29-2 at local gun shop

alwaysoutdoors · #1 02-25-2011, 12:59 PM

I wanted to buy it, but thought I would check prices first.

It's a 29-2 with 6" barrell(pinned and recessed). Original grips are gone. Someone has removed the side plate at one point (read further). The plate looks in good shape but the screw heads are stripped and in the wrong spots. I figure I can get those screws relatively inexpensively. No tools, No box, No pres. case, etc.. just the pistol with probably overall 85-90% overall condition on the bluing. It has target hammer, target trigger, red ramp front, white outline rear. Looks like original bluing and took the rubber grip off and didnt' see any evidence of refinishing. Looks like it was shot alot. For $500 out the door I passed yesterday.

By the time I added original-era target checkered grips I might have been it $600 or more plus have to "doctor" the bluing some in one or two spots. It had a nice action and I hated to leave it there. I'm sure someone will grab it, but I'm more patient than I used to be.

Your thoughts? Would anyone else have bought it for $500?

bigtubby · #2 02-25-2011, 01:05 PM

I think it is a decent buy at $500 OTD for a shooter,I wouldn't worry about the grips and blueing as long as it is still tight. cheapest I see around here is around $600.00 plus taxes and BGC.

selectgear · #3 02-25-2011, 01:12 PM

This gun sounds similar to a 27-2 I recently saw with exception to the side plate issue. I passed on the $450 price but it was gone 2 weeks later. It seems like the N frames draw a premium in any condition these days. IMO - Keep looking and go for high quality, down the road you'll be glad you did.
Jeff

smithy46 · #4 02-25-2011, 01:20 PM

I just saw a S&W 29-2 6" barrel in a local gun shop here in Georgia and it was in great condition with all the goodies and even the wood box for
$599.99.
I would rather have this one for $100 more than the one you are looking at.

alwaysoutdoors · #5 02-25-2011, 01:23 PM

I agree with everyone's replies.

8emem · #6 02-25-2011, 01:29 PM

I think it's a good call to pass on it. If there is evidence that the side plate has been removed, there's no telling what might have been done to the internals. Typically a skilled gunsmith would not mangle or incorrectly install the screws. Keep looking around. The deals are out there. I'll bet you can get something similar without the issues (and perhaps some sort of factory wood grips) for less that $600, but be ready to purchase the moment after you check it out. It won't last long.

6GUNSONLY · #7 02-26-2011, 12:52 AM

I think you may can do a little better for your $500 if you're patient and especially if you're not concerned with box, docs, tools, etc... Maybe find one without the potential issues and with original grips for that. I picked up a 4" blued 29-2 a while back for $425 at a gunshow, no mechanical issues but also w/o original grips. Found a set of smooth targets at the next show for $25 and was happy. Of course, I'd pay $25 a pair for all the smooth targets I could haul - that doesn't come along every day, I know.

bnewc75 · #8 02-26-2011, 01:03 PM

picked up a 29-2 8-3/8 close to LNIB three months ago $ 700.00..... hold off for now

RussellD · #9 02-26-2011, 01:16 PM

As gas jumps to over $4 a gallon a lot more deals will start popping up..

SWBigBang · #10 02-26-2011, 01:47 PM

If it had the wood grips I would say its a good deal for a "shooter", but if patient you should be able to find one with wood grips and very good condition for just under $600.

Personally, I prefer to pay a few bucks more if an item not fired as much.

Nframe_is_no1 · #11 02-26-2011, 03:51 PM

I paid $599 for my 4" 29-2 a few months ago. It came with smooth targets but no box or docs. It didn't even have a turn line and looked unfired! I agree with the other posters. For around $100 more you could do much better. (The corner of the stocks isn't rounded off. The carpet I used for the pic was just a little too plush!) Here's a pic:

Jack Flash · #12 02-26-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8emem

... If there is evidence that the side plate has been removed, there's no telling what might have been done to the internals. Typically a skilled gunsmith would not mangle or incorrectly install the screws. ...

Agree. It's a real red flag when you see evidence of this type.

I'm not sure I would offer $350 for it. I guess I would have to "feel lucky"... I'm not sure that's a good thing around .44 Magnums.