New gun, ARMI San Marco .357 SA. Need info.

[albanian]

I traded for this today at the local gunshow and I am a little in the dark about it. It is a blued and case hardened with wood grips .357mag SA revolver with a 5 1/2" bbl. It is like new with a nice finish and works fine. The last Patent date is 1975. It has "OLD SAYBROOK" "TRADITIONS" after the ARMI SAN MARCO under the BBL. Looks like a classic Colt SA Army with the plow handle. Overall it is a good looking and functioning gun that seems like I steal for what I traded for.

After researching on this site and trying to find info in my 23 edition Blue Book, I didn't come up with much that helps. I noticed that Joesy really hates them for some reason but that don't do me any good. If it is in the Blue Book, can someone give me the page number? Also, what is the value in rounded terms? I saw a few being sold at the gunshow that were the same except they were in .45LC, the price was $369 + tax. Is that about right for a new one?

 

[Jim March]

Most Italian SAA clones are made by Uberti; Armi San Marco is the smaller maker and doesn't have as nice a rep...but they HAVE made some good guns.

I wouldn't pay $369 brand new unless a thorough checkout said it was OK.

I also wouldn't run a lot of very hot loads in one.

That said, your 357 oughta be fine. Treat it like it's about as strong as a K-Frame, is my advice.

OH, and it's got no safety! If you don't understand what "load it five up, hammer on an empty" means, find out, and fast.

 

[albanian]

Thanks Jim. Do you know if it is in the blue book at all? I also have a 2003 Standard catalog of firearms 13th edition if it is in that. When was my revolver made?