S&W 38 Special price?

Question

I was at the local pawn shop the other day and they had a snub nose S&W 38 Special revolver in the case. I belive it was a model 36, it was blued steel, and in used but good condition. He was asking $425, but said he would give it too me for $375, is this a good deal?

I'm in western WV, I recently moved here and the odd thing is that there are not many gun shops around here but the pawn shops are almost at least half guns. The one in town claims they have over 1100 guns in stock.

Answer 1

The Smith & Wesson Model 36 is a grest little gun and was carried by many Police Officers/Detectives back in the 70's and early 80's, as an off-duty or back-up sidearm. With the advent of the Semi-sutomatic's however interest in these guns swiched as many departments widened their stance on letting their Police Officers carry the larger, higher capacity semi-auto's.

As far as the offer to sell you the 36 by the Pawn Broker.He's really not doing you any favor at $375, but you have to understand about the concept of Pawn Shops, in a word "Turnover". They sell things cheap to keep up cash flow to stay in business, but at the same time almost all of them sell certain items at inflated prices , in order to make up what they have lost selling less expensive items. Firearms and Gold Jewelry are the two biggest and most inflated, highest priced items you'll find in a Pawn Shop any time any where. You have to consider "Buyer beware" on any firearm you buy, because they won't take them back at the price you paid if they have "problems". My point is that $375 is not a good deal considering the fact that it is a final sale and you have no recourse. You buy it, and it's yours, no strings,
. I can understand that due to the area you live in, you are limited to where you go.If I were you, I'd do a little research and find a reputable gun dealer within a normal driving distance and go there instead. You might spend another 8-10% more than a Pawn shop, but you'll be able to get help or repairs if you need them later. To me, this makes the cost difference and effort worth while any time. Good Luck!

Answer 2

38 Special Revolver Price

Answer 3

You need to go to a local gun store that has a good selection and see what fits your hand. Once you've got several that are acceptable in how they feel in your hand, you need to start thinking about what you will realistically carry. Do you dress in such a way that you could have a fair-sized piston in a holster? Are you more in need of a "pocket pistol" that is carried in a sort of "sleeve" inside your pocket? Before you buy, research your holster options... Find out what is available. Go home and search for reviews, make sure it is a reputable pistol... Don't get a $100 piece of junk to depend on. Make sure you're getting a decent price. As much as I would like to tell you right now what the pistol you need is, that would be irresponsible. This is a decision you need to come to after trying out some of the options in person. If I were to make a recommendation, which is not in any way to say this is the correct option for you... I don't know you.... I would look at the Ruger LCP and Ruger LCR. They're both very small, and very light. The LCP is smaller, but is an autoloader and ammunition is expensive. The LCR is a little bigger, but it is a revolver and has affordable ammo. Most people find these pistols to be acceptable for extremely light carry options. They're not the best weapon... But they are light enough that at least you'll likely have something with you. A light pistol you have on hand is much better than a heavy hand-cannon you left at home.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
S&W 38 Special price?
I was at the local pawn shop the other day and they had a snub nose S&W 38 Special revolver in the case. I belive it was a model 36, it was blued steel, and in used but good condition. He was asking $425, but said he would give it too me for $375, is this a good deal?

Answer 5

Depending on what part of the country you are in 375.00 might not be too high a price, but 425.00 seems a bit high for one used, period. Prices on Smiths do seem to fluctuate from one area of the country to another for some reason.
Where I'm at right now, 375.00 would be on the high side. I could probably locate one for 300.00, ...maybe less. I recomend you comparison shop. Pawn shops are not a great place to buy guns in most cases, unless they are having a going-out-of-buisness sale. Check at local gun shops, Classified ad's in the Sunday paper, or any gun shows within driving range of your area.(Gun show hint...right before everybody packs up to go home on Sunday is the best time to make an offer on a gun...it's the dealer's last chance for the week to sell it. This is where bargains come from.) There's a good chance you can beat that price.

Answer 6

Smith & Wesson Model 36 (Chiefs Special) - .38 Spl. , 5 shot. J frame, round or square (disc. 1991) butt, 1 7/8 in. regular or 3 in. (heavy only, disc. 1994) barrel, blue or nickel(disc. 1992) . Disc 1999.
100%-$400
98%-$350
95%-$300
90%-$250
80%-$200
70%-$185
60%-$175
Add $12 for nickel finish (disc., round butt - 2 in. barrel only).
Add 25% for earley small trigger gaurd and grips (below ser. no. 2,500).
Note: 1st model with high polish blue and diamond grips will bring premiums when mint in original box.

Happy hunting/shooting!!

Answer 7

You can buy a similar gun in NEW condition from places like Academy Sports for about $400. For the most part, pawn shops are very high priced.

Answer 8

Great Answer Sawmill...
It seemed a tad high for 425. I could probably buy a new taurus snubby for about that price. Thats just me though. I like Taurus' revovlers. Good Luck.

Answer 9

That seems high, have you checked out a SP101 Ruger? I bought mine NIB for $390 and it's stainless steal and a 357 Magnum. Oh yeah, new in box (NIB).

Answer 10

Pawn shops normally have a lot of leeway since they aquire their items for next to nothing. Offer them $295 and see if you can't get it for around $325. Offer them less or shop around.

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