What's it worth. S&W M&P 2" 38 1950 vintage

[jensdbarclay]

While checking out the local pawn shop, I found a S&W M&P 38 special with a 2 inch barrel and square butt. The serial number indicates it was made about 1950. The finish is excellent with a spot or two of rust where it had contact with something. I would guess from laying on a shelf. No box or papers. They are asking $450, he said he would take $390. It seems about $150 to high to me. I bought a 1905 4th change with a 5 inch barrel and a square butt at about 75% finish for $100, so I think he is trying to make up the loss. I could overpay a bit and still come out on the pair, but not that much. What does everone think.

 

[ugaarguy]

Prices on old S&Ws are climbing. Kesslers Wholesale recently had a batch of 4" 10-8 (late 1980s) police trade-ins in good condition. At a dealer cost in the mid $200s (including shipping) they sold all of them very quickly. Dealers sold them in the high $200s/low $300s and they sold well. Seeing that I don't think a 1950s vintage 2" bbl is that out of line at $390. I'd go down in price from there depending on the size & depth of the rust spots. These things aren't getting any cheaper.

 

[Hutch]

The 2" M&P's seem to command a bit of a premium these days as well. That seems high for a 4, 5 or 6 inch version, but okay for a 2. Maybe it's the popularity of some of the old "film noir" movies. Or new ones, for that matter (LA Confidential comes to mind...)

 

[Gunsnrovers]

Paid $350 for a mint 2" M&P a few years ago. Probably a bit on the high side of value, but after a few years, the extra $50 or so I may have spent got lost in all the fun I've had shooting it.