Trade advice

[leadcounsel]

This gun fills a want, not a need.

Which would you prefer, which is the "better" gun.

A Smith and Wesson semi-auto 9x19mm model 659 with 2 mags - 1990s make
or
Smith and Wesson m28 .357 blued revolver 1958 manufacture

The semi-auto is in about 95% condition. The revolver probably 85% or better, and the grips are cracked and will need replacing.

 

[GRIZ22]

A 4" 357 is about the best all around handgun IMO.

I carried a 659 as a duty gun for about 5 years. Being all steel it was heavy but that sicker up all the recoil for quick recovery. Mine was 100% reliable.

Being you say it's a want not a need really is your call. I already have a few 357s si I'd pick the 659.

 

[Confederate]

I'm sorry, that's a tough one. I love .357s a great deal, particularly S&Ws. And the 659 9mm is not only my favorite guns, it's my favorite 9mm. I even like it more than the 5906. They are indeed heavy guns, but most people who like them will carry them with no problem. Police who wear vests, police belts, tasers, pepper spray, cuffs and spare loaded mags will most likely find the 659 burdensome.

The 1958 Smith would be a tough gun to pass up, though they tend to be big if you're talking about an N-frame.

Please let us know what you decide, then there will be the obligatory photo.

 

[bannockburn]

I would go with the N frame .357 revolver. Besides the fact that they don't make them anymore like that (especially in a 1958 vintage), the Model 659, while a very capable gun, wouldn't be my first choice in a 9mm.

 

[Wildbillz]

I would go with the revolver hands down. I have never had a Smith Auto pistol that I could shoot well. I gave up after the third try. There revolvers though I have never had one that I couldn't shoot.

WB

 

[HexHead]

Is there really a question here?

Revolver.

 

[chicharrones]

Will replacing the revolver's grips bring it up to 95%? If so, the revolver all the way.

If replacing the grips only keeps the revolver at 85%, it may be a coin toss which one to keep. It's really hard to say without seeing photos of the two guns.

 

[Tallball]

Revolver!

 

[Arkansas Paul]

The revolver.

10 times out of 10

 

[Malamute]

You dont say which model of 357. There were 3 different models in 1958, and values would differ. If its a model 27, (N frame, excellent finish, fully checkered frame top and barrel rib) is worth more than the very dull plain finished model 28 (Highway Patrolman on the N frame) or the model 19 (Combat Magnum K frame size).

For me, the model 27 is much more valuable than any auto other than maybe an older Colt National Match.

Whatever their personal attraction to some, the older Smith semi-aurtos arent particularly valuable that I know of, especially compared to an excellent condition model 27.

Edit: I zoned out the condition of the 357. 85% lowers the value somewhat, but that vintage of 27 is still pretty desirable, even in less than perfect condition.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Revolver

 

[DeepSouth]

I agree with the majority, Revolver.

 

[leadcounsel]

I omitted the revolver model number. It's an 28.

I also should add that I have several .357s and several 9mm semi-autos that fill rolls that either of these might fill.

I'm the owner of the 659, and found the 28 for trade. I can't speak too much on the condition of the 28, but the owner says the blueing is worn in some areas and the grip is broken (but it comes also with a rubber grip).

The only picture I have seen gives me a best guess on the 85% condition or "good" condition.

I should also add that now in my state of WA, trades are a little more expensive, so we are required to go through an FFL and pay the normal fee, generally around $20 and the 1/2 hassle of paperwork. So that aggravation always sours what could be otherwise pretty easy deals.

 

[X-Rap]

Well since it is a choice of having one and wanting the other I would stay with what you have especially since you have some 357's already. The 28 would not be at the top of my list for acquisition.

 

[Lord Teapot]

go with the revolver. it'll keep more of its value longterm.

 

[chicharrones]

I omitted the revolver model number. It's an 28.

I also should add that I have several .357s and several 9mm semi-autos that fill rolls that either of these might fill.

I'm the owner of the 659, and found the 28 for trade. I can't speak too much on the condition of the 28, but the owner says the blueing is worn in some areas and the grip is broken (but it comes also with a rubber grip).

The only picture I have seen gives me a best guess on the 85% condition or "good" condition.

I should also add that now in my state of WA, trades are a little more expensive, so we are required to go through an FFL and pay the normal fee, generally around $20 and the 1/2 hassle of paperwork. So that aggravation always sours what could be otherwise pretty easy deals.

I'd probably keep what you have. The 95% 659 is a known entity to you. The guesstimated 85% revolver is more unknown. Perhaps the 85% gun merely has holster wear or it has a real problem just waiting to raise its head.

 

[leadcounsel]

Per the seller -

Sounds like a pretty fair trade. My M 28 is in great shape. It was made in 1958, so 2nd year of production. It has a 4 inch pinned barrel, recessed cylinder & adjustable rear sight. The original wood grips have a few chips & scratches. The bluing is great for its age. Just a little muzzle wear & a slight turn ring on the cylinder. No rust or pitting. I also have a speed loader & a Hogue grip for it. Its a nice, classic S&W revolver.

Here's my 659. A few surface wear and light scratches but otherwise nice.

I have a few other SW of these 3 and 4 number series and they are good solid guns. I often carry the 5906 for it's awesome capacity.

I have only seen 1 picture of the revolver so far... more to follow. I'm chewing on the prospect.

 

[Twiki357]

Per the seller -
Quote:
Sounds like a pretty fair trade. My M 28 is in great shape. It was made in 1958, so 2nd year of production. It has a 4 inch pinned barrel, recessed cylinder & adjustable rear sight. The original wood grips have a few chips & scratches. The bluing is great for its age. Just a little muzzle wear & a slight turn ring on the cylinder. No rust or pitting. I also have a speed loader & a Hogue grip for it. Its a nice, classic S&W revolver.

Absolutely go for the Model 28.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I love the Smith semi autos but, the mod 28 with a 4'' barrel would get my vote.

 

[leadcounsel]

So, I was waiting and waiting for the other guy, and got a message from him -

Good morning. After viewing your pictures & your last message stating that you haven't fired your 659, I realized I've never fired my 28 either. So, I brought it to my local gunsmith to make sure it's safe to fire before getting rid of it. After he looked it over, he said it's worth quite a bit more than I thought. I figured it was in the $400 - $500 range. He valued it at $850 - $1050 & 95%+ original condition. Unfortunately, I don't think it would be in my best interest to trade it off at this time. I am very sorry for wasting your time.

So, my evaluation of the condition was off a bit, but he had only sent me one low pixel picture and from his description I under-rated it (figuring the poor picture quality was hiding the condition - commonly done).

Anyone think his 28 is worth $850 or $1000!? That seems extremely high. I was thinking that my 659 in 95% condition was marginally less valuable dollar-wise with both of them being in the $400-500 ballpark (low and high end values).

 

[bannockburn]

leadcounsel

Without actually seeing quality photos of it, it would still be hard to say what the gun's condition really is but now he's asking high end money for it and I don't think it's worth it. I would go back to looking for another possible trade.

 

[Malamute]

You can buy good 27's for that kind of money, if not less, and a 27 is much more desireable.

 

[Jack.I]

"Anyone think his 28 is worth $850 or $1000!? "

Maybe someone who is smoking dope.

 

[rust collector]

The gunsmith/dealer just poisoned the well. Probably figured he'd pick it up from the widow cheap some day, because it'll never move at that price.

 

[P5 Guy]

I didn't read that anyone said one important thing, S&W no longer honors the 'LIFE TIME WARRANTY' on 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation semi-auto pistols. The 659 is a 2nd generation gun.