Value Help on Handguns

[sparksjr]

Hey all...I went thru the handguns that I still have from when my dad passed away and I need help on pricing these. I am considering selling some of them, but more importantly I need a decent estimate to make sure I am covered insurance wise in case something were to happen. I noticed the classified forums do not allow these threads so I hope it is OK to post them here.

First is a 357 S&W 28-2 Highway Patrolman:

Next is a 41 S&W M657-1:

Next is a 357 S&W 586-1:

Next is a 357 S&W 19-4:

Next is a 9mm S&W SW9M:

Next is a 45 Auto Ordinance ZG-51:

Lastly I have a 41 Magnum Research Desert Eagle:

I also have a 22 Browning Challenger 3 that a buddy is borrowing from me right now that I dont have pics of...

Thanks for your help and thoughts on this. I hope I am not breaking any forum rules by doing this but the other "specialty" forums I am a member of allow threads like this as long as no one busts out eBay like threads...lol!

[Climber]

My advice would be to hold on to the pistolas. They are good quality and will only appreciate with time. Furthermore, these were your pops so the sentimental value is worth a lot more than an extra few hundred bucks in the wallet.

BUT, if you really need to sell, go check out gunbroker.com and see what they are fetching in the market.

Good luck with your decision.

[sparksjr]

My advice would be to hold on to the pistolas. They are good quality and will only appreciate with time. Furthermore, these were your pops so the sentimental value is worth a lot more than an extra few hundred bucks in the wallet.

BUT, if you really need to sell, go check out gunbroker.com and see what they are fetching in the market.

Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for the info. I am definitely holding onto a few of them, the sentimental value is definitely there but I also know my dad wouldnt want me to let them sit in the safe unused. He and I were more into the rifles and shotguns you see in the background than the pistols. The shotguns and rifles hold most of the sentimental value in my "collection."

I will checkout gunbroker.com for insurance info on all of em, and maybe sales prices on a 3 or 4 of em. I would like to get a better (meaning more solid, larger) 9mm than that compact I have...I'm not a huge fan.

Thanks again!

[Garufa]

If it was me...keep the Smith revolvers for now...sell the rest. That's just my opinion but those are the most valuable of the bunch.

[sparksjr]

If it was me...keep the Smith revolvers for now...sell the rest. That's just my opinion but those are the most valuable of the bunch.

The Nickel S&W's and the Auto Ordinance (was the one my dad carried) are pretty much off limits. The 9mm has to go and the others can too for the right price I reckon...lol

[Garufa]

Is the 586 Nickle? The others look blue or stainless.

[sparksjr]

sorry they are stainless...i misspoke (typed)

[Guest jackdm3]

Keep anything with no trace or records.

[Guest JHatmaker]

You are more than welcome to post threads here asking for a particular gun's value, but you may not attempt to sell or trade with someone in this Forum/Thread by asking for any offers directly, or sending Private Messages to someone in this thread who may mention an interest.

I would suggest becoming a Benefactor, and then post these for sale in our Classifieds section. You have some very beautiful guns there, and I'm sure could move them quickly if that's what you're wanting to do.

Welcome to TGO and please feel free to ask any of the staff/members questions if you are unsure of where to post something.

[sparksjr]

Thanks for the info/tips. Looks like I am going to have to pull some prices off various sites to figure out what, if any, to sell. If I decide to sell I'll certainly become a Benefactor and post em in the Classifieds.

I was just hoping for some insight on prices as the last thing I wanna do is post inaccurate (low or high) prices if the time comes. Isnt there some kind of firearm bluebook or something to subscribe to or purchase? I think I remember my old man having one back in the day.

[Guest JHatmaker]

Thanks for the info/tips. Looks like I am going to have to pull some prices off various sites to figure out what, if any, to sell. If I decide to sell I'll certainly become a Benefactor and post em in the Classifieds.

I was just hoping for some insight on prices as the last thing I wanna do is post inaccurate (low or high) prices if the time comes. Isnt there some kind of firearm bluebook or something to subscribe to or purchase? I think I remember my old man having one back in the day.

There absolutely is a firearms blue book you can purchase. There are several different versions you can get, check Amazon or you local gun shop. I'm sure they'll have copies there you can purchase.

Also, watch Gun Broker and see what these models are selling for (not what the seller is asking), and that'll give you a good start in the right direction.

[Guest Moose]

Use those books to get a rough idea only..The Smith revolvers will bring far more than you think, if you have all the factory items with them, ie: box,manual,cleaning rod, numbers matching grips ets. etc. at least was the case for me. I had a model 10-5 pb

that everyone including myself guessed the value in the 300/350 range..I was going to keep it, but after a offer of 600 I kinda changed my mind.

[sparksjr]

Thanks for all the responses. They have really helped. I am, however, having issues finding the desert eagle online. Mine is a 41 with the extra 10" barrell. All I can seem to find online are 44 and 50s.

Argh!

[Guest pwhphd]

You should take the advice of Garufa and Jackdm3. If these excellent S&W handguns belonged to your father you should keep them. They appear to be in excellent condition and they are some of the finest firearms of those calibers ever manufactured. The Standard Catalog of Firearms - 2009 rates the values at between $500 and $550 each [depending upon which one]. You can use this as a minimum insurable value, which is easily documented. In a sale they would likely bring more individually and to a collector if accompanied by the papers and original box.

Regardless, it is highly unlikely that these revolvers will ever be worth less. Smith & Wesson has recently reissued a "Classic" line of firearms at significantly higher prices and any one of these guns could easily be one in the future. Two things you will not be able to replace - a gun owned by your father, and a fine firearm that has proven itself in the hearts and minds of handgun users across the country through several generations that you already own, without any oversight by your Uncle!