how much value would an Old Army lose if it's got some rust?

[WillaminaOR]

I was looking for a Ruger Old Army and someone contacted me with one he might be willing to sell. He said he'd bought it new a long time ago (late 90's) and shot 3-4 cylinders full and it's been in the safe pretty much since then. It's a stainless, 7.5", adjustable sight model.

Well needless to say I was quite interested and hurried over. When I got a good look at it I was a bit bummed. The hammer had some rust, the hole the hammer strikes through is rusty, chambers have some corrosion, and lastly the barrel has a couple rusty spots inside. I think it might clean up ok but of course the barrel is going to have a bit of pitting. The other rusty spots when cleaned up probably won't be all that noticeable that they were rusty at one time.

I may be off base but I'd place the value of the gun, had it not been rusty, at about $550? Is this about right? How much would I expect to take off the value with the present rusty condition, even though the gun had a very low round count?

Thanks for your comment,
Bryan

 

[swathdiver]

$200 tops, it's not worth the gamble and effort when so many better specimens are available. At least, IMHO!

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

Your estimated value for an Old Army in better shape is fair. Some sell higher, and some lower in very nice shape. If you had some good pictures you might be able to get some better opinions. I've seen examples that could meet your description that cleaned right up and might still fetch $400 or $500 easy. No one likes the look of pitting, especially in the barrel, but it may not affect accuracy at all. It probably come down to whether or not the "rust" is closer to just staining or the metal is disintegrating.

There are still plenty of Old Armys for sale out there so with a bit of patience you could find a clean one.

 

[J-Bar]

The corrosion in the cylinder would be my biggest concern, the rest is probably cosmetic. As said, barrel pitting may not affect accuracy much. If you want it, offer $75 max. You could probably recover most of that by selling the internal parts.

The owner deserves a big loss for firearm abuse, make him pay.

 

[WillaminaOR]

I was going to trade the owner a Springfield XDm 4.5" .45, which I value around $550. When I saw the rust, I backed out of trading and let him know I'd have to do a little more research to see what value it should be now and if I wanted to take that gamble.

I've let him know I'd still like to get it from him. He wasn't interested in the other trades I offered so I asked him what his cash price would be. He came back to me with $600. I don't know how well an offer of $75-$200 will be received. With a few more replies, I may refer him to this thread.

Thanks,
Bryan

Ps. I did join the ROA club over the weekend. I bought a 99% condition, looked unfired, blued, 7.5", adj, sn dating it to 1977. Off gun broker, $420+$20.

 

[g.willikers]

For shooting, the flaws mentioned are no big deal.
For buying and selling they are.
Like others suggested, you might want to keep looking for either a nicer gun or a similar one at a more reasonable price.
My unofficial guess would be around $350 or less for the one described and up to $600 for one you'd be proud to own.
Since it's close by, how about trying to clean it up first before making a decision.

 

[J-Bar]

I would not make any offer if he thinks it is worth that much. Be pleasant and friendly and wish him luck getting that much for it.

 

[Patocazador]

Tell him, if he decides to drop his price substantially later, to give you a call.
Less than $300 would be tops in my book. It's not the only one out there.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Rust is easy to remove. I'd give him $300 to $350 for it.

 

[Patocazador]

I just bought a blued 7 1/2" at a gun shop for $350 two months ago. No rust, just worn places where the bluing was gone. Functions great.
The rust issue would drop the price at least another $50 IMO.

 

[BCRider]

His $600 price probably reflects the annoyance that you dropped out of the deal. Either that or he's trapped in the land of Oz for the price.

As mentioned there are others out there that aren't rusty.

 

[wf4933]

I bought a 7.5 " blued in February for 395.00 from gun broker in nice condition but definitely used. In March at a gun showin Nashville I bought a 5.5" blued fixed sights for same price never been fired. Deals are out there. No more than 200.00 tops imo.
WFH