[w_houle]

Weired Bakelite aftermarket grips that feel good in the hand, but you could slide a dollar bill in between them at the bottom. It has holster wear on the bbl and cylinder. Inside of the crane has the last three of the serial # and has Smith & Wesson (and other stuff) on the top of the bbl and Made in the USA on the frame the fron sight is a half circle. Price tag of $300. Good deal?

[Oro]

It depends upon the condition. I'd say it's too high by $50 at least, maybe more. Without original grips, I'm usually unwilling to pay $300 for an M&P unless it's 96% or better.

Also, you should check your "percent" rating. Most people don't get it right. This is a gun graded 80%, for example, but Supica and Nahas. As you can see, it's pretty worn. 85% means exactly that, 85% of the original finish remaining. Comments about the condition of the remaining finish, mechanical condition, condition of grips, barrel length, sights, etc. can help establish a more accurate guess on fair price. And it's still a guess without good photographs or handling it in person.

Inside of the crane has the last three of the serial #

The full s/n is on the grip bottom, on the cylinder, and under the barrel and ejector star. All four should match. Your sample gun sounds like it was built between 1921 and 1948 but more than that is not possible to say.


80% example:
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd275/kamerer/80percentfinish.jpg

[w_houle]

Is there suppose to be a pic somewhere in that post?

[Oro]

Fixed the link, sorry.

[wnycollector]

I picked up a 90% 1924 M&P 5" last fall for $195 otd. The grips were pristine except for a small crack on the right side.

[2RCO]

Hey the grips aren't Franzite are they?

[w_houle]

Nah, the gun in question is in much better shape than that, except for two triangular shapes on the muzzle where the blue was worn off. The edges look the same on the cylinder, but the broader areas of bluing look better. The front sight was slightly different, and the barrel was shorter. The print was distinct, and not blurry.

[Oro]

Nah, the gun in question is in much better shape than that

Since you stated it was 85%, then you see that your estimation of finish is way off, and this really affects an internet price guesstimate. Most people dramatically UNDERestimate finish. It's contrary to what you think, but it's the fact. Likely the gun you are talking about is 95% or better, actually.