advice on value of a revolver inherited

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357smallbore

357smallbore

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I am in possession of a 1993 Taurus SS model 85 with a rare 3in barrel. It was given to me by a family friends passing. Gun appears like new. I don't shoot 38Special. What is this weapon worth? I am going to sell it, but I don't know what a fair value would be.

Any help would be appreciated. I see 2in for sale everywhere. But not 3 in models. I have been told by associates that 3in are few and far between.

Thanks.
 
3" is not demanding a huge premium. People use the 85 as a concealed carry gun, and adding a longer barrel makes it harder to conceal. Find the same model in a 2" and add 20 bucks. Yes it's rare, but there's a reason. With that said I like a 3" in that size frame. It's a good balance of length vs concealability, weight vs power gain from barrel length. My absolute best advice for you is to pick up a few boxes of 38s and be happy to have the gun. I know you want to sell, but for what you will get for it I would not think it would be worth the sentimental value as it came from a friend of the family who obviously wanted you to have it.
 
They seem to run $300-320, retail. The 3" barrel and good shape may bring a few dollars more. Used Taurus revolvers are not in high demand because of widely reported QC problems, but they will sell if the price is right.

You will be better off with a private sale, if legal where you are. If you sell to a gun shop, you will likely get only about $200, if that. To a pawnshop, even less. Your dealer might be willing to do a consignment sale; ask him.

Jim
 
Depends if you are willing to hold out for more money, or just want to make the quick sale.

The 3 inch is indeed rare, I don't think I've ever seen one in person myself.

You could just add $20 to the going rate on a 2-inch version (like a previous poster said), if you want to sell it fast. I think maybe another $40 to $50 is probably what I'd ask for personally. Believe it or not, there are a few out there that would do +$75, but I would not hold my breath for that sale.


I have a (regular 2" blued) model 85 from that time frame, and it's a gem. I bet the one you have is a nice shooter.
 
Agreed. The $300 value seems about right.

Depending on its year of manufacture, and its round count, it could be a really nice revolver. MADE IN BRAZIL would be a good thing, IMHO.
 
Those are great guns for the money - I worked at a shop in the 90s and we sold and did trigger work on a bunch of those. Customers loved them and they ran very reliably. A little de burr work and new springs and they were pretty slick revolvers.
 
True. Most of the reported problems with the Taurus revolvers were very minor and easily taken care of by most gun owners. I seem to recall one fellow who ranted and raged because a screw on his Taurus was not tightened down. Being one of the "I demand perfection" folks, he couldn't get over that loose screw. Still, it should not have been loose on a new gun.

Jim
 
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