Transitional S&W M&P snub price

[Shear_stress]

After hammering the search function ruthlessly, I've decided to waste bandwidth with a new thread. Just curious how much you folks owuld be willing to pay for a post-war, long-action, two-inch barrel, square-butt S&W M&P with original grips in about 85-90% condition?

 

[Will5A1]

Recently I've seen a post-war 2" M&P, 98%, in original box, dealer wanted $500 and wasn't willing to budge off that price. I saw another one, about 80%,that dealer wanted $375 and he was also firm on price. I think both guns were priced high, but I think I should of bought the 98% boxed M&P, I am just not seeing as many nice M&P's lately, and those post-war long actions seem to fetch high prices, unless you luck into one. If I could get a 90% one for $300 - $350 I'd be happy.

 

[Striker]

We had one on consignment in the shop (NoVA) in November for $290.00.

It was 80-85% and sold in 2 weeks for $250.00

 

[Old Fuff]

Most buyers don't recognize what these guns are. Getting the bigger bucks depends on where you sell one. Of the breed, snubbies are the hardest to find, especially in nice condition. Most of them were sold to police departments after the war, and did not have an easy life. They were carried and used to the max. On the collector market they tend to go at $350 and up if they are in excellent to mint shape and all-original. Sellers that are wise won't come down. They know which way the values are going.

 

[SaxonPig]

The trans models bring a premium from collectors but an 85% example won't excite the serious collectors. I would guess (and it's just a guess) somewhere around $300 or so for such a gun as a neat shooter. If 95% instead of 85 and with the box, then you'd be thinking much higher value. Also, the square butt version may be slightly less popular and therefore a little less pricey.

BTW, I got these recently for $200 & $210. Made in 1949 and perhaps 75-80% they are fun shooters.

 

[Shear_stress]

Thanks as always, folks. Nice guns, SaxonPig!

Turns out I was outbid on the auction. However, I did pick up a mid-fifties M&P (serial number C398xxx) in the box for a pretty good price. Not quite as cool as the transitional gun, but nice nonetheless.

Seller's pic:

 

[Old Fuff]

SaxonPig:

I agree with your observations, but I hope you realize that neither of the two revolvers in your picture are transitional post-war long actions. They are very early short actions, and yes they make excellent shooters.

 

[Iggy]

Don't want to hijack the thread here, but can I ask, just was is a "long action" and how do they differ from "short actions"

Ol Fuff can we prevail on your reservoir of knowledge form some learnin'?