Beater 3rd Gen S&W - Would you buy if the price was right?

[UnderDawgAl]

Hey, folks. What should I look for regarding excessive wear on a 5904? It's got plenty of holster wear and and several scratches.

Tagged price is $315, but I'm certain the dealer will work out a lower price--it's been on the shelf awhile.

Any particular areas I should pay attention to? For example, I see that I can push down on the top of the slide near the muzzle, and it moves down, then back up. Also, I can see between the slide and frame near the back third of the gun, just like you see on a Glock. Are these things normal?

 

[TAB]

3rd gen autos are great... more so when they are LEO turn ins. only prob is mags can be a little pricy.

 

[clang]

5904 is a great gun. It is the blued version of the more common SS 5906. Mags are cheap and plentifull.

 

[rbernie]

That slide play seems to be normal, from my observation. Anything under $300 in today's market is a good price.

 

[Moonclip]

I think under $300 as mentioned would be a fair deal for a 3rd gen in that condition and not a value series gun even.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

If I were in the market for an inexpensive yet still first quality handgun and didn't mind how it looked, you bet. I would personally pay more for one with less cosmetic wear.

I often see dings and scratches on the butts of these pistols, probably from banging into car door frames and such while carried in a duty holster. The grips, being one-piece and enclosing/supporting the mainspring, are easily replaced if you wish.

 

[UnderDawgAl]

Thanks, rbernie, for that observation. I wasn't sure if that was normal or not. Thanks, as well, you other guys who commented.

One concern I have is that, being a 20-year-old LEO gun, it's probably seen a fair number of +P rounds. I don't know how well those aluminum frames hold up--then again, the military's aluminum-framed M9s have taken a beating and have held up well.

I'll probably go back tomorrow and make a lowball offer, $250 OTD, and see what happens from there.

While I wouldn't mind a stainless gun (5906) from Summit Gun or one of the other online dealers, it's hard to beat the convenience of buying locally, where I can look it over carefully before opening my wallet.

 

[Mad Magyar]

it's hard to beat the convenience of buying locally, where I can look it over carefully before opening my wallet.

That's a good point. Pics can be deceiving. I received one pistol with a cracked frame. Not sure I would have observed it while personally examining it, but it disturbed me....If it is advertised as n.i.b., I'm not so paranoid... I've had 3rd Gen. S&W's, and found them to be extremely reliable.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

One concern I have is that, being a 20-year-old LEO gun, it's probably seen a fair number of +P rounds.

Not necessarily. Many police issue guns are only shot as often as necessary for the officer to maintain qualification and no more. However, there is no way of knowing for certain.