S&W Model 58: Value?

[huntingguyMN]

A friend of mine has a near 100% S&W 58 .41 mag that he is looking to sell. Just trying to figure out a fair price for it.

Thanks!
HGMN

 

[Rio Laxas]

I've seen them go for usually between $450 and $600 for standard 58s. SAPD 58s demand more.

 

[huntingguyMN]

Thanks, Charles. Hope all is well.

 

[Ala Dan]

The 27th edition of The Blue Book Of Gun Values list the following:

Made from 1964 to 1977 as the .41 Magnum M&P model-

100% NIB = $800
98% = $750
95% = $650
90% = $575
80% = $500
70% = $400
60% = $300

Add 10% for nickel finish or "S" serial number prefix.

 

[huntingguyMN]

Thanks, Dan. I should probably pick one of those up.

 

[Archie]

That is a really nice revolver for all around usage. I'd buy one if available even though it means starting up a new caliber.

 

[huntingguyMN]

Archie,

Are they fairly rare? While researching them, I've had no luck on finding any on the normal auction sites or even on google. Seems like a lot of folks want one but just can't find it.

 

[22-rimfire]

The Model 58's are pretty uncommon. Not rare, but certainly uncommon. Total production was 20,287 guns between 1964 and 1977. They were built originally for police use and the ammunition makers at first only had the hot loads available. Later came out with a lower powered lead load for police, but it was already too late. Your everyday policeman could not deal with the recoil, but the caliber did exactly what it was intended to accomplish as it was better than a 357 mag. Some police used them. I believe San Francisco issued them. The administrators believed they were simply more than the average policeman could master from a shooting point of view. So, interest died off. Today, the 41 mag is probably more popular than it ever has been, but no where near the popularity of the 44 mag.

Most sportsman bought the adjustable sighted version, Model 57. If you can get the Model 58 at a fair price, buy it. You will not regret it. This is one of the guns made by Smith that have really climbed in value and will continue to do so.

 

[huntingguyMN]

22,

Thanks for the valuable info!

 

[Brian Williams]

Not rare, but those that have them keep them because they know what they have is one of the best heavy duty carry revolvers around.
2 things to look to look for; One the grips, if they are wood, are they numbered to the gun? and are they the PC version of the magnas? Two, What serial number is it? if it is the earlier range, they are the more desireable.
The PC version Magnas has a rounded bottom.

 

[GunTech]

My experience with the Blue Book is that it has nothing to do with reality. I donlt know where they get their figures, but it doesn't jib with reality. I recently sold an IMI timberwoff 357 slide action rifle. BB had a value for perfect condition of $250 or so. Sold it for $600 easily.

 

[Ala Dan]

Blue Book As Information Source Only

Use the Blue Book wisely~! Its good for identifying firearms, dates of
manufactuer, number of pieces made, etc. The prices listed need to
be adjusted to todays standards.

 

[Rexster]

Model 58 sixguns have become trendy lately in some circles, after being red-headed stepchildren for decades. I carried mine for several years as a duty sixgun, after it was sold off by San Antonio PD. I may carry it again someday, if I have it reconditioned, as it is a little loose and out of time from firing countless rounds.

 

[huntingguyMN]

Good advice on the Blue Book. Rexter, from what I hear, and you can probably attest - they would make an excellent carry sixgun. I think I'll end up buying it from him.

It's not like I need another revolver, or gun for that matter, but it sounds like I'd be a fool not to.

 

[Rexster]

Yes, indeed, an excellent carry sixgun. I carried mine on my own time as well as in the duty rig.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

I carried one and I would love to have that one back - otherwise I'm happy with my replacement PC 657 short barrel from Lew Horton.

No question that the Model 58 has a particular appeal and will bring a very good price across the country but is still a slow mover in local face to face sales - any pinned and recessed N frame in really good shape is sure to bring more this year than last. I can't predict next year.

My gut is that the blue book figures quoted are good at the top - a NIB with tools and VPI paper would bring more than shown - but will fall off faster than shown as the condition declines - people who want a Model 58 specifically want a good one or not at all and sending a loose revolver back to S&W for rebuild and refinish isn't as much of a good idea by my lights these days as it once was.

 

[Colt46]

Might've been the perfect combat revolver

Many things conspired to see it die a needless death. The police loading was about perfect for a defensive handgun.
Most people thought it was too heavy to carry all day long. Others thougt that the magnum loads were too heavy for service use.
I've still got a hankering to add one to my collection.

 

[Elm Creek Smith]

It's really not worth very much. Tell your friend that I'll do him a favor and swap him straight across for a Kahr K9 with three magazines.

(Does anyone think he's buying this?)

ECS

 

[huntingguyMN]

Elm,

I'll let him know and get back to you

 

[Brian Williams]

here is a good example of PC vs square magnas
regular top
PC lower

 

[Gordon]

"PC" huh? I always wondered about that on Model 15s (K frame) and 28s and the NYST 520!

 

[Majic]

The Model 58 has become a cult status the last couple of years. Excellent condition specimens can bring $800 even without the box and papers.

 

[huntingguyMN]

Magic,

Good to hear. Do you think they will continue to grow in value?

 

[Ala Dan]

Time Will Tell

Yes, I would not be surprised to see them shoot past 1K; before all is said
and done. The mahogany boxed, target sighted S&W model 57 .41 magnum
might very well reach the $1500 mark, during the same time frame. My only
problem with either, is the scarcity of ammunition. And, the cost of this
ammo is already over $20 a box~!

 

[huntingguyMN]

And, the cost of this
ammo is already over $20 a box~!

Good point. Never seems to go down!