[Johnny Guest]

A friendly dealer showed a few of us a couple of guns last night, and I am mildly obsessing over one of 'em.

M&P two inch, round butt, four screw-- Has the old half-moon front sight and diamond stocks. About 70% original blue--Noticible taint of brownish patina beginning at top of the "back strap." S/N C395XXX and lack of upper sideplate screw indicate production in 1954--55.

Slightly battered right-side stock (decently re-varnished, but not sanded) shows it was carried at least a little. Perfect bore and chambers. Very tight. Heavy main spring but exteremely smooth DA and light SA pulls.

It feels like it weighs a short ton, but HAS to be somewhat lighter than the 29.5 ounce weight of the four inch.

Really good looking, classic old piece. If it was the Airweight, I'd already own it, and would carry it on my "retro days." I think owner is offering it for about $259 in his shop, but indicated he'd take slightly less from "an old pal."

SO - - Is this a decent price, or am I letting my newly-rekindled fascination for old Smiths influence me? I already own too many safe queens, which I don't carry. I walked away from it last night, but its been bothering me ever since . . . .

Input, please. Mike? Anyone else?

Best,
Johnny

[Mike Irwin]

Does it speak to you?

If so, then get it. I'd likely grab it in a heartbeat.

$259 isn't a bad price for a good condition gun of this age, even if the finish is a little on the rough side. Not all that many 4 screw models were made.

Lately dog ???? condition 4" relatively recent production Model 10s are going for $250 in Northern Virginia.

[Mike Irwin]

No, the 2" M&P isn't rare, but this particular one has combined attributes that make it a LOT less common and much harder to find:

1. 2"

2. Half-moon sight

3. 4 screw frame (available for 2-3 years)

Those three characteristics, and toss in the diamond grips, and you're down to a revolver that proabably had not more than 2,500 units made.

[Al Thompson]

Mike's market and mine must be alike. The trade-in S&Ws has dried up here. I'm starting to see 4 inch m10s going for a minimum of 2 bills, so that price is not out of line here.

Johnny, I have a M64 2 inch that I enjoy. I'd grab it if I were you.

[Tamara]

If I saw one at that price at a show around here, I'd buy it and brag about it. The last M&P I saw for less than two bills was a late-'80s gun that looked like it had been dragged behind a truck. The days of the $100-$150 po-po trade-in K-frame are pretty much over around these parts. :(

[popeye]

Prices on just about any S&W revolver have really gone up aound here. The Model 10 you could buy 2 yrs. ago for $150 is now $250. I recently picked up a 12-2 4" nickle, and 940 1 7/8" for $300 each and was happy to pay it.

[Johnny Guest]

While I had certain misgivings about spending the money, the ole wheel gun did indeed "speak to me." Mike listed some of the reasons. There are others, and likely, some subconscious ones as well.

Saxon Pig, I agree with your observations in general, if not in particulars. Last M&P I bought was about three years back, a really clean 4" heavy barrel from the mid-seventies. Paid $110, just because it was such a good example. Wish I could find several more like it today for a similar price- - I'd go to the bank and borrow the money.

SOOooo - - - I phoned my pal and told him to put back the two-inch; that I'd drive down and pay him for it in the next few days. Today's pay day. I do appreciate the reinforcement, everyone.

Hey, I'm more than old enough to remember 40 to 60 dollar S&Ws, and several 1911s for under a hundred. I bought a lot of 'em, and had to pass up a bunch more. Never even bothered with the old $100 Colt SAAs and Lugers . . . . My friends, those days are lost and gone forever. "The past is another country," in which we no longer dwell.

Happily, I have a wife who sympathizes with my minor foibles - - -One reason I love her. (She lets me visit "her" Buckmark, my Sistema 1927 which is now her "Houston pistol," and she apparently has designs on the P32. The only time I get to see the nickel slide P11 is when she's getting ready for work.:rolleyes:



Best,
Johnny

[Mike Irwin]

Sun?

Moon?

There are no such things.

Maybe Johnny should then buy it and have it refinished? :evil: