Pre-29 4"

[smithrjd]

Have been offered one as a possible trade, don't know much about these. Given decent condition and good mechanically what would the ballpark value be for one of these? Anything specific about these to look for?

[smithrjd]

Waiting on pictures, but the date is 1956. First year I believe, is the 4" barrel rarer than other lengths?

[yfdcap]

Pics would be best. Needs to have correct stocks to start bringing in better price. Many were stripped and sold off. If it is a five screw that changes things as well and brings more money. Five screws, with correct stocks, and in good condition go north of 3000.00 pretty fast. four screws with correct stocks in good condition go north of 2000.00 pretty fast.

[yfdcap]

1956 should put it at 5 screw. Again, depending on condition and what it comes with your probably looking at a good one. The 4" adds a premium.

[smithrjd]

Well I did get some pictures, but don't really want to post someone else's pictures. 4 Screw.. In what looks to be an original wood case with blue silk. Tools present as well. Big S&W logo and 44 magnum on the top. The S&W symbol looks washed so.. Re-blue I would guess. Grips are targets with what I would call the "football" no diamonds. Overall it looks good, slight blue loss at the muzzle. Slight turn line, case colors on trigger and hammer are great. Trade on my end is a Winchester Model 70 from 1954 in 257 Roberts in about 98% condition. Think I might pass on this one. Thoughts?

[beagleye]

If indeed a re-blue, value seriously diminished.

[410bore]

There is not enough info here for me to offer you any opinion. I'd need to see pics of the case, grips, and revolver. The bright blue guns got a an extra level of polish and sometimes logos can look a tad washed and still be OK.

[Art Doc]

I'm not an expert or a collector but refinished and missing the original stocks makes it a shooter. That what you want? Serious collectors would have zero interest in this revolver and the price should certainly reflect that fact. Start out with a $3,000 gun and deduct $500 for missing "Cokes" and then cut remaining value in half for poor refinish. What's left, a $1,250 shooter? I wouldn't even go that high but I'm sure some would.

[cowboy4evr]

The question that always comes to my mind is " How many hot loads has it absorbed ? " You have no way of knowing . So it's just a big gamble , really how much life is left in it ? I would pass !

[Kinman]

At least on a piece with original finish it is obvious by the amount of battering on the recoil shield and often above the barrel at the forcing cone to realize how much use/abuse these things have received. I've seen some recoil shields with bluing worn away to the point you could nearly see the imprint of the maker of the brass...no thanks.

[dave1918a2]

A model 70 in .257 Roberts in 98% condition would go north of $2200 around here. Sounds like You would take at least a $1200 loss if it's a re-blue. Like it's said on this forum, pictures are a must to evaluate.

[smithrjd]

Not sure about the re-blue. Serial number is S171XXX so later 57. I don't really remember when the diamonds on the grips went away. Here are a coupe of pictures. I know what My Winchester is, but I'm in it for less than it's worth even in todays depressed market. Gunbroker on the Smith is all over the place. Recoil shield is very clean, no signs of heavy loads.

[Jack Flash]

Diamonds went away well after '57 (mid- to late-60s IIRC ... I don't have the book right here now).

[Jtown]

Looks good, not sure it is reblued. need better photos

[Peak53]

There is a special very warm place reserved for those who stripped the original stocks off this gun.

[sturtyboy]

The tools aren't correct or complete. If you can, remove the grip panels and see if the factory reblued it. There would be something similar to "R-Bl" stamped on the left lower grip frame. The right side SW stamps aren't always real deep and strong, but it can get lightened up on a reblue.
If you determine you want it, there's always cash along with it to get your rifle.
Early 4" Model 29's are pretty cool.

[smithrjd]

Thanks to all for the info. I decided to pass, grips were an issue. Still not sure about the re-blue. It was my Winchester plus a rather big boot as well.

[Texas Star]

I think you did well to pass. The .257 is a nice, somewhat unusual rifle in a good caliber.

You can always buy a four-inch M-29 or M-629 later. Unless you're a hardcore collector, you don't need a five-screw example.

[olskool]

yea I would keep my 257,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Chukar60]

Is it just my aging eyes or did anyone else see that there is no screw at the top of the side plate?

EDIT: sorry did not see OP’s statement it was a 4 screw