29-2: Yeah or nay?

[GunNut]

Local gun dealer has a S&W 29-2 6-1/2" barrel for sale.

Previous owner got something on the gun and the blueing is gone in quite a few spots.

There is NO holster wear and the gun appears to have never been shot. It is super duper tight.

Asking price is $350, probably could get for $300-325.

Is this gun worth it? Would it be good/ok to have it reblued?

I'm interested in it, but don't want to buy a piece of crap.

Look forward to your replies.

Steve

 

[Standing Wolf]

A reasonably good rebluing job will set you back $100–$150. I'd add that to the price of the gun and see whether the total seems reasonable for a reblued gun.

Personally, I like the model 29-2 and the 6.5-inch barrel, so I'd be tempted to go to $250, maybe as high as $300 if it's in mechanically pristine condition. I have a hunch most people wouldn't.

 

[Ala Dan]

Agree with Standing Wolf; would not want to go
much beyond the $250 mark.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[STORMIN29]

29-2

If it was a 4" I would buy it. Good condition 29-2's are running $450.00 and up. I have been hunting for a 4" blue for awhile. Put your post on the Smith-wesson forum and see what they say. very honest people.

 

[HSMITH]

I'd go a full $300 on it in a hurry. So what if the blueing is not perfect, a good tight shooter is what I want and that is what you are looking at. The 29-2 is the top of the 29's IMO anyway, the -5 and later guns are probably better guns but I want a magnum to have a pin in the barrel and a recessed cylinder period. $350 normally gets you a RAG of a used 29-2, and not one that looks good either, make hay while the sun is out on this one. To get one in similar mechanical AND cosmetic condition is in the upper $400's right now around here, if I could get the shooter I want and save $150+ I would hurt myself trying to get my wallet out.

It is all a matter of perspective.

 

[Gordon]

I would buy it for no higher than $350 (try $300) in a second! 29-2's are the last of the good old 29's IMHO, I think the ones built in 89-90 were good too and more durable . A little holster wear blue damage can be touch up blued, Hell , it's a using gun not a looking gun!

 

[Old Fuff]

Used guns often sell on the basis of appearance. That’s why smart dealers make sure they are cleaned up before they go to the showcase. If a gun looks like brand new it will fetch top dollar even though it may have some unseen mechanical problems. Meanwhile a doggy looking one that is otherwise perfect may go begging. Unless model 29’s are popular in your part of the country this one might not sell too quickly.

I look for “distressed†guns with minor mechanical or cosmetic flaws because I can often get them for attractive prices (read that to mean “my offerâ€) and then straighten out whatever needs to be done. Classic S&W revolvers are moving up and represent good values both as shooters and investments. If you can run the asking price down a bit I’d jump on it. A nice blue finish doesn’t affect the way it shoots, but you can always have it refinished if you want.

One other thing. If shooting a lot of extra-hot .44 cartridges were what you have in mind I’d forget the S&W and buy a Ruger Readhawk. Elmer Keith loved his model 29’s, but he downloaded the loads slightly for everyday use.

 

[GunNut]

Thanks for the responses.

I may go back in this week and see what I can do. Otherwise, I'll sit and wait.

I waited two years to buy a Kahr K9 Elite 98 from the same guy.


As far as hot loads, I've got a Ruger Redhawk right now and would probably keep it for the hot rod loads.


Steve

 

[stans]

Definitely reserve the hot loads for the Redhawk, the older S&W's just don't handle all that well. Refinishing will cost $100 to $150 easily. A refinished 29 will not have the same value as an original finish 29 that is in excellent condition. So if you buy this one at $350, then pay $150 for a nice refinishing, you have $500 in a gun that is worth $400 tops. Last year I bought a nickel plated 29-3 in 98%+ condition for $375, so there are some nice 29's out there at reasonable prices. Ultimately it is your decision, but I would not go above $300 on one that needs refinishing.

 

[Topgun]

Has everyone with a hankering for a 4"......FIRED.....one?

Just asking as I sold mine after firing it.

6" fine, 4" nope, not for me.

 

[uglygun]

I've got a 4 inch M29. It's fairly snappy with something like the UMC 180grn loads. But not bad with something like a 240grn bullet at 1100-1200 fps.


Still want a 6 inch M29 though.