What is the max you would pay for each of these revolvers?

F

freebird72

New member
When I go to gunshows and the like I always have a hard time knowing what a good price is when it comes to revolvers. Since I am going to a rather big gunshow in my area in the next few days I figured some of you could help me out. I have been looking for a .357 4inch revolver.

I have narrowed my choices down to Ruger Security Six, Ruger GP100, S&W 586, S&W 686, and Colt Trooper MIII or V.

So, what should be the max I would pay for each? (I assume just the gun itself)

Ruger Security Six?
GP 100?
S&W 586?
S&W 686?
Colt Trooper MIII and V?
 
what is it worth to you

As the old saying goes, location, location. if I am looking for a used gun I look at INTERNET site, local gun stores to get an idea of the asking prices for the gun I am looking at. I also consider is it a hard to find gun. I am currently looking for a 3 in S&W 686 and I would consider $ 450 maybe $500. But I might go higher too. I think you have to sit your own limit on prices it has to be what you can afford AND WHAT YOU THINK IT IS WORTH TO YOU.
 
I'm not a collector or a gun snob. To me, none of those guns is all that much more valuable for practical uses compared to the others. Ya, if you look at actual book values the Colts and S&W's might out pace the Rugers but if I was in the market for a DA .357 I'd set my price point, go shopping and buy the first of those guns that hits the mark. As a matter of fact that's what I did. I had a number in my head (cash in my wallet), went shopping, found a few choices and made my call. When I set out that night I didn't care if it was Ruger or S&W. Came home with a Ruger.

When it comes right down to it each of the guns you listed will do about the same dang thing as the others.
 
Time for you do your homework. Make a list of what you want, see what they are selling for in your area, set how much you want to pay for each gun on your list, and be sure you understand how to grade and check out a used gun so you know if it is priced right for it's condition. Then when one comes along you have a better chance of not being ripped off. And if doing internet don't forget to think about shipping & handling fees, FFL transfer fees, and any action buyer premiums that may be involved. They can run the total up fast.
 
Try looking at gunbroker.com,,,

Search for the model of handgun,,,
Then look at actual bids,,,
Not "opening bids".

This will give you a reasonable starting price.

That helped me until I could get a Blue Book.

Aarond

.
 
Assuming good operating condition, less than 5% finish wear.

Ruger Security Six - $400, but I think the going rate is closer to $475. I don't like the extra weight and rougher triggers and finish of these.
GP 100 - $450, but they seem to go for closer to $525.
S&W 586 - $600
S&W 686 - $650
Colt Trooper MIII and V - Not sure. . .$800??

Now, if you really want a 4" 357 mag revolver in your collection, S&W K frames like 13, 19, 65, 66 can all be had in the $375 - $600 range. I just bought a 19-3 for under $500. Can't go wrong with that! $375 is just more finish wear. . .

These are free market prices. . .At the end of every long country road is a small gun shop with a 1974 NIB S&W blued revolver in a presentation box with $300 on it. The price was originally written on the tag in 1978 and it was way high then, but this guy has been away from reality for this long. Get a few boxes of $10 per 50 box of SD hollow points too.

I bought a 3.5" 1911 like that a few years ago.
 
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Dont have a security six... but one in LGS for about $450.
Dont own a GP100... But one in local gun shop for about the same $450.
I do own a 586 I paid something like $500 for it
Same as my 686 about $500.

I have three troopers, two older ones. Got one for $200., and one for $75. (was at the right place at the right time)

A markIII trooper for $250.

All purchased at local gun and pawn shops.


I'd also suggest looking at model 19's and 66's from Smith. And model 13's and 65's All can be had in 4" bbl.

For me half the fun of getting something like this is looking for it.
 
prices vary too much in different areas of the country ....

Besides its not about buying the cheapest gun you can find ....its about buying a gun that you really want - making a fair deal for you and the seller...but if you're going to shop gunshows..you have to do your homework and shop your local retail stores / especially used gun stores...making some notes if you have to....

besides, condition is a really big deal ...and can affect a price $ 200 or more one way or the other....
 
I have a limit of $700, but I would like to keep it under that if I could. I really want a 586, I passed on a 686 the other day at a gun show for $475 in good condition. I would have bought it if it had been blue. I really want a blue gun.

Anyways, the gunshow is tomorrow, so anymore advice would be very helpful. Thanks again.
 
Also check out Buds gun shop online. I check their prices then when I'm in my local shop I have an idea of what the retail price for a new gun should be.

I don't expect my local shop to be as low as Buds, but at least I have a base line.

My new GP-100 from a local shop was around $550.
 
research variations and generational differences. Shows have a TON of BS make sure you do your own reading ahead of time. Make full use of your smartphone/tablet for quick references. Don't make rash decisions and be prepared to walk away.

With practice you can cut through the rows and rows of junk and help you when negotiating that occasional gem. Also if someone claims a piece is rare, its 95% overhyped and/or overpriced
 
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The 686 is only available in stainless...if you want a blued gun it'll have to be the 586 ..of the guns you're looking at.

( 586's were made either Blued or in Nickel ). 586 and 686 are both L frames.
 
Bigjim, I meant to say I passed on 686 because it was not a blue 586 lol. I know the difference between the two. I just thought the gun was in real good condition for the price and was hard to pass up. If I had the extra money I would have bought it, but for now I only have enough money for one gun. So I will buy the gun I want and save the good deals for latter.
 
Buy any colt at $250 all day any day........and call me I will give you what you payed to take it off your hands.
 
How not to get ripped off...

1. DO NOT impulse buy. You'll likely find out later you paid too much.

2. Do your homework. Look at a lot of internet sites/classifieds and local gun stores to determine a range from varied pre-owned conditions to brand spanking new.

3. Set a budget and do not go over. I've made a purchase more than a few times only to see the same item show up for less soon thereafter.
 
I really want a blue gun.
Click to expand...

You want a blue S&W 19-3. My like was incomplete until I dropped the cash on that one! Super nice guns. The blue of a 70's S&W 19 is something to behold.

A super nice one will probably set you back $500 by the time it is at your door.
 
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