Need advice on well used Ruger 3-screw Flattop at local store for $400

[Crosshair]

OK, I went to the local store to check out their used sections. I see there in the case a 3-screw Flattop in .357 magnum. I look at the price and see it is $399. I say to myself. "If that thing is not converted to transfer bar, it is getting my name on it today." So I ask for someone to let me take a look at it. Here are the stats.

Serial number in the 15,000 range. Made about 1958. (This thing is almost a C&R gun.)

4-5/8” barrel.

It has been converted to the newer transfer bar system. x 100

It looks like someone drilled and tapped the topstrap for a scope mount. Not the best looking job, some scuff marks from the scope mount, but it could be touched up a bit. (Either cold blue or a sharpie.)

There is some honest muzzle wear to the outside finish. Otherwise seems to be mechanically fine. (The clicking of the action as I cocked the hammer was mechanical music.)

There is no box with this gun and the old parts from before the conversion are gone. From the look of it, the conversion to transfer bar was done decades ago.

This gun is obviously not a collector as the conversion has been done and the original parts are long gone. The topstrap is drilled and there is finish wear at the muzzle. Seems like this gun was a working gun. If you don't count the topstrap attack, I would say the gun is in 85%-90% condition. (Though I suck at making such estimations.) If I buy this gun it will be used as a shooter as serious collector value is not there.

Several questions:

1. What would the approximate value of this gun. Should I go first thing tomorrow and snatch it up for $400 or try and bargain down to something less?

2. Is there anyplace where I can get parts to "unconvert" this gun?

3. Anything else I should check for.

4. Any other advice.

[tipoc]

Original 3 screws can still be found in the $400.00 range (check Gun List Magazine, called Gun Digest now) that have not been converted nor drilled and tapped. If you want one of those they can still be had.

I'm not sure about returning it to original, nor the cost of that. Here or at the Ruger forum others will have more knowledge of that.

For 400. I can get a decent used unconverted 3 screw as a shooter. They are available. If I wanted a converted one, well for less than that I'd get a 2 screw.

tipoc

[BlkHawk73]

I'm thinking that's overpriced considering it's condition. Heck the D7Ting ruined it not to mention the conversion. I'd definately pass as a good 3-screw is do-able for less or the same $.

[Crosshair]

OK, I have now found one in near 100% condition at a local pawn shop. This one is not converted, comes with a holster and extra grips. They want $529 for it. The price seems a little steep, but it is in very very good shape. There aren't even any drag marks on the cylinder and the bore is pristine. Defiantly a collector and not a shooter.

Any advice on this one?

[deanodog]

Unconverted three screw.

[deanodog]

These are made for shooting. Do not make a safe queen of anything as nice. It would take a colt saa to feel better to shoot plus you get the adjustable sights.

[CraigC]

The first one is way too much money. The condition and D&T job render it a $200-$250 gun. It would make a great project gun at that price. For $400, you'll spend as much to fix it as it would cost to buy a very nice one.

The second one for $529, if it is as you describe, is a good price for a nice shooter-grade flat-top. Far better to spend your money on this one than the first.

Shooter-grade Old Models (with the ears) can still be found for under $350 but they are not quite as nice as the original flat-tops with their steel Micro rear sights and Colt-sized XR3 grip frame.

Definitely a collector and not a shooter.

It is what you want it to be. Unless it's like new and in the original box, collectors don't usually bother with them anyway.