Fair price for a S&W Pre-29, 4 or 5-screw.

[jphendren]

I am interested in picking up a S&W Pre-29, I don't care if it is a 4 or 5-screw. I want a 6.5" barrel, with coke stocks. About 3-4 years ago, I bought a 5-screw that looked like brand new, it was mint. I think I paid around $1,500 for it, with no case or tools. When I received it the original owner had etched his SSN into the triggerguard, the seller refused to take it back, so I sold it here for a loss. I should have kept it, as aside from that it was extremely nice. I've never scratched the .44 Magnum itch, so am wanting to get another, but am unsure of the current price structure on these. I see plenty of $1,800 4-screws on Gunbroker, but no bids on those.

So how much for a nice 97-99% 5-screw or 4-screw with none of the extras?

Jared

[Frank237]

#1 I am far from an Expert on S&W prices....but have bought a few 4 screw, 6 1/2" blued pre 29's this year.

Found what appears to be an unfired 4 screw, nice cokes, in the proper Presentation case, with a small tear from the rear sight in the interior of the case. But overall the gun and case are in the 98% area or better. No tools. I paid $2K and was happy to get it.

Previously I had bought a similar gun, had been fired, but no abuse , screws appeared unturned, etc. Nice cokes, some finish loss at the muzzle and a turn ring. I paid $1800 for it shipped to MT.

I can't recall the last time I saw any comparable guns here in MT and I hit a lot of the Shows. Especially the unfired example in the case.

I'm sure there will be a poster who will state I paid too much...he see's them all the time for $1000. Well...I do not...and wanted an early gun for the collection.

Sorry to hear about the marked gun. I've seen several Classic S&W's, Colts and Pre 64 Winchester's all electric penciled with everything from names, D/L numbers and/or SSN's....sometimes both.

FN in MT

[Worn_Holster]

I have $1225 into this .44 Magnum shipped June 17, 1958. I bought it recently from a member here with non-period correct target grips and added some Cokes that I found. It did not come with anything but the historian's letter. When I was shopping I certainly saw many that were priced higher. I am by far NOT a S&W expert, but I think that I got a reasonable price and it looks great to me. What matters most is if you feel the price that you pay for a pre-29 is worth it to you.

[IMG][/IMG]

[jphendren]

Would I be crazy to bid over $1,700 on a minty 5-screw with no box and tools?

Jared

[SRT]

Originally Posted by jphendren

Would I be crazy to bid over $1,700 on a minty 5-screw with no box and tools?

Jared

No, assuming your definition of minty would be 99% or like new. Only around 6500 were ever produced. Considering that it is likely that only a fraction of those produced that exist today are still in like new condition, and the fact that collector demand for the highest quality examples will always exceed supply, spend the money and buy it. If you decide not to, let me know where it is and I will. I don't need another one, but to me, a prime specimen represents a very sound, appreciating investment.

SRT

[jphendren]

I got outbid, dangit LOL. Apparently even $1,800 is not enough to get one of these. I would tell you where it is, but that would violate the posting links to online auctions rule. I bought one of these a few years back for $1,500, and it looked like new, I guess the market has gone up on these.

Jared

[usm1rifle]

Jared,

You could send hin a PM and not violate the rules...

[jphendren]

It's at $2,005 with one hour to go!! I bowed out at $1,925, I can't believe these are selling that high? This guy really wants this gun!

Jared

[fyimo]

There are always players with deep pockets and when they want something that they believe is rare and in excellent condition they usually bid until they get it. The fun starts when two of them want the same item and then someone usually ends up paying way too much.

[jphendren]

That is why I backed off, because I felt that I had already bid way too much. I believe that he paid about $300 too much for that gun based on completed auction prices that I have found. But that example was superb, however there will be others, so he can have it LOL.

Jared