Smith & Wesson model 29

[Jon Field]

[IMG][/IMG]I saw a S&W model 29 N frame .44 Magnum with a 10 inch barrel (factory). I am not familiar with this version, it is from an estate sale, price is firm at $700!

Excellent condition, few rounds through it.

Advise please!

Thanks.
Here is some more info, barrel is 9 3/4 inches, not pinned, cylinder is not recessed. It is a Model 29-3, has Hogue grips which have a screw up through the bottom, overall great finish with one scratch on right side of barrel, action is tight and smooth, adjustable front sight. Serial number is A E Y 8569, or 8596 I am anorexic so sometimes get numbers reversed. I had been told that a Silhoutte model has a full lug barrel, this one does not. Also, I said price was $700. it is only $699.99!!! More pictures below this reply. Thanks for any advise!!

[da gimp]

is it pinned & recessed? Which model 29 is it? 29-2, 29-3, 29-4, 29-9 etc? I'm not familiar with a 10" length, could it be something else, say 8 3/8"? You haven't given us enough info to be of help, the serial number would be of help, as would photos.......... Does it retain the box, tools & papers? etc etc etc...........

[Jon Field]

I'll get that info Monday, the barrel is definitely longer than the 8 3/8 inches, long front sight base. Nice looking gun.

[Johnny P]

There was one model called the "Silhouette" that had a 10 5/8" barrel. The front sight was adjustable, and is longer than the regular ramp front sight. If it still has the box and papers that is an excellent price.

[joem]

For $700.00 I'd jump on that.

[Jon Field]

I wonder if it is considered collectible or worth having?

[Ron James]

I believe there is too much do-do about collecting modern revolvers. It is a very good revolver, The ten inch barrel is akward for just woods carry, but if one used a hand gun for hunting, it would be ideal. It is well worth having and I feel it is a fair price. I would still try and haggle the price down if possible. If I had a need for another 44 mag I would also jump on it, but hell, I'm still trying to convince my wife that I really needed the .45 Colt Mountain Gun I picked up.

[Jon Field]

[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][IMG][/IMG][/IMG]

[Tuna]

Did you measure the barrel from the front of the frame or from the front of the cylinder? I think you do have a 10 3/8 inch barrel. I feel it's the Model 29 Silhouette with both front and rear adjustable sights in bright blue only. Came with Goncalo Alves wood grips. Blue book is $650 at 100%. If this is the model then it's less with the Hogue grips on it.

[Jon Field]

I only measured the barrel. Thanks for the info, their price is firm!

[Art]

I believe there is too much do-do about collecting modern revolvers. It is a very good revolver, The ten inch barrel is akward for just woods carry, but if one used a hand gun for hunting, it would be ideal. It is well worth having and I feel it is a fair price. I would still try and haggle the price down if possible. If I had a need for another 44 mag I would also jump on it, but hell, I'm still trying to convince my wife that I really needed the .45 Colt Mountain Gun I picked up.

+1 on collecting modern revolvers, at least now, except for the really high end jobs like the pre 1982 Smith & Wesson Model 27 and its predecessors, the Colt Python, and a handful of very low production models. The real dollar value of almost all modern revolvers hasn't gone up that much, even in excellent condition. That includes the high end ones I mentioned, except the Python and S&W pre Model 27 .357 Magnums.

To most people a good modern revolver, even a nice Colt Detective Special or S&W Model 15 are still just nice useful used guns for carry, nightstand or hunting use.

I also agree that the price on the revolver in the O.P. is very fair.

[da gimp]

agreeing with what Art just posted.

[Johnny in Texas]

I would go with a 4" better balance more useful.

[Johnny P]

Anyone checked the prices of the pre 29 revolvers? They are bringing unbelievable prices from just a few years ago.

Owning a Model 29 doesn't have a lot to do with being useful. I shot my pre 29 for years, and each time I reloaded ammunition I found myself loading lighter and lighter until the loads approached .44 Special loads.

[Art]

Anyone checked the prices of the pre 29 revolvers? They are bringing unbelievable prices from just a few years ago.

Owning a Model 29 doesn't have a lot to do with being useful. I shot my pre 29 for years, and each time I reloaded ammunition I found myself loading lighter and lighter until the loads approached .44 Special loads.

Pre Model 29 .44 Magnums are one of those very low production guns I mentioned in my post above. 3" barrel Model 66s are another. Pre Model 29 .44 Magnums were only made from 1955-1957 and do indeed bring a very nice premium. Your are correct that a Model 29 is truly a "niche" revolver, but a very nice one. The first (and only) one I shot was a 4" barrel version carried as a duty weapon by an Agent in the New York City Office I worked in in the late 1970's. It was a hoot!! How he got permission to carry it was a mystery to me, but he got authorization and carried it in a Bianchi X-15 shoulder holster a la "Dirty Harry." He was a big guy, about 6'2" and 200 pounds, which helped, he was also a snappy dresser, partial to 3 piece European suits and sharp blazers.