S&W Model 657 .41 Mag; advice needed

[Oyaji]

Today I happened by a small gun shop about a 2 hour drive north of where I live. Much to my surprise and delight, the shop had on consignment a NIB Smith Model 657-4 with a 3" bbl. I have been wanting a Smith .41 Mag for years; actually would prefer a 6" bbl. Don't believe this revolver had ever been shot other than test firing at Springfield. It is one of the older pre-locks however, the firing pin is internal to the frame rather than on the hammer. Piece appears to be in perfect condition. Catch....it has a price tag of $800.00 on it. I made an offer of $700.00 and am waiting to hear from the owner.

What do you guys think? Is it over priced? Should I jump on it or pass? We don't see many of these Smith .41 Mags for sale hereabout.

[joem]

If it's as you say NIB IMHO $800.00 is not too much. I love the .41 magnum and shoot it as much as I can. Doesn't hurt to haggle a bit.

[da gimp]

oughta make a dandy carry piece, I carry a 4" S&W mod 29 .44mag or a .45 ACP 1911A1 C Series Colt for serious social work, but wouldn't feel the least bit underdressed if I was carrying that S&W 657. Brother carried a 4" mod 57 for 20 years on duty, he never had a complaint on it, recoil was very manageable even with heavy duty loads with some good Roper grips on it..that 3" oughta be just dandy. Might check Gunbroker or one of the other gun auction sites to see what they're bringing, you might hafta up your offer.

[Oyaji]

Seller turned down my $700.00 offer but, countered with $750.00. Not only that but, since it is a private party/consignment sale there is no sales tax. Only other fee would be $35.00 for California Dealer Report of Sale (DROS). So now, I'm looking at $785.00 out the door. Told the guy that runs the shop I want to sleep on it and if still interested will call in the morning. Might be tough to pass this one up.

[da gimp]

I posted this over on the S&W Forum just now, will let you know what the guys say.

[da gimp]

One of the old hands on the S&W Forum said to pay the $785.00 now before the store owner changes his mind, if you don't want it he does. Seems like you are good to go Oy.

[rider]

Didn't N frame S&Ws cost about $550.00 in the late '80s? If so, $750.00 would seem like a fair price today.

[AOK]

I would buy it in a heartbeat. I've been looking for one without the lock.

[da gimp]

rider, I paid $275.00 for a 4" S&W mod 29 & the guy threw in several hundred cases for 1 back in the day....... paid the same for an exc cond v v early 4" Colt Python too, but those prices don't reflect the fact that they were over 1 weeks wages for most of us by far. Still have em both, still carry em too.

All pre-internal lock S&W's are dragging a premium over the new stuff, & it is a desireable length barrel for a carry piece.Pre-lock N framed S&W's carry an even better premium, and pinned & recessed S&W N frames in exc to mint condition are dragging HUGE money.

The US dollar has been substanially devalued in the last 3 years, why do you think you're paying over $8.00 per 39oz can of Folgers coffee now? A little better than a year ago, it was on sale for $5.00 for the same blend & sized can. Get used to spending more for less boys, it's gonna get worse, & I ain't sure it's EVER gonna get better.

[JB White]

Oyaji, would you have taken it for $700? If so, then why let a mere $50 stop you now if the price is still right?

On the other hand, if the 3" barrel is the turnoff and you've reconsidered, then turning down his counter offer and walking away is the easiest way out. If that be the case then by all means please do tell someone else where it's at.
I recall paying fractional prices by todays market too. $160 & $180 for my Combat Masterpieces, a whopping $200 for a Model 29, and a hesitant $125 for a Ruger Single Six...but I really, really wanted that one.