What to look for and fair price question

[Hebrew Battle Rifle]

There are a few revolvers that I am interested in owning/shooting. These are:
Ruger SP101 .357 with either a 3 or 4 inch barrel
S&W 686
S&W Mod 57/657

Is there an online source for information regarding what to look for when buying used wheel guns?

Are there any 5 inch barrels available for the Mod 57/657?

What is a fair price for a new or used SP101 .357? ( Rough Idea is fine. I understand that there are many variables. Let us assume that it is in very good or better condition)

[MAINER]

Looks like SP 101's ar about $465 new here:
http://www.gunsnparts.com/pistols.html

I'm more interested in the .327 Mag. chambering for this size wheely. 6 round cyl. Already got a S&W 66 2 1/2". Very loooud !

http://users.adelphia.net/~danwagner/buyused.html

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57816

Only advice I have buying revolvers is to look at as many as you can. It helps to aquaint yourself with the piece and how they feel when operated. Besides the barrel condition, you need to carefully check the yoke and crane for alignment. Bent cylinder pins are fairly common, but hard to spot. Timing is all important as is the condition of the bolt notches.

I don't know of any 5" Model 57 barrels, love to have another inch on mine. :D

[skeeterbay]

Mainer is correct! Check timing and lock up on the revolver. Also check end shake and top strap for signs of cutting. Check the forcing cone for cracks and/or splits as well. Cock the hammer and see if you can force it down with your thumb without pulling the trigger. Many used revolvers have had poor home gunsmithing done on them to lighten the trigger pull. Check the double action and single triger pull and ensure it feels right to you and nothing goes off without a pull of the trigger. Check the screws, such as side plate screws to see if they have been buggered up where someone took it apart. As Mainer had said the yokes can also get sprung. One cause of this is guys slaming the revolver open during reloads or forcing a revolver open when the star extractor has backed out or gotten something stuck under it. I have seen screw driver marks on a revolver where someone tried to pry it open because the extractor star had backed out.

The SP101 is a fine little revolver. Mine is in 357 with a 2 1/8 (IIRC) barrel. Dang thing is the most accurate snubby I ever shot. Beats every S&W and Colt snubby I ever had. I could qualify with the thing on the full course. If I remember right the first SP101's that came out in 357 mag were stamped on the barrel for 125 grain load only or something along those lines. Anyway the later ones are for full loads. I have one for full loads and I have shot heavy loads in mine, 180's and up. The little gun is still as tight as it was when new. Great lock up in them!

Skeeter!

[Blue Monster]

Another to consider: Ruger Speed Six.

2.75" barrel

The finest .357 I have ever owned.

They are a pre GP100 so they are a larger frame than an SP101 (which btw is a terrific little gun) thus I find them, a little more pleasant to shoot and mine is super accurate. Extreme robustness defines them and the grip with a Pacy Masterpiece is just right. It is one of those gun I have been asked to sell every time someone shoots it. The action can be slicked to a nice soft almost liquid feel. They have heft but balance and they can found very reasonably priced in blued or s/s.

Guns are stuff to me, most I'll sell or trade any time no problem... if I like the deal. However, never this old dog it's on duty.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r61/bluemonster2003/Picture_0283.jpg

Slainte, :whiskey:
RC

[win308]

$350 for a good used sp-101...maybe $400, but they go for $450 new, so don't go past $400 used. I sold a nice model 57 for $475 about 5 months ago...that's all I could get....you have to find just the right buyer who has an interest in 41 mag. I sold the gun at such a 'reasonable' price because he was willing to buy the 1200 rds of ammo I had as well. The 686 is just the best .357 of all time for the price...expect $400 to $525 for a good, used revolver. 4 inch will go for slightly more than 6 inch. Again, they are $625 or so new, so shop around for a reasonable used gun. Try to find a used gun without the trigger lock.