Did I get a decent deal on a Combat Masterpiece?

Hey Gang,

I just made an impulse buy of an S&W (pre-Model 15) Combat Masterpiece in 38 SPL on GunBroker. Do you think $405 was a good price? I posted the GB link , but can't get a picture to post (see below).

Rest of description:

At some point this gun was factory repaired and re-blued. All lettering and marks are crisp. There is a "S" and a Diamond symbol on the barrel (by serial number), on cylinder face, on left side of grip frame (under grip panels), Also "R-S" and "11-80" I believe the diamonds signifies factory re-blue 11 80 is Nov, 1980. "S" standard blue finish. "R" for repair. Original Smith & Wesson factory diamond cut wood grips (serial numbered to gun), square butt. The bore is excellent, bright and shiny. The mechanics function flawlessly. Serial # K164139. Serial number on barrel, butt, cylinder face, cylinder yoke and grips match. Included with this gun is an original Factory box and oil paper. The box is 2-piece blue Bangor Punta type used between 1966 & 1985. Guns returned to the owner after re-blue or repair were shipped in a factory box without end labels. This would fall in line with 1980 re-blue date. This gun was originally shipped from factory in 1952. Hammer and trigger are nickel plated. This gun has anti-backlash trigger and adjustable stop. Possible upgrade when gun was sent in for re-blue. Gun looks like it wasn't shot much after returned from factory. A really nice condition for for this early S&W 5-screw pistol.


www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=283765810

I'm a shooter more than a collector, but I assumed a factory re-blue is better than a typical re-blue. I have a Model 66 that I love and didn't want to pass this up.

It sounds like I'm in fine company. I would have preferred the 6" version, but I thought it was a good deal. It's also close to home, so I avoid shipping and trf fees. I should probably "thin the herd" a little to give myself some more flexibility should something else become available. So much to do....so little time.

I've also been looking at the hand ejectors, although I've never fired one. I like the 32-20 because it's such a solid round, particularly in the pre-.357M world from which it came. I have an old Model 3 Safety (38 S&W, not 38SPL) that I really like the feel of too. It's amazing how this stuff gets under your skin!

Thanks guys! I need to go do the paperwork this weekend and get it out to the range. It might take a few weeks, but I'll report back on it. There's something about a wheelgun that just works for me. It's funny, I've been looking at Glock M22s (and M27s), realizing I should just bite the bullet and get the most popular, one of the easiest to fix, reasonably priced and reliable semi-autos around.....then the Combat Masterpiece came around and......I guess I can wait a little while for the polymer pistol (will be my first).

Thanks guys! I'm in for $443. I filled out the paperwork today, it's an LGS, but I had to pay sales tax.

The seller says it's a factory re-blue, which is why the lettering is still crisp. The bluing is beautiful and the drag line is hardly there. I'll probably pick it up Saturday, if I can't get there earlier.

I am hard pressed to buy new guns when such nice older ones are still around. I purchased a few milsurps lately for a few hundred each and it strikes me that you can't buy that kind of quality today at a multiple of the price. Now I need to get it out and shoot it!