Smith and Wesson Model 58

[Jaeger]

Well, this has certainly turned into an interestisting thread!!

If I'm still alive that long from now I'll be doing all of my bodily functions through a tube!

I'm a shooter first and a collector second. If I've got it, I'll shoot it. That's what these fine weapons are for. My M58 may have some collector value or it may not. Unless it turns out to be a real dog (I don't see that happening) this one is a keeper. There are very few guns in my collection that I am willing to part with. The Ruger was one of them.

If/when I get the gun reblued it will be by S&W.

Now if only I had time to go shoot it!! Hopefully Wed. or Thur.. This workin' for a living stinks!

 

[Johnny Guest]

To refinish or not to refinish - -There is the question.

As so eloquently stated above, it is YOUR revolver, and YOU are the only one to make happy.

A couple of examples, though, might be of interest.

When I was a teenager, I looked longingly at US 1917 Enfield rifles. Golden State Arms advertised them in VG to Exc condition for $37.50. Today, you would do well to buy one of those very rifles for ten times that amount - - - So long as it is in military trim. Never mind that they were made by the hundreds of thousands. Attrition, losses in action, sporterizing - -You name it. However many were made, however common they were in the late 1950s, TODAY you'd be hard put to find twenty for sale on the 'net. Unaltered, remember, but in any kind of safe shooting condition. But few collectors would give $150 for a choped-down, reblued 1917.

Probably the MOST common DA revolver is the Military & Police .38. The doggiest example in safe-to-shoot condition will bring $80 today. One with 60% original finish will run 150 to 200, depending on a lot of things.

I think it probable that more 58s were bought, either by agencies or by individual officers who didn't consider them anything special. It is easier to find a pristine GI 1911 than beautiful police issue revolver. Many thousand 1911 types never left the unit arms rooms or the Master at Arms locked on ship board. Police revolvers, though, were practically ALL issued to street cops. Therefore, the vast majority will show a good deal of holster wear, with the banged-up stocks from in-and-out of patrol car, over years of service.

Jaeger, different things are important to different people. I'd love to own a 58 just as you describe. A holster worn service revolver doesn't bother me at all. While I'm sure your new acquisition is not for sale, it would be worth more to me with 70% original finish than with a S&W factory reblue.

I'd pay more for a beat-up old New Century, though.

Best,
Johnny

 

[theusualsuspect]

That would be an "S" frame, (same size as an N frame). Probably 4 inch with fixed sites.

DON'T LET IT GET AWAY!!! If you buy it and don't like it for some reason, contact me I'll give you a profit on it! So you can't lose

Be sure to inspect the cylinder timing on any gun, especially one this old.

If you aren't sure how to do this it is this easy...

Very slowly pull the hammer back. Once it is locked in, grab the cylinder with your thumb on one side and index finger on the other and attempt to turn the cylinder. If timing is correct, the cylinder should not move.

If timing is incorrect the cylinder will move and lock, evident by a click sound.

Do this will all chambers.

If timing is out, it doesn't mean the gone is all that bad, just been a bit abused over time and still a reliable shooter. Timing can be fixed by a good gunsmith, or can be done yourself if you have minor knowledge if the internal workings of a revolver.

Hope this helps you.

 

[theusualsuspect]

BTW...Unless the finish is really junk, I'd highly recommend you keep it original. I wouldn't have it refinished, even by S&W. They can do bad work , (I know form experience), just like anyone else.

Although you'll use it as a shooter, you still may want to consider the resale value for the future. This piece in original finish will be much more appealing to a future potential buyer if you ever found yourself in the need or desire to resell it.

 

[22-rimfire]

I suspect that gun is long gone by now and may have been sold several times in 5 years. Check the posting date. Welcome to the forum usualsuspect.

By the way, I like 41 mags too.

 

[SaxonPig]

Wait until he posts news that S&W signed a deal with the Clinton Justice Department!

 

[Bush Pilot]

Nice buy on the 58, your gun is a shooter, enjoy it and don't worry about it's future price. About 10 years ago I was in my favorite gun shop when I saw the gun clerk opening older S & W boxes he'd found in a cabinet in the basement of the store, there was nothing newer than 20 years old. One of the guns was a NIB 58, when I showed interest he said I could have it for $250.00, I think I tore the pocket in my jeans to get my wallet. BTW, it's still NIB sleeping in my safe.