Ruger revolvers question

[retired]

I have an opportunity to buy 2 older Ruger revolvers from my brother's former SIL. We remain on good terms with her and see her at family functions. These were her deceased husband's.

I want to give her a fair price,but not break the bank.

The first is a 1982 SS Security Six .357 magnum with a 6" barrel.

The second is a 1981 Redhawk .44 magnum with a 7 1/2" barrel.

Both come with Rosewood grips and both are Stainless. Some of the wood by one screw on the .44 is a bit chipped, but per the pics and her statements, the guns have no scratches or marks on them. I haven't seen them yet, but I trust her word. So, it sounds like the guns are in very good condition.

She doesn't know the round count, but says they are very low since he generally just carried them with snakeshot while shooting trap with his shotguns. She said he never told her any rattlesnake stories, so she doesn't believe they were shot much.

The pics don't show the guns with the cylinders open, so I can't look at them. I will examine them before purchase of course, but I was wondering if anyone here would have an idea of what would be a fair price for them. Thanks for your help.

[sevensix2x51]

As far as the security six, I bought a blued 4" about 5 years ago, with a fair amount of holster wear for $190. There is a stainless model on the sales forum that is not selling at a $400 price point. So, somewhere around $300 would be a fair start, based on condition, id say... but I can't really say for sure, that's just an opinion... I usually cross reference gunbroker sales to get an estimated value.
A great, hardworking revolver, fwiw.

[tpuig]

Print out a list of previous sales on GunBroker, then let her decide. She'll see the real world value and you won't be put on the spot. If she gives you a break, you both win.

[BigDogatPlay]

I'd concur on a $300 starting point for a vintage Security Six stainless steel, with inspection driving the final offer. I see far more four inch units of Security Six than I do the six inch. I doubt that commands any premium, but just an aside.

I paid $475 for a consigned 1980's vintage but low mileage blued Redhawk 7.5 inch about a year before the 2008 panic set in. Did a bit of dickering to get to that price. Same FFL where I DROSed that had a new 7.5 inch stainless in the case at the time for $795. The prices I am seeing on Gunbroker are all over the map and a lot of them aren't moving. If the gun is clean and straight you could start around $425 +/-. It'd have to be super clean to get me much above that at this point.

[RedFord150]

If the guns are decent, offer her $300 each and you pay the transfer fees at your local FFL. I am assuming you will meet for a PPT.
If she balks at the price, ask her to justify the higher value.
She gets an easy transaction with no effort and no advertising or auction or consignment fees. For the extra $100 or so, I doubt she will invest any time researching the value.
FTR, I paid $190 for my brand new Security Six in 1985. I sold it for about $200 in 1990.
If the guns are not as perfect as you think they are, reduce the price from $300 to what you think is fair.
Good luck.

[russ69]

Both are nice guns and are still serviced by Ruger if anything needs attention but these guns are shooters not collectors. They are truly just worth what you are willing to pay for them. Take a look so you can ascertain value but if you don't really want them that bad just offer a fair price. Be honest and up front, if it's something you don't really want just say so and say I'd take them at a real good price but I just don't have much interest in those models. It's all up to you.

Thanx, Russ

[retired]

Thanks for the info everyone. I had looked at Gunbrokers and GunsAmerica and the prices did notice a bit of a spread; that is why I asked here.

[NapaCountyShooter]

$600 would be a good friend price. $700 would probably be closer to market price.