Smith price check

[Bush Pilot]

I've got a Smith model 18-3 (95%, P & R) holding for me at a LGS for $550.00 OTD. I know the older Smiths are bringing crazy money these days, is this price in line or does it seem a bit steep? BTW, our local sales tax is almost 9% and one would have to factor that amount off the price to be fair. Thanks. BTW, the grips are original.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

It seems a little bit high, but not out of sight, considering the prices of some dash 3 Smiths.

P.S. I get such a kick out of guys who consider a dash 3 anything an 'older Smith'. I bought my 17-3 and 19-3 brand, spanky new in 1975. I don't consider them old.

 

[bikemutt]

That price sound pretty reasonable, shops around here would want that much for a similar Taurus .

What shop?

 

[MikeJackmin]

> I bought my 17-3 and 19-3 brand, spanky new in 1975. I don't consider them old.

I have the same problem...

When I graduated High School in 1980, things from the 1950s were old, and things from the 1940s were ancient.

Now, 1974 is as far away from today as 1940 was back then. But it doesn't feel nearly the same, does it?

That 24 year old guy in your office was born in 1990. He started paying attention to the world in 2000 or so - the first president he remembers is Bill Clinton. He was in sixth grade when 9/11 happened.

Take the year of your birth and subtract 16. Try to remember how far away that year was to you, when you were 24. That's what 1974 is like for him now.

That's a cool old gun right there, they don't make 'em like that any more. The men who made it are all retired now, or dead. And time flies, whether you're having fun or not...

 

[aHFo3]

That's a good price, and it'll seem like a steal in 5 years. You'll love the model 18!

 

[Kernel]

If it has the box and all the goodies, then that's a great price. Otherwise, it's still pretty good. It's not uncommon to see boxes alone, from that period, sell for $50.

 

[Iggy]

double tap....

 

[Iggy]

That's a good price. I paid more for one a year ago and 2 guys tried to buy it from me before I got home . When is the last time you saw one for sale?

Of course I lost it as soon as my wife got her hands on it.. You've been warned.

 

[J-Bar]

They are addictive

The 18-4 in the middle was my first Smith and Wesson.

They multiply. I have more than these, but the Combat Masterpiece examples kinda go together.

Buy it.

 

[Waveski]

That price is between good and great. I do not quite understand why the .22 is so highly valued (someone will probably pounce on that) , but you are getting a good deal.

 

[BYJO4]

If in good condition, buy it. You will really enjoy shooting it.

 

[Gun Master]

Double Tap ?

double tap....

That's an expensive "modern" derringer (and only 2 taps).

Let's stick with the S&W's.

 

[jad0110]

For my region, $550 for a 95% 18-3 is a great price. Not that I've seen any lately, the last one I saw was a 95%+ 18-3 for $700 a few years ago. On GB when I was looking about 2 years ago they seemed to start at $550 and go up from there.

 

[Bush Pilot]

Update: I ended up getting the gun on Saturday for $500.00. I'll probably shoot it a few times, clean the gun and make it a safe queen. Thanks for the input.

 

[Gun Master]

S&w 18-2

Update: I ended up getting the gun on Saturday for $500.00. I'll probably shoot it a few times, clean the gun and make it a safe queen. Thanks for the input.

Let us know how she shoots. OK ?

 

[Iggy]

Awww!! It deserves a better fate than bein' a safe queen.

Shoot it, clean it, oil it and repeat.

That gun will teach generations of your kids and grandkids to shoot and still be purtier than a speckled pup.

 

[philoe]

I would be all over that at that price ( we have 9%+tax here) because I see value. Could I wait 2 years and maybe get it for $40 less? Possibly. But that price is more than fair. In the past there was not as much interest in rimfires apart from the folks in the know snagging all the 17's they could get their hands on. Assuming your 95% appraisal is accurate, I say do it yesterday!

 

[Radagast]

If you need to introduce ladies or kids to shooting, the Model 18 is perfect. Good balance, not heavy, no recoil, load with standard velocity or CCI quiet .22 and no noise to speak of. Simple manual of operations, no scary moving slide.
Mine gets used a lot as a training gun at my club. BTW that was a great price. I bought mine 5 years ago, even then the going price was $550.

 

[Bush Pilot]

I would be all over that at that price ( we have 9%+tax here) because I see value. Could I wait 2 years and maybe get it for $40 less? Possibly. But that price is more than fair. In the past there was not as much interest in rimfires apart from the folks in the know snagging all the 17's they could get their hands on. Assuming your 95% appraisal is accurate, I say do it yesterday!

I showed it to a friend today that is a real Smith nut. He said it was the nicest 18 he'd seen for sale in years and immediately tried to stuff it in his shooting bag. He agreed that you almost never seen them for sale.

 

[788Ham]

Bush Pilot,

About 3 weeks ago, I happened to be in a store, a young guy ask me if I'd be interested in a couple of Smith's. One I picked up was a #14, 6" 98% 38 Spl., which I snagged right now! The other one was a #17 6", 99%, took me 2 days to get the monies for that one though. I paid $650 for the #17, I wasn't going to dicker with the guy about that one, and let it get away ! One doesn't see these much anymore, not unless its an estate sale, then too many others are wanting it too. You did good, and I can tell you one thing, that #17 is one shooter, @ 20 yards, 40 rounds covered by a quarter, could be more accurate, but was using my tired eyes.