Dilemma at the Pawn Shop!

Status
Not open for further replies.
Elm Creek Smith

Elm Creek Smith

Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2007
Messages
1,074
Location
Outrider
At a local pawn shop, I found a 4 inch S&W Heavy Duty in .38 Special in good condition with about 70% finish for approximately $679. At the same pawn shop, I found a mint 3 inch Smith & Wesson Model 37 square butt in .38 Special that has no indication that it has ever been fired for $479.

Now for the dilemma. I can afford one or the other, but not both. The little Model 37 would be a joy to carry as a "dress up" gun, but the Heavy Duty..., well, the Heavy Duty is a Heavy Duty. Which one should I buy?

ECS
 
The Heavy Duty, of course! (And it's easier because I'm helping you spend YOUR money and not mine... ;) )

But in all seriousness, if I had the cash and it wouldn't impact other budget priorities, I'd take the N-frame home over the J-frame any day. Especially in a 4". Riding at the top of my wishlist are a 4" M-28 and a 4" M-29. I'd probably spring for a Heavy Duty or an Outdoorsman if one turned up in my price range when in buy mode.
 
I'd get the 37. Because I have small hands and short fingers and can't reach the trigger to fire the N frame properly. I always push off to the left, not enough finger on the trigger.
I'd love to have one of those big framed revolvers, if I could shoot it. :-(
 
Model 37. You will carry it ~ the other will eventually wind up in a drawer or safe waiting on trips to the range.

The Model 37 is an every day use gun.

LOL, this will start a flame war.... there are those who advocate a .50 Desert Eagle for CCW.
 
PRM said:
Model 37. You will carry it ~ the other will eventually wind up in a drawer or safe waiting on trips to the range.

The Model 37 is an every day use gun.

LOL, this will start a flame war.... there are those who advocate a .50 Desert Eagle for CCW.
Click to expand...
easy, i have carried my .50ae for cc in the winter months.

lol, just having fun.
 
Make an off on the HD see if it has any wiggle room. 70% is a lot of wear, be sure to check it out with the guidelines stickied at the top of the revolver forum.
 
Don't know about the HD, seems high for 70% finish. I'm not a big fan of the HD, after all it's a .38 Spl not a .357. If you talk to most of the guys that own them they are shooting Spl loads in them because of the age. So basically it's a .38 Spl on an N frame.

I had a dilema a few years back between an HD and Colt Officers Match .22 rf made in 1930. The owner of the shop put it in perspective as I stated above, I got the Colt.
 
Heck you may be able to get both. you did say it was pawn shop. No way I'd pay their asking price. negotiate for both. If that doesn't work for both then get the HD.
 
Heck you may be able to get both. you did say it was pawn shop. No way I'd pay their asking price. negotiate for both. If that doesn't work for both then get the HD.
Click to expand...

Depends on how long the items have been in the shop and whether you are a known customer. For most pawnshops, they won't really lower price if the item is less than 30 days old. After a month or two, then pawnshops will tend to flex on the price.
 
I agree, it's a pawn shop so if they won't come down on a package deal for both bring something from the attic or basement to sell them! I know you said you don't have the funds to buy both but is that decision on the list price for both? Try to negotiate a better deal for both.

As for which to buy, it depends.... If you need a carry gun buy the M37. If you want the better range gun buy the HD. (or try for a package deal on both)
 
hd or 37

I cannpt imagine why any body wants to put that much steel in a 38 HD. I had a 3"bbl 37 that I sold for less than that. Ijust don't see either of these as a good deal. You should be able to find a new model 60 for about what they are asking for the HD. You ought to have change left buying a 637 with 4 c notes. My 637 outshot my 37.
 
I would go with the Model 37 because it's an every day carry kind of gun, plus I have always had a thing for 3" J frames. The HD seems a little pricey for a 70% gun. If you still want the HD maybe with the $200 you save by getting the Model 37, you could put the HD on layaway.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

J
  • Locked
Question on year of manufacture on S&W
Replies
8
Views
445
jensdbarclay
J
D
  • Locked
The S&W Model 37
Replies
3
Views
645
Dienekes
D
E
  • Locked
Pawn Shop Rescues Part II
Replies
19
Views
2K
sequins
sequins
J
  • Locked
What's it worth. S&W M&P 2" 38 1950 vintage
Replies
3
Views
431
Gunsnrovers
G
A
  • Locked
Pawn Shop Find
2
Replies
44
Views
5K
greenmtnguy
G
Back
Top