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NEED HELP ON PRICE FOR A MOD 29

farmerjohn

Gold $$ Contributor
Got a good feller wanting to sell me a 1974 mod 29. It's in a wooden presentation box, 6&1/2 barrel, mint condition. What is it worth? I don't stay up with the S&Was...... thanks for your help
John
 
Are you looking at it as an investment or as a shooter? If you are looking to shoot it, take a pass. It was made after Bangor Punta took over and after Dirty Harry came out. A bad time for quality at S&W. They do not stand up to use. If it breaks you may have a hard time getting it repaired. S&W won't repair old guns and parts may be hard to find. I have owned many S&Ws over the decades. This is just MY opinion based on MY experiences. I am sure the die hard S&W fans will tout them as the best thing since sliced bread.
 
Worth about $1200 with the presentation box. Check for a dash next to the serial number. The box itself is about a $200 option if the interior is still intact. Not as desirable as the 8 3/8 Inch model.
 
Your 44 probably has a N serial number, which makes it a tad less desirable Than the previous S serial numbers to those who care about such things. A 6 1/2 inch barrel is less desirable on the market as a 4 inch barrel. Of course, that is strictly money wise. Performance wise, the 6 1/2 is more comfortable to shoot and gives a little more performance with true Magnum loads.

I have seen the Model 29 prices go all over the place in the past 50 years. Before Dirty Harry, they were readily available at no more than a Model 27. When Dirty Harry came out, people were giving outrageous prices for them, if you could find one. I can remember lines forming at the local Oshman Sporting Goods when the rumor got out that a new shipment of S&W’s was arriving.

With the advent of newer more powerful offerings coming out, (the 454 Casual was one of the first), then the Automags, Desert Eagles, etc. the craze kinda died. Now the 44 Mag can be classed as a “medium powered” handgun when compared to some of the things that are now available.

That ‘74 Smith 29 is a nice handgun. If it is in as good of condition as you say, offer $1100.

Here is my previously unfired 1969 4 inch model 29 S serial # I bought at Carols Guns in El Campo a while back. It came out of an estate sale. I paid $1500, a little steep, but I liked it. It shoots great.image.jpg
 
9DEC1946-9D36-4954-AC52-584AA2DF1379.png
Also, check out Gunbroker for more reasonable pricing. It’s fun to bid. Just stop when it goes too high. Sometimes, ya get lucky!
 
View attachment 1197802
Also, check out Gunbroker for more reasonable pricing. It’s fun to bid. Just stop when it goes too high. Sometimes, ya get lucky!

Just handled one of those this weekend. Overall, very nice. However they're doing something different with the grips. This one felt too narrow and square along the back. Didn't feel quite as nice in the hand as the one other earlier vintage I had a chance to shoot.
 
Current production New.
$1,180.00*
*Suggested Retail, Dealer Sets Actual Pricing
This is a better gun then a M29-2.

The 29-2 are know for a problem where the cylinder rotates backward on firing. Then the next shot hits the already fired case. Newer models are upgraded with an "endurance package".

My old 29-2 was back to S&W for repair about 2 years ago. I bougnt the gun new. After my 629 did the same, had S&W repair it, then sold it many years ago.

If you think its a collectors item, buy used.

If your going to shoot it a lot with handloads of w296/H110, buy a new current production one.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/592898-endurance-package-installed-29-2-a.html
 
What is it worth?
Depending on the condition of the presentation case, and if it still has the tools, I have seen some go for up to $400 on eBay. The small screwdriver can sell for $75 to $100 based on the exact design. Value of the revolver heavily dependent on visible wear (turn line, etc). Here is the BlueBook value for 29-2
SW 29 2.jpg
 
Depending on the condition of the presentation case, and if it still has the tools, I have seen some go for up to $400 on eBay. The small screwdriver can sell for $75 to $100 based on the exact design. Value of the revolver heavily dependent on visible wear (turn line, etc). Here is the BlueBook value for 29-2
View attachment 1197829
Man i been using those cool little screwdrivers to adjust carbs for years!
 
About $1000 now. Around $700 after Trump wins the election and the panic is over. Guns are for shooting, not investments.
 

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