Smart Trade?

[King_Hugh]

A friend and I are negotiating a trade and I'm wondering what you all think of the guns involved...it will be an even swap and both guns come with 2 holsters and 3 loading devices. Just coincidence that we both had the same number of accessories.

I am putting on the table a S&W 638-3 J Frame "Airweight" with crimson trace lazer grips. 5 shot .38spec for those who are not familiar. I will also be throwing in a box of .38spec since he doesn't have any.

In return I will be getting a Khar MK9 Elite03 in stainless. No ammo thrown in..I have several 9mm's so I have plenty.

Looking at specs and sales of both guns it seems that I'm getting the better of the deal. I like the little smith fine, but it's not my goto for anything so it mainly sits in the safe...and he wants a J frame and spoke of trading in the Khar..and I'm looking for a little 9mm so the deal is on.

Only hurdle left to cross is to do a range trip so we can test fire the respective guns to make sure we each know what were getting into.

Thoughts?

 

[WestKentucky]

Go for it. You have something you don't seem to use, or care a whole lot about. He has something he doesn't want. You each want what the other has...and trading in at 2/3 value or less is just going to lose you both money.

 

[Cokeman]

I would do it.

 

[Snyper]

As long as both parties think it's a good deal, it is.

 

[bannockburn]

I would do it. As a matter of fact I have both (though my Kahr is a CM9), and I like to use either one for CCW.

 

[il.bill]

If you are both satisfied, by definition that would be a 'good trade'.

 

[SC Shooter]

Don't worry about who got the better deal. If both of you want what the other has, and are happy with what you are giving and getting, then it's an even deal. The dollar value is very subjective and is only worth what somebody is willing to pay.

 

[PabloJ]

Good trade. The only more hideous S&W revolver than 638 is the copy of Taurus Judge.

 

[bannockburn]

PabloJ

Ah, but as someone once said: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"! I have always been a big fan of J frame revolvers and for whatever reason the design of the Model 49/38 always worked somewhat better for me than that of the comparable Model 36/37. My two current guns in that configuration, a Model 649 and a Model 638 have collectively provided me with many years of dependable service in the CCW role.

 

[El Viejo]

If the S&W were a .357 I wouldn't, but since it's not, I'd do the trade, especially if it's just siting there. At least with the Khar, you will be getting some use out of it.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Sounds like a good trade if you're both happy.

 

[herrwalther]

I would take a J frame Smith over a 9mm Kahr any day, that coming from someone who shoots semi-autos 99% of the time. But they are your guns. The even bigger benefit you have is the ability to range test it before committing to the trade. I have done trades on more than one firearm where I wish I had test fired it before acquiring.

 

[Capt. Obvious]

If the revolver you spoke of was something like a Colt Python or something along those lines, then I'd keep it mostly in my safe as well. However, since its just a 637/638 Airweight, I'd say that it would be a good trade for both parties.

 

[Delford]

Go for it. If it makes both of you happy why not? This from a Kahr carrier.

 

[orionengnr]

If it makes you happy, go for it.
I find the MK series Kahr (not "Khar", BTW) to be way too heavy; at 24 oz (Kahr's numbers, 22.1 for the pistol plus 1.9 for the empty mag), it is the same weight as my 3" alloy 1911 in .45acp.

My PM9 is 14.5 oz, my alloy j-frame is about 15. Those are carry guns. I carry the Kahr every day, and the j-frame on rare occasion.

That is my opinion only, and should not influence your decision. If you are not carrying it, the weight may not be a factor.

 

[Lost Sheep]

I will not comment on the value....but

It seems to me that you have an edge in bargaining power.

He hankers for what you have.

You are more or less uninvested in what he has.

You are very kind to offer the "boot" of the ammo.

If it was a stranger, I would bargain hard. Since he is a friend, I say, bless you for being a good friend.

Lost Sheep

 

[Lucky Derby]

Both are excellent firearms.
$$$ wise you are getting a slightly better deal, but he is losing less than he would if he traded to a dealer.
If you are both happy, then go for it.

 

[gazpacho]

If your S&W has no lock, I'd say it was a good deal. If your S&W does have an internal lock, I'd say the deal is a steal for you!

I have a K9 Elite that I frequently use as a first time gun for new shooters.