Smith 940-1 9mm J-frame, here we go again

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bikemutt

bikemutt

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Once again I was left unsupervised for a few hours and ended up in a gun store ;)

They have a Smith & Wesson model 940-1 9mm 5-shot revolver for sale, consignment. According the book of gun values it's priced $25 higher than one in like-new condition.

Other than being terribly dirty with carbon deposits everywhere, the gun feels tight and, by a wide margin, has the best action I have yet to feel on any S&W I've handled. The trigger is quite simply like running a forkful of Maine lobster through drawn butter.

So, on to my concerns. This gun looks way too shiny, I think it's been Flitzed. Does anyone know if that's how they were sold?

I understand carbon build up around the forcing cone, top strap and cylinder face. The throat side of the cylinder and the recoil shield are not areas any of my wheelguns seem to collect carbon, and certainly not to this degree. Thoughts?

Finally the price, $900. If the finish was not altered I suppose it's not unreasonable given present day offerings. I could see a use for this as a companion piece for my Springfield EMP. I don't believe it came with moonclips so availability of those would make or break a buy.

Here are a few pictures.

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The revolver may have been polished as the flutes appear different from the cylinder, the barrel and the frame. I have not purchased moon clips for some time but they should be available from several sources. You might try S&W and Ranch Products for starters. Did you purchase it, or are you still contemplating? Let us know how you make out.
 
I've seen some dirty firearms in gun stores, but man that one takes the cake!:what: On a side note I REALLY want a 9mm j-frame and have look at a 940, but are kind of pricey/hard to fine. I think I will get a steel frame .38/.357 j-frame and get a spare cylinder cut for moon clips and chambered in 9mm. If you get it please post some photos so we can drool over it.:D
 
I'm a fan of the 9mm revolvers for some reason and have a couple 940s as well as a Ruger Speed Six in this chambering. When prices for these guns really went crazy in recent years I gave up on the idea of getting any more. With that said, even in this market, $900 is too high for a dirty, polished 940 without the box, original grips or moon clips. I've seen the more scarce 3" barreled models go for less than that at auction, and they were like new in the box.

In previous threads the prices you've posted have simply got to be some of the highest around. No offense, but I would strongly consider finding other places to shop. I think you've helped the local proprietors with enough boat payments ;)
 
If it helps, those grips look like Craig Spegels and are worth at least $100
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The gun has been polished and the front of the cylinder has been beveled for easy reholstering. They make outstanding little carry pistols, but I think 9 bills is a tad steep. It's probably had an action job of some kind (maybe just springs), but if it's tight it's probably alright for a carry gun.
 
I really don't understand why in the world they would not take literally 30 seconds with a microfiber cloth and clear off a lot of that fouling. It would take hardly any time at all and make the product much more presentable and desirable to potential buyers. That's just bad business.
 
I'm sorry but I can not see spending $900 for a used 9mm revolver especially when the 9mm offers nothing over the .357 Magnum.

A brand new M640 will run you just over $600 and a used one probably only $475 or so.

IMO the 9mm cartridge should be shot in a semi-auto the leave the revolver cartridges to the revolvers, especially since the .357 Magnum is superior to the 9mm in a short barrel revolver.
 
No offense, but I would strongly consider finding other places to shop. I think you've helped the local proprietors with enough boat payments
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That is funny Sheer_stress, really though, this store is pretty reasonable. These are consignment guns, the owner gets a say too. All I can tell you is there are very few deals to be had around here. Maybe the reason is buying online comes with shipping, FFL transfer fee and 9.5% sales tax.
 
I think I will get a steel frame .38/.357 j-frame and get a spare cylinder cut for moon clips and chambered in 9mm.
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I've wanted a 9mm revolver for some time, but I really wanted adjustable sights. I passed on the Rugers and Smiths because I thought they would eventually come out with a model that had adjustable sights.

Instead, they stopped making 9mm revolvers. :(

But I am going to get the Alfa Proj 9231 when they come back in stock next year:

http://www.czechpoint-usa.com/9-mm-luger

attachment.php
 
C0untZer0 said:
I've wanted a 9mm revolver for some time, but I really wanted adjustable sights. I passed on the Rugers and Smiths because I thought they would eventually come out with a model that had adjustable sights.

Instead, they stopped making 9mm revolvers. :(
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Please explain to me the allure of a 9mm revolver? Why? I just don't get it, please explain...
 
ArchAngelCD said:
Please explain to me the allure of a 9mm revolver? Why? I just don't get it, please explain...
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One thing that comes to mind is that if you already stock up on 9mm ammo for other guns then that's one less caliber you have to buy ammo for. Also if it's a backup gun and your primary is a 9mm then they would use the same ammo. Other then that I'm not sure.

I don't know much about them but I just looked on gunbroker and there's only a handful of them on there. The cheapest one with the buy it now option is $930 not counting transfer fee or shipping.
 
I wouldn't mind having a 9mm. revolver as I have quite a bit of ammo for in that caliber. However $900 for used Model 640 in that condition is too pricey to my way of thinking. I would pass on it and keep looking.
 
Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

The dirty condition of the gun doesn't bother me so much, a bit of elbow grease and it would look almost new.

That the finish was altered certainly removes it from consideration at that price. I know it doesn't affect the function but, as I've been told by gun stores and others, it's very rare that a re-finished gun adds value, in most case it subtracts value.

I've received a few PMs pointing to much better deals, thanks :)

I'm passing on this one.
 
I have had my eye on these for awhile. If you can get him down into the mid 800's, you would be getting a great deal, especially considering the wood grips as another poster pointed out. Of course value is affected by things other than the fact that the gun needs to be cleaned, like the moonclips (which i cannot imagine would be hard to find are certainly not a deal breaker), original box and papers, original grips, etc. Go for it!!! :)
 
What a day. I got a call from the gun store, the 940 was mis-priced, it should have been marked at $650.

So I went down, triple checked it out and bought it.

Then, when I paid for it the lady says she'll be right back, she returns with the original Smith box and a bag full of Smith moonclips. Just yesterday they said it came with nothing, needless to say I was very pleased.

I'll post some pics when I get home. Oh yeah, those are Spegel grips :)
 
There are basically two reasons why people like 9mm j-frames.

1) They are cool. Plenty reason enough, really.

2) Out of a 2 inch tube, the 9mm actually outperforms the .357 magnum, with much less blast, and much less recoil. Good 9mm ammo is as good as it gets out of a J-frame, and it's the way to go if you want every bit of performance you can get.
 
bikemutt said:
What a day. I got a call from the gun store, the 940 was mis-priced, it should have been marked at $650.

So I went down, triple checked it out and bought it.

Then, when I paid for it the lady says she'll be right back, she returns with the original Smith box and a bag full of Smith moonclips. Just yesterday they said it came with nothing, needless to say I was very pleased.

I'll post some pics when I get home. Oh yeah, those are Spegel grips :)
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Great snag, and that's a very fair, if not discounted price.

I was out on Fugate Firearms website, and he has three 940's. The cheapest one is $1300, and the other two are $2200 each. He deals in usually high end guns.

I saw one at a local gun show last year, and the guy wanted $650, no box or moon clips.

Ya done good!
 
Way too much money IMO. I love Smith revolvers, for me they are the ultimate firearm. But I always hunt for bargains. Personally, I wouldn't lay out more than $400, but I doubt I would even go that high.
However, if you really want one and that's what they cost in your neck of the woods I wouldn't let the polishing stop you. Assumedly, it will spend most of it's life in a pocket or concealment holster, so it's looks won't matter much.
 
bikemutt said:
What a day. I got a call from the gun store, the 940 was mis-priced, it should have been marked at $650.

So I went down, triple checked it out and bought it.

Then, when I paid for it the lady says she'll be right back, she returns with the original Smith box and a bag full of Smith moonclips. Just yesterday they said it came with nothing, needless to say I was very pleased.

I'll post some pics when I get home. Oh yeah, those are Spegel grips :)
Click to expand...
Much better!
 
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