Current 357 maximum demand

[71shooter]

I have the opportunity to buy a very nice 10" Ruger 357 Max for $1000. This would be an investment for me, as I personally have no interest in them (I'm a 4 & 5/8" to 5.5" 44spl/45 colt PPP kind of guy.). Comes with original box. No gas cutting on the frame. Any informed advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Teddydogno1]

I have been looking for one at a reasonable price for a little while and haven't yet found one at a price I want to pay. On Gunbroker they seem to be going regularly for $1300 and up. There was one at the gun show I attended yesterday and they wanted a nutty $2500. So the $1000 offer price is good and sounds like it would be one that I would buy.

BUT if you don't like it and want it, that would tie up your funds. Guns aren't really a good investment if you don't enjoy owning and shooting the gun in question. They only tend to keep up with inflation.

Rob

 

[Johnnu2]

I don't know about investing in guns, but I do think that in today's market, $1000 for a 10" like that is a very reasonable price. In the past, I've never had interest in 357 Max. in general and am not sorry about the one's I've passed on; p.s. I would have shot them.

J.

 

[contender]

The demand for the Maxi's is there. But only you can decide if you want to "invest." Here's a few numbers to consider.
There were about 16314 of these guns built. However,, Bill got pizzed at the few complaints about flame cutting and stopped production & scrapped approximately 5000 guns. That leaves somewhere around 11000 guns.
Many folks who want a "different" gun, use the Maxi's as the base for a custom build due to the longer cylinder window.
Through various discussions,, it's estimated that somewhere between 1000 & 2000 guns have been customized & are no longer a .357 Maxi. That leaves 9000-10000 guns out there. Maybe.
Then there are the collectors vs shooters.
Many are already shot,, and a smaller percentage of them are ANIB.
So,, as for an investment,, your call.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Kinda surprised we haven't heard from Coogs. :wink: :mrgreen:

 

[mhblaw]

Had one. Sold it last year for $1200.

 

[71shooter]

Thanks to all for your comments!

 

[Coogs]

Actually the total production count is lower than 16,314......that is what info i had from years ago.......and always believed.......until just a few days ago........new info........total count is around 14,300......still with around 5000 "scrapped".........personally I like the price increases......wonder why?

 

[GRAMPS 51]

So are the 7 1/2 inch guns bringing the same money
Gramps

 

[Coogs]

Gramps, I usually see the 7 1/2 at 1-200 less than the 10 1/2....sometimes guys are asking the same price.......

 

[contender]

New info huh?
Fewer than the original 16,000 production guns huh? And with the scrapped ones,, the customized ones etc,,, it's no wonder they are commanding premiums now.

 

[Silcott]

I paid $500 for my unfired NIB 7 1/2" around 2005

I paid $1000 for my in the box used 10 1/2" around a year ago.

I shoot both of mine regularly. I drilled and tapped the NIB 7 1/2" for a scope about a week after receiving it. I'm not a collector. I only buy guns that I'll shoot.

Justin