Old model 357 mag

[blackduck]

I have a line on a 5 digit with box in 95% condition what would you value this at . I just need some ideas before i bite on this one . Serial no. would put about 1964 Thanks Terry

 

[contender]

A post flattop era in 95% condition with a correct box would run in the $450 range around here.

 

[markggtp]

Looked at 2 last weekend $395 & $450 ,no boxes!

 

[NewportNewsMike]

A question for the group -

Do these various prices take into account whether the OM has been converted or not? And if it has been converted, are the original parts included?

Seems to me that "unconverted" would be a higher price than a "converted" OM without the old parts.

If sold separately, aren't the parts worth a fair amount, say $100? $140? or more these days?

 

[k22fan]

Very good points NewportNewsMike. Also all the better condition Old Models are collectable so we have to be picky evaluating and describing their condition while discussing value.

 

[David LaPell]

Another thing that could affect the value on some of the OM Blackhawks is the barrel length. To some the 4 5/8 inch length seem to be worth more than the 5 1/2 and the 6 1/2 inch. I have seen the shorter barrels go much quicker even when the long barrel versions were a bit pricier. I paid under $500 for my 95% OM with the correct era grips and it had not been converted but no box. With a 4 5/8 inch barrel and correct box that would be a $500 gun here without a doubt. A 6 1/2 inch barrel, $450-$475.

 

[contender]

When we price something,, we assume it has not been converted. UNLESS the parts are with it.
And,, due to condition,, quite often,, the barrel length won't matter as much.

 

[blackduck]

Thanks for the replies I look at prices for old model guns and they seem to be in the $500 range with out a box in the classified sec. here. So if you had a unconverted old model 357 with a box and 95% or better would you be willing to sell it for under $500 . food for thought Terry

 

[Joe S.]

FWIW, I sold a ROUGH, unconverted, 4 5/8", 357 old model non flattop with no box for $450.

 

[contender]

I was at a local auction about a month ago, they had a OM 357, (they had advertised it as from 1955-1962,) yet it was a 1970 produced 357. It was about 95%, no box, and it sold for $410. I passed. And boxes,, it's all about condition there as well. Plus, the OM 357 boxes are among the most common ones. (Except for the uncataloged boxes.)

 

[chet15]

If 1964 production, there are actually some quite collectible variations in the .357 Blackhawk. Called "transitions", the first production after the flattop had the protective rear sight ribs, steel ejector housing and steel "MICRO" marked rear sight. Then Ruger transitioned out the steel housing for an aluminum one, and shortly after that transitioned out the MICRO marked rear sight for an aluminum version not marked MICRO. Then Ruger changed the serial number height from small (1/16") to large (3/32").
After that Ruger got in a few more MICRO marked steel rear sights from a cancelled Colt contract and they used those up on any SA they happened to be making at the time.
Then finally, Ruger changed the barrel rollmark to include "INC." in the address.
So if 1964 production, chances are you are looking at a pretty collectible .357 version, with box starting at at least $495 and going up to maybe $600 with box depending on the demand for the variation.
Of course, your call at 95% is always speculative also, but generally when somebody is saying 95%, the grade is very conservative.
Send me a PM with the full SN and I can tell you a little more about the variation that it might be.
Chet15