barrel bore. Mine does and thats why the undersized 32acp (.311 bullet) rounds didn't shoot so well. I also have a Lee 100gr RN mold that drops a .313 bullet and that also shoots pretty good out of the gun. Plus some Hornady HB wadcutter bullets for target work.

 

[swoter]

I’ve got a 3” and a 4” 31-1. Great revolvers, you’ll love it. Best if you load your own though.

 

[Lokichoki]

I'm a handloader for sure i load a mess of 32. That revolver is already in the $700. This market is stupid

 

[ThomasT]

I'm a handloader for sure i load a mess of 32. That revolver is already in the $700. This market is stupid

As much as I like mine (and it was free to me) there is no way I would anything close to that much for one. My favorite 32s are the two Ruger Single Sixes I have. Both have 5.5" barrels and adjustable sights. They are actually 32 mags but they do see a few 32 longs through them. They are the best trail guns I have ever owned. Maybe check on GB for them. They usually have a few for sale.

This is what mine look like. I paid $500 for mine 10+ years ago.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/903050845

 

[Lokichoki]

The ruger singles are fetching $800-1000. They were msrp like 550

 

[chicharrones]

The ruger singles are fetching $800-1000. They were msrp like 550

Don't look at what Ruger's single action revolvers MSRPs are now. Apparently the US Dollar ain't worth a crap right now.

 

[rkittine]

I would love to find a Mint Condition 4" Model 31. I have lots of .32 S&W Long Ammo, a Star Progressive Reloader in .32 S&W long and lots of components.

Bob

 

[Riomouse911]

I went up to $560 on one last year that sold for 650-ish at the close of auction.

It was a beauty, but I would have to locate .32 long stuff, so I wasn’t too ready to spend a bunch on one.

They are really cool guns, I’ll get one someday.

Stay safe.

 

[heyboy]

I started reloading for my Dad's 31-1 recently so i had to borrow it to test ammo, of course!

 

[cfullgraf]

Several years ago, 2017-2018, I bought a 31-1 for $500 and a 30-1 for $675. I probably paid too much for the Model 30. Both have 4" barrels. The main difference between the Models is whether the gun has a round or square grip frame.

Both shoot crazy small groups with 32 S&WL wadcutters. I just wish the sights were adjustable.

When I start going back to gun shows, I'll look for another Model 30/31 and get a gunsmith to install adjustable sights on it.

 

[ThomasT]

When I start going back to gun shows, I'll look for another Model 30/31 and get a gunsmith to install adjustable sights on it.

I tried to have that done on my model 31 but could never find anyone to do the job. But the fixed sights will let the gun shoot to the intended point of impact. S&W is very good at regulating their fixed sight guns with the standard weight ammo for that caliber. The bullet weight doesn't vary much on this round so the the POI doesn't change to any great degree. The biggest problem is that the front sight is narrow and hard to see. But day-glo orange paint fixes that problem well enough.

I had a model 631 32 mag with adjustable sights on it and never once adjusted them. It was the only grail gun I ever had and after I got it I din't like it that much and sold it for a decent profit. Plus I liked the Ruger single six in 32 mag so much better.

 

[cfullgraf]

I tried to have that done on my model 31 but could never find anyone to do the job.

I do not doubt that it may be the case. It seems the art of "gun smithing" is not what it used to be.

I do not want to modify the Model 30 and Model 31 that I currently have, but once I get another, then I have something to modify if I run into a gunsmith willing to take on the project.

My Model 30 and Model 31 revolvers (32 S&WL) shoot pretty well to point of aim and give crazy small groups.

It may be a forlorn hope but I keep hoping S&W will bring back the Model 16 K-frame in the Classic series chambered in 32 S&WL.

 

[LEP]

I paid $895 for a minty 31-1 3" with original box. I probably paid too much but it is highly accurate and better quality than a recently purchased new S&W revolver. Also postwar HEs have better triggers.