S&W 38 Special

[TJay74]

So I have a chance to get my hands on one of these thru a family friend. It is a 1957 model with a low round count in decent shape. Anyone have an idea what it would be worth and or how to find out what a realistic price would be?

[JB Books]

What model is it?

[AKguy1985]

What model??? and a serial number would help as well as condition. The S&W forum is a good rescource for info.

[TJay74]

1957 S&W Classic 38 Special (5 round)
Ser #JT58379

I thought I was going to get it on the cheap, but my family member is wanting the $$$ for some bills so they are going to sell it now and are asking me to help them out. They are wnating at least $500 out of it. Does that sounds realistic and fair?

[XD-9Guy]

That sounds high, I'd expect it to be close to $400 but I am the furthest thing from an expert & my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it. That's just what I'd expect to see on the tag in a pawn shop.

[Mr.357Sig]

A "1957 S&W Classic 38 Special" is not a model number. You need to open the cylinder and check the Model number on the yoke - "Model 36", "Model 38", etc. Is it a j-frame?

[AKguy1985]

1957 would be a pre-model and not be marked with a model number. I'm assuming its possibly a pre-model 36. It should also be a 5 screw. if its a 5 shot i'd say I or J frame. K frames are 6 shot. I'll look in my book when i get home.

[Buzzdraw]

1957 S&W Classic 38 Special (5 round)
Ser #JT58379

I thought I was going to get it on the cheap, but my family member is wanting the $$$ for some bills so they are going to sell it now and are asking me to help them out. They are wnating at least $500 out of it. Does that sounds realistic and fair?

Give the s/n another look-see. I suspect the digit after the "J" is a "1" not a "T". If it is a "1" it's a '73-'74 vintage s/n.

Condition, along with presence/absence of box/papers/tools has a big factor on price. Barrel length, special features/finish also play into price.

And as previously posted, look for a model number (and dash variant) on the frame, under the yoke.

[TJay74]

Attachment 22545Attachment 22546Attachment 22547


Sorry, I didnt open the picture up to verify the ser #. Here it is and some pics...

1957 S&W Classic 38 Special (5 round)
Ser #J758379

[Buzzdraw]

Attachment 22545Attachment 22546Attachment 22547


Sorry, I didnt open the picture up to verify the ser #. Here it is and some pics...

1957 S&W Classic 38 Special (5 round)
Ser #J758379

S/n dates to 1980.

Looks like the most common version; blued, 2" round butt. Wasn't carried much from the pic's. Not shot much either, if pic's are considered. Grips are likely what came on the gun from the factory.

J frames don't bring what their bigger brother frames (K, L and N) from that time would garner.

[TJay74]

Ok She said it says Model 36 on the inside. She was going off of the info that was given to her for the year. She wants to get rid of it and a couple of shops said $500 or so, which I am sure might be high retail.

So with that what is she looking at, around the $400 range???

[David2012]

$500 seem pretty steep.. unless it is a true collector item. My new S&W 5 shot Airweight... cost approx. $400 + the tax over a yr ago.



A dealer at Super Dave's show had one in a box.. [don't know if it was new or used].. looked new... priced at $399.

[OKCShooter]

$375-$400 is what it's worth.

[AKguy1985]

I'd say around $400 no higher.

[flatwins]

I'd say around $400 no higher.

I would agree.