Price Check: S&W 34-1 2-inch

[16in50calNavalRifle]

Not quick to post a price check thread, but I'm intrigued by a LGS find today and can't find any "data" on reasonable prices for the piece.

S&W Model 34-1, 22LR. I'd never seen one (neither had the fairly knowledgeable clerk), and didn't give it a thorough inspection (did do a quick lock-up check per the sticky in this forum, holding hammer back - very tight, and no apparent "end shake" either). Don't know detailed history - it's on consignment - and don't even know whether it has box and papers.

Anyway, price on it was $499. If it had been $100 lower, I might have made it my second "impulse" firearm buy (first was a great one, a Colt Magnum Carry out of an estate sale). But 5 bills triggers my ferocious cheap-skate/"value consumer" circuitry, so I oogled and fondled and left it for now.

Primary uses would be revolver practice and hiking pocket gun (with snake load). Wife might find she likes it (didn't like factory grips, but with larger ones I think she'd warm to it esp. when she sees how lightly it probably shoots). Exit strategy would be fairly conventional: relatively unusual Smiths in good condition shooting cheap ammo will always fetch decent prices if I want to liquidate it in the future (that is, not much $$$ "risk" in such a purchase).

Bear in mind I reside in beautiful, theatrically idiotic California. So all interesting handguns (older, not on "the roster") carry a premium above what they would cost in America.

So is $499 nature's way of saying "pass"? Does one haggle with a consignment item? Opinions welcome.

 

[bannockburn]

I picked up a LNIB Model 34-1 with a 4" barrel and round butt for a little over $400 about a year and a half ago. The gun had a blued finish and looked to be unfired. I added a Hogue Monogrip in Goncalo Alves with Finger Grooves. Really looks great on the gun and improves the grip immensely.

I bought the gun primarily as a trainer for a friend of mine who was new to handguns. It's rare to find a Model 34 these days, especially in such great condition as this one that I found. I think $499 is a little above and beyond what I would like to pay, but as you say living where you do you might have to pay a premium for such a nice .22 revolver like this.

 

[highpower]

I tend to haggle on nearly every gun purchase the I make, so I would think that it certainly couldn't hurt.

I feel your pain. I, too, live in the Peoples Republic of California ( although soon to be moving to a free state) and I know the added value that older guns have out here in this socialist paradise.

My theory is this; If I want a particular firearm and it is within a few dollars of what I would pay for it anyway, I just suck it up and buy it. Life is too short to beat yourself up over a couple of bucks.

 

[Iggy]

I gave $500 for a 4 inch with the box and docs this summer and everybody thought I stole it. 2" versions are harder to find, and I don't have to deal with CA premiums either.

My guess is, you'd better go get that one if you want it, it won't be around long.

 

[Radagast]

Six years ago the Standard catalog of S&W gave a value of $425 for as new in box, its probably gone up some since then. Throw in a California premium and its probably on the high end of the normal range, assuming box and docs.

 

[16in50calNavalRifle]

Thanks all for the helpful replies. As some have said, I probably should not worry too much over a little money if I really want it. I've put in an offer to the LGS to give to the seller, so we'll see. Iggy's probably right, it won't last long - then again, with the frenzy over all the other sorts of firearms going on, I'd guess not many folks are shopping for a .22 snubbie at the moment.

 

[Iggy]

Check you PMs.

 

[aarondhgraham]

I paid $500.00 for my Model 34 snubbie,,,

I paid $500.00 for my Model 34 snubbie,,,
It was (is) in very very good physical condition.

I've been offered $600.00 for it several times.

I think it's where you live,,,
Here in Oklahoma J and K frame rimfires demand a premium price.

Look at it this way though,,,
You will recover the extra $100.00 in cheap practice very quickly.

550 rounds of federal Bulk is about $21.00,,,
That same amount of .38 Special ($19.95/50) is $219.45.

In general, S&W rimfire revolvers will always demand a bit more,,,
Than their centerfire counterparts.

Aarond

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