$250 for S&W mod. 10?

Mikeseli

New member
Hi Folks,

I've been considerating a 70's
4" model 10 "pencil barrel" in 98% condition. It seems tight, and in real nice shape.
Looking to you senior members who really know your stuff on this:
Is $250 a bit high, or a fair price?

Thanks,
Mike
 
Well, that would be pretty close to tare price for what I'm seeing in Northern Virginia.

It's very likely high compared to other areas, or low in others.

Gun prices are very regional.

It really boils down to a question you have to answer for yourself "Am I willing to pay that much for an S&W revolver?"

Of course, I'm exceptionally biased against all forms of Smith & Wesson products, and can't be counted on to give good counsel in any discussion about S&W.

My extreme personal bias against S&W is the reason why I've purchased 13 of them over the 15 or so years, including 2 in the last month.

But, to paraphrase a very famous man, "If this be bias, make the most of it."
 
Mod. 10: Take Two

Let me rephrase my original post before this turns into philosophy class:
"Fair" of course, is what buyer and seller agree upon.

Would those members of this Forum who know and like these guns make that purchase?

Thanks Again,
Mike
 
Thanks Mike,
13 of 'em, hmm. Imagine if you weren't so biased.....:p
Your point about location is well taken. I get to pay Californi prices, 'tho the competition is such that the prices usually aren't that bad.

Mike
 
I have a Model 10-5, paid about 175-200 here in Massachusetts for it (I'll have to check the slip tonight when I go home). Was not in as near good shape as yours is. I am going to have to pay to get it re-blued.

I think that objectively it is a bit high but subjectively it may be a very good price. As Mike Irwin said, gun prices ARE regional and even in regions you will see differences based upon what the previous owner felt about it.

Based on what you have said, I would most likely buy it, especially if I did not already have a Model 10 in my collection.

Whatever you decide, Good Luck!
 
I happened across one of these puppies at a show a couple of years ago for $152.

I snatched it up, then some months later turned around and sold it to my friend for the same price as I decided that I wanted to finance a different S&W, which actually ended up turning into an EAA Witness 10mm. :)

I still kick myself a little, as I've not seen once since then even remotely close to that price.
 
$250 for an eatin clean Smith? Are you kiddin me? Jump on it! If you want a revolver there none better at any price!

CR Sam says most NIB are 98% so you've got a new gun for $250.
 
It sounds slightly high to me - - -

- - -But, as previously stated, this may be a regional thing. There are a lot of nice S&Ws for sale in my area. Of course, if it has proper box and papers, that particular item may be a steal. If not, just a decent buy. One base truism: They are not making any more of that vintage.

I have a personal bias against S&W until the time they formally repudiate "the Sell Out." But, for me, this extends only to guns from which the company will NOW make money. Any gun sold pre-agreement is fair game in my mind, and I will happily deal on it. One man's opinion. I have a couple of friends who sold off ALL their S&Ws, not wanting to even possess an artifact manufactured by them.:(

Oh, well . . . .
 
I don't buy pristine guns so my frame of reference is for guns in the 70-90% condition range. In California you will pay more due to Draconian gun laws adversely affecting supply and demand.
 
PPK, Mike, FPrice, BigG, JohnnyG and SaxonPig;

Thanks for the great responses to this post. I knew I could count on you guys. I think I'll be owning this one soon!

It is a "classic" to my way of thinking. Functional and a great example of American workmanship from "back in the day."

Regards,
Mike
 
SaxonPig...

"I don't buy pristine guns so my frame of reference is for guns in the 70-90% condition range."

Some people go for condition, others just go for the particular gun regardless of condition. I tend towards the latter but I will NOT turn down a good buy just because it is in good shape.
 
Mike Irwin....

"I still kick myself a little,"

I'm not sure why you kick yourself. From what I have seen lately, there are one or two guys who will gladly do that for you! :D

I am beginning to think that if you and I ever put our S&W's (*&*'s - ?) together, we would have more than the Springfield factory.

Guess that BOTH of us are making the most out of this bias thing.
 
Thanks Sam,

I was waiting for you to render a verdict! Much appreciated.

On the mini-debate regarding buying for primo condition vs. a shooter, I was hoping to find one in the $150-200 range; maybe some finish worn off but solidly functional.

This one is almost a museum piece, so I guess the extra $$$ is worth it. And, it will always be a 70's era model 10, which is enough for me.

Regards,
Mike
 
I don't buy pristine guns
Saxon Pig,
I'm kinda wondering why not? Is it simply because of price?


RE: $250 for a 98%. More than a fair price here in NE Ohio for one in that condition. Ones that show a lot of holster wear, but are otherwise tight go for $175 to $200. If I were in the market for a Model 10 and I ran across one that nice, I'd buy it.
 
$250 for a M10 in that condition would be a very good price around here. In good mechanical condition but beat up cosmetically you'll pay about $200 around here. For pristine (what it sounds like you have) $250-300.

For me I like a little wear on the finish, it gives it character. However, I am paying a nice bit of change and want it to still look good, I don't want the blueing or grips to look horrible. I usually look for the guns that tend to run (around here) $200-250, good mechanically, decent cosmetically.

Only you can decide if it is worth the extra money for a gun in such good shape. There are tons of M10s out there and I'm sure you can find one that is great mechanically but ugly cosmetically for much less. If it was me I'd jump on the one you saw.
 
RAE and Chaim,

Thanks for your comments. It is a little more than I wanted to spend, but it is a real nice piece. You guys and the previous responders 'bout have me reaching for my wallet to pay the man:)

Regards,
Mike

PS: Chaim, reading your post on the Colt Police Positive has got me thinking....
One of those (in .38spl), or the Detective Special would be nice.
MY, will this ever end! :eek:
 
Of course, I'm exceptionally biased against all forms of Smith & Wesson products, and can't be counted on to give good counsel in any discussion about S&W.

Mike,

You are either the most thick headed person I have met in my 47 years, or the stupidist. Or maybe you are just "off".

To repeat again, for you....I never accused you of being biased against the old models.

This is just some whacko defense mechanism of yours.

Sounds like you might need some counseling

That being the case, I should not compound any possible mental problems by reminding you of this any more. Post it all you want.

It looks pretty ridiculous to anyone not knowing why you are doing it.

I will be the "other voice" when you slam Smith and Wesson quality unreasonably, however.

I hope you find the time to get over the fact that someone here DOES have an opposing view to your smokescreen tactics.

For the most part, this IS a biased forum, but still a fair one.
Smith slamming has been the norm for a couple years.....

You'll not stop Smith and Wesson from improving and prospering. You do not have the means. Too many GOOD guns coming from them. Sorry.

The sky is not falling.
 
In California, the supply is limited because only private parties can trade in these (paperwork through a dealer, of course).

So it's a seller's market for "non-safety-list" guns.

Only single-actions of at least five rounds and at least 7.5" overall length are excempt from the "safety list", so the market in used Blackhawks and such is still "free market".
 
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