I bought a S&W M19 with pitting on the cylinder for $250. It is absolutely
in the best mechanical condition of any revolver I have ever owned that I
bought used. I still have it and wouldn't part with it for the world. If you want
it then negotiate. If the seller won't meet your price, walk away. If you have
any work done to the gun think carefully about what you are going to pay for it
as it might wind up costing you more than the price of a new gun.
Sometimes they call these guns 'beaters' and that is because they come cheap
and you likely won't do any more damage to the gun that the DPO (dumb
previous owner) has done already. As a result you can be a bit more cavalier
with it than if you purchased a new or shiny used piece.
I like to pick up used guns with a bit of wear and tear on them, especially if it
is cosmetic. I know I am not going to have to think about shooting it or if I
decide to toss it in the safe w/o cleaning it for a couple of days (yes I am guilty
as charged) I am not going to lose any sleep over it.
I just looked at a M36 that I would have loved to own in really good
mechanical condition but had a ton of cosmetic problems. Blueing wear,
pitting, rust, and filthy. The guy did not want to move off the price he was
asking which would have been a good price if he had the box, papers, and
cosmetically it was in better condition so I walked (it hurt though!).
Restraint is your friend in situations like this. Be firm but flexible on your price
target and if it isn't what you think is a good deal for you, walk. It takes two
satisfied people to make a good deal. Win-win results are always the best
deals I have ever made.
Just MHO. YMMV.