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Looking at a Sauer 38H

1570 Views 36 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  herd118, 
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Hi all, looking at a local Sauer 38H. I believe it's a second variation and police model? Serial 3203xx. They are asking $800. Thoughts?

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Like_Old_Guns
A little hard to tell. The photos aren't great. Artificial lighting with glare. From what I see, the gun has some condition problems. Is the gun matching? See this post on what makes a matching Sauer 38H:
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Hello collectors! If I were to tell you that I was excited about the next zoom meeting, it would be a complete understatement. The last word on Sauer is Jim Cate . Fortunately he has graced me with a special zoom . Jim has written an article on the Sauer 38H with pictures included from his...
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What kind of magazine does it have? Original and correct for the early variation? If not, then a big hit in the value. Lastly, are the grips original or repro? they look like they could be original, but best to confirm. Original Sauer 38H grips in good condition sell for several hundred dollars or more. That's my $0.02. Regards,
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M
If the grips are original and the other side of the gun and the grip straps are in comparable condition - than it is a fair price.
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martin08
As already stated, confirm the numbers, grips and mag. Then buy it because $800 for a correct Police 38H in decent condition is a good deal.
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A
He will check the serial numbers. Here is the picture of the mag he sent.

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sgabrie8544
800 is a good price For sure.
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Like_Old_Guns
Ask3000x said:
He will check the serial numbers. Here is the picture of the mag he sent.
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That is a correct early Sauer 38H magazine. Since it is a police gun, there is a possibility that the magazine is numbered to the gun. The magazine numbering was done by the police armorer, not the factory. It may be numbered on magazine body. That would be a huge plus. Good luck.
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A
Slide matches frame. I would just have to see if grips are original. Any pointers?
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Artguy
Agree, $800 for a correct police C Sauer is a good price all things being equal. Ask what the best price for cash is !
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martin08
Ask3000x said:
Slide matches frame. I would just have to see if grips are original. Any pointers?
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It's impossible to tell original from repro on a 38H from pictures. Bakelite has a slight 'ring' sound when you lightly tap on it with a wooden dowel. Plastic sounds like a dull tick. A hot pin will sink into the back side of the plastic, but won't on bakelite.

One of the unfortunate realities about the 38H grips are that some from production runs crack easily. I don't know the serial number ranges from the delicate grips. Don't shoot the gun with the original grips, or get too aggressive when testing. You may wish to buy a set of reproductions for use or handling.

Here is my 38H. It has a cracked grip.
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Hoya74
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Just picked up this Sauer 38H with holster last Friday for $650 at a local range.

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sgabrie8544
$650! Well you stole that, even if the grips might be repros.
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nieuport
Hoya74 that looks like a very nice one. Please post more pictures !!!
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nieuport
Hoya74, BTW, that right-side grip is NOT a repro
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Hoya74
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nieuport said:
Hoya74 that looks like a very nice one. Please post more pictures !!!
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As requested, I'll get more photos this afternoon.

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nieuport
OH, that's very nice - congratulations !! The left grip is a factory original as well
The holster is unique ("commercial" like the pistol) and therefore a good match-up
Anything written, stamped, etc inside the holster? Sorry I'm so enthusiastic ;-)
Jim Cate may be along shortly to fill you in with important details
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Hoya74
nieuport said:
Anything written, stamped, etc inside the holster? Sorry I'm so enthusiastic ;-)
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Thank you. Your enthusiasm is much appreciated, isn't that the fun of this hobby!

I don't think there is anything written or stamped inside the holster and I'll get more photos after lunch.
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nieuport
Are the sights painted?
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Hoya74
nieuport said:
Are the sights painted? Is there a cartridge indicator pin at the rear?
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IIRC, there is red paint on the rear sight. Photo this afternoon.
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nieuport
Is there a cartridge indicator pin at the rear?
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