Smith and Wesson .357 magnum

[UncleMike]

And that is the reason I don't like the "Blue Book". Someone could rely on the Blue Book to sell their gun and see it in a display case later for 2 or 3 times the amount that they just sold it for. I know I would never sell my model 27 for that amount. (And I know you are not suggesting that is the "true value")

Correct!
That's the "Excellent" value from the "2010 Standard Catalog of Firearms" after adding 5% for a yearly increase on a collectible item. Also the NIB value ($725.00 to which I'd add the 5% also) is closer to the actual value of the piece. Especially considering the fact that NIB Mod 27's are almost non existant.
I sure as Hell wouldn't sell a Mod 27 for that amount either, but if you take it to a dealer he/she won't give more than that unless they already have a buyer lined up with a strong desire to own one, and deeper pockets than the average purchaser.
I just with I'd bought a dozen of them back when they were going for $150.00
Their value has far outstripped the inflation rate.