Old 3 screw price?

[Jonah71]

My gun dealer just called me again on my cell. He just got in a late 50's/early 60's .357 mag Ruger 6" bbl 3 screw in excelent condition. The problem is, he's asking $500. That doesn't sound like a real good deal to me. I wouldn't be buying it for resale of course. And if $500 isn't too far out of line I would like to have it.

 

[W.E.G.]

Condition is everything.

 

[SASS#23149]

if it is not only a 3 screw,but a flat top..and I think it would be,then yes,it'll bring near that,although the 4 5/8 barrel is far more desireable.IF it's been retrofitted with the 'safe' innards,maybe not.

 

[Jonah71]

I'll probably be shooting it in an hour or so. And will most likely bring it home. In fact...I'm headed there now. Guess I pretty much had my mind made up in the first place.

 

[CraigC]

Condition is everything, as is the actual configuration. "Late `50's, early `60's" is too vague for my tastes. Is it a 1955-1962 "flat-top" or is it a model with "ears" around the rear sight (1962-1973)? Is it original? If it's a flat-top, it needs to be in very good condition with at least the original grip frame if not also the original grips, which most Rugerphiles like me put at least a $100-$150 premium on. If it's an "eared" model, it's way too much money regardless of condition. The problem is that many dealers price "eared" models like flat-tops and some even advertise them as flat-tops. Either out of ignorance, or hoping to separate an ignorant buyer from more money than it's worth.

If it has been converted and does not include the original parts, it's WAAAAAAY overpriced.

 

[Red Cent]

I agree with condition and flattop. However, as someone mentioned the 6" inch barrel is not as desirable as the 4 5/8".
A very good condition 4 5/8" with the original guts will go for $500.00 around here. Just find some cowboy shooters. I sold a pair of decent 3 screws (not flattops) for $800.00 about four years ago. A pair of nice flattops will bring $1100-1200.00.
The new Blackhawks are priced by production but do not compare to the old 3 screws.

 

[Jonah71]

Well, I was wrong on a few things. But I bought it anyway. It's a 6 1/2"bbl. with no transfer bar. It is definately a 3 screw and it is in great condition. Maybe I can find the info I want with the ser. #....30-141xx. If it's bad news I can take it. I ended up trading my old Taurus 24/7 Pro (I may regret that) +$250 cash for the gun and a box of .357 & old holster. Fired up the traded rounds behind the store. I'm not as accurate with it as I am with the New Model BH convertable I got a few days ago. Oh well, it's a done deal now. I'd still like to know the mfg date. I doubt if it has the original grips. Much too nice.

 

[Jonah71]

I think I may have ended up with the "way overpriced" variety. Oh well. It's what I get for not doing proper research BEFORE I buy! lol

 

[Cosmoline]

1972 for that SN .357 old model blackhawk. That information is available online at Ruger, as ANY dealer would know. So if he sold it to you as an early 60's revolver you'd have grounds to return it. If he did give you a year range like that in spite of it having what is obviously a later SN, I'd be kind of angry.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Well, I don't see every dealers as knowing about every manufacturer's website contents and like any purchase, buyer beware. Always do your homework first so you don't kick yourself after. For a late OM, unless it's pristine, $500 is high. Normal would be closer to the $325 range for the typical shooter grade ones. In the end though, it's worth exactly what a buyer will pay for it.

 

[CraigC]

Like BlkHawk73 posted, it's a $300-$350 "eared" model. So you paid too much but it's too late to do anything about it now. Forget about the money and enjoy your new sixgun!

Though I would consider having a little chat with your dealer about his description.

 

[Lar1911]

I understand your problem I walked into my local shop and he had a 1970 (Ilooked it up) 357 Blackhawk convertable (had the extra 9mm cylinder) and origional box.

I couldnt leave it there, I think $475, great condition, the box was in great condition (Marked as a converable)

This is where guns are truely evil.

 

[Dave T]

I'd like to know where you guys are buying un-converted Old Models for $300-$325. It sure ain't in any gun shops or gun shows I've been to in the last year or two.

Dave

 

[Jonah71]

I've made worse deals. I don't believe he purposely decieved me about the date. But he's certainly not bashful about making a profit. I just need to learn to be more patient and check out all info before buying. A lot of the guns I buy from this particular shop are there just a few hours before I get my hands on them. I drop by there 4-5 times a week just to look for older revolvers. Pickings are pretty slim lately. And the prices do seem to be on the rise. Not good for someone with my lack of knowledge. Getting "educated" in handgun values is kinda expensive. Still cheaper than golf in the long run. And I do compare prices in the area.

 

[Maj Dad]

Jonah, get yourself a copy of the latest (31st Ed.) Blue Book of Gun Values by Fjestad - Amazon has it for $33 shipped ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/18..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0653YZHKV0XRSTCGTT5D ). Take it with when you stop by the gun shop and leave it in the car (he might be asking too little ). If you see something you like, go check the BB & weigh that against what you're willing to spend, all factors considered. It will pay for itself, I can attest...

 

[Red Cent]

Dave T ,I agree. You can find prices close to this on the 6"+ barrels. Not a nice 4 5/8". At least, not around here. 'Course, it doesn't cost a lot to cut one down. The front sight sets on the barrel on a pin. Silver solder and done. 'Course,I am talking SASS, not collectors.

 

[BlkHawk73]

I'd like to know where you guys are buying un-converted Old Models for $300-$325. It sure ain't in any gun shops or gun shows I've been to in the last year or two.

Just gotta be at the right place at the right time. Picked one up a yr or two ago for $200. Some dealers aren't big on a particular make/model so if those cases, you can really make out.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

IF original and unaltered (no Ruger safety conversion or other modifications) and in good shape (minor finish wear is acceptable, but no mechanical problems), it would be a near-steal in today's market. The production date you indicate dates it to the early "Flat Top" production.

 

[CraigC]

No, they're not growing on trees but $500 is still way too much. I paid $300 for a good shooter-grade "eared" model a couple years ago. Personally, I'll always pay at least $100-$150 for a flat-top due to the fact that I prefer the XR3 grip frame and it costs that much to procure one and retrofit it. They also have a steel ejector housing and that's another $40.

IF original and unaltered (no Ruger safety conversion or other modifications) and in good shape (minor finish wear is acceptable, but no mechanical problems), it would be a near-steal in today's market. The production date you indicate dates it to the early "Flat Top" production.

Did you read the thread? It's not a flat-top but a later "eared" model. The price would be a fair deal on a shooter-grade flat-top but far from a steal.