price advice for Model 10-5 snub

[darkroomdan]

Saw the previous model 10 thread, but thought I'd better start a new one...
Came across a model 10-5 in a 2" snubby configuration at a pawn shop today. It is well worn looking like it has been carried a lot, but seems to be very tight and has a good clean bore and chambers. I has Hogue grips added, but otherwise looks stock. They are asking $299 - how does that price sound and/or what would be a fair offer to see if they'd take it? And anyone know about how old it is?
Thanks,
DRD

[Lloyd Smale]

if it is truely mechanicaly in good shape then thats a fair price. Not a steal but probably worth it.

[darkroomdan]

Thanks Lloyd, I'll go and dicker a little with them and see what they'll do.
-Dan

[rockbilly]

I don't know how the pawn shops are in your area, but most will move off the asking price if you show cash, and are serious about buying. 

Just a conservative guess, but I would bet the shop in in the gun for something between 100-150 dollars.  Generally speaking, most pawn shops ask about 40-45% more than they have in an item.  They usually take the item in a a price far less than a "book" value, taking advantage of a person that normally desperately needs the money.  This may seem hard, but they are there to loan money and make a profit.

Make an offer of 175 cash and see if they will dance with you, if not, let them know you want the gun, but are not willing to pay the asking price, so what is your absolute bottom dollar.  I'd bet he comes off and cuts you a deal, particularly if he has had the gun for a while.

[darkroomdan]

Sounds like you've had experience in wheeling and dealing - I'll give it a try and let you know how it goes.
Thanks!
Dan

[darkroomdan]

It went very well - with minor dickering, got it for $200 plus tax so $215 out the door. Yeah!
Thanks for all the help!
Dan

[papajohn428]

That was about what I was thinking it'd sell for, I was actually thinking up to $225 would be fair if it hasn't been beat up too bad.  On an older gun like that I see holster wear as Character Marks!    As I type this I'm wearing my 4" 10-5, it has lots of character!  It was made in 1961, issued to me about five years ago, and has close to 70K of my handloads through it since then.  It's as tight as a new gun, still shoots better than me, and still makes me look good when I do it right.  How's the action on yours?  I was tempted to do a little slicking up on mine, but it's a company gun, so I left it alone.  But I only shoot it DA, and it's quite a bit smoother than when I got it.  The best action job is the one you earn via shooting.  Take good care of that gun, and it will be in your family for generations!

Papajohn

[darkroomdan]

I'm guessing he probably only had 100 bucks in it maybe by the way he jumped on my $200 offer. It has quite a bit of  holster/glove compartment wear and some tiny dots where it looks like there had been a little rust starting that then was cleaned off. But I don't think it has been shot much. Cylinder lockup is very tight and the action, while very smooth is a bit heavy. I took it to the range yesterday and was pleased with the way it shot. Was actually shooting as good or better with it's little 2-inch barrel than I was with my 4-inch GP100. Shooting 4-6 inch groups at 10 and 15 yards, double action, semi-rapid fire... I like it! May become my main carry piece.  I think the "character marks" are fine.
Thanks again for the help.
Dan