Kelly Blue Book Price

Kelly Blue book prices are for cars not guns. S&W Model 57's are fine guns. You will be looking at $450 to $550 for one in excellent condition. Like mine a lot. The N-Frames are a bit heavy for fishing use unless you are on a boat. Around salt waterm, you may prefer a stainless version. You might be better served with a Model 29 (44 magnum) as shot cartridges are available for things like snakes and so forth. But, I still generally prefer the 41 magnums; just don't use shot. For a snake gun, 22's are always popular and effective. I fish and I shoot or kill no snakes now unless one bites me. They occupy an important niche in the critter kingdom.
 
Blue Book values and real world prices can sometimes be worlds apart. A "S" prefix M57 can bring a premium over a "N" prefix model because they were only made 4 years, but most books won't reconize that fact. The 4 inchers can be harder to find than the 6 inchers and that also can affect pricing. So a "S" prefix 4 incher can be difficult to find and can have a premium price tag.
Another strange fact about the M57 is the locale where it is for sale. Some places put little value to them and they are sold for less than other N-frames. Other locales see the M57 as rare because they were never made in the numbers of other recent N-frames and place much higher price tags on them. These differences can amount to $100 to $200 easily for guns in the same condition. It's difficult to quote a general price tag on one because of these factors.
 
To answer your question.
According to the 23rd edition Blue Book of Gun Values (2002)

Model 57 4" discontinued in 1991
100% $350,
98% $255,
95% $225,
90% $205
80% $190
70% $175
60% $165

Last MSRP was $466

Add 10%-20% for S prefix
Add 10% for nickle if NIB
Add 10% for pinned barrel and recessed cylinder
 
Current Blue Book (26th Edition-2005) lists $475 for 100% condition. Prices have changed a bit since 2002. As Majic said, the 4" models seem to have a higher asking price in general.

The new (this year) Model 57's that are going to be released by Smith will be in the $700-$800 price range new from dealers, so I am told.
 
Books don't buy guns; People buy guns.

I figure pricing based on what range folks are asking......


(Gotta small Redhawk collection, paid as little as I could, but never looked back, ay?)
 
weshoot2: Yeah me too. That is why I gave a range. I use Blue Book prices as a backup or when I have no idea what something is priced. But, dealers do use the book as a reference too. The referenced range is what dealers are asking in my region. Saw three in the last show I went to in late May and all were in as new condition. If my area is an indication, prices have gone up on the Model 57. I was expecting to see something more in the low end of the $400-$450 range.
 
Joab, et al,

Thanks, guys...this is the info I am looking for. I am going to a gun show as soon as I finish my joe. If I can find a damn good one for under $450. I am going to buy it.


Take care,

Leon
 
Bought a 4" nickel for $550 (out the door) in 98%+ condition a week ago. I was not thrilled with the price, as I was expecting something about $100 less. But, it was a beautiful gun that I intend to shoot and I prefer to buy guns that look new. Good luck Leon on your search.
 
If you find an excellent one for under $450 you better ask if they have any more and get them all. Most places that is nothing but wishful thinking.
 
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