When I moved to the Northern Neck of Virginia about three years ago, I visited a pawn shop about an hours drive from my house and noted they had a 4" Model 29 in thier showcase, but it was priced so high (as I remember it was around $800 at that time) that I didn't even look at it. It had rubber grips, holster wear on the muzzzle, definately priced optimisticly.

Each time I was in that particular town, I'd stop by that pawn shop and stand in awe of thier atmospheric pricing strategy, wondering if they ever sold any guns.

Years passed, the Model 29 remained in the case, but "Lo and Behold!" the price started coming down, $750, $679, the other day it had come down to $575, that's when I asked to see it. 4" 29-2, pinned and recessed, serial number puts it at being made in 1975. ****** Hogue grips, more than a little finish wear, dirty from peoples grubby hands rubbing it for at least three years. Today I made an offer on it, and $465 later it came home with me. I probably stilll over paid, but that revolver had gotten under my skin, I had to have it!

Took it to the range on the way home and put about 50 rounds of cast lead and jacketed handloads through it, what a sweet shooter! Points naturally, great trigger, I can see this becoming my carry gun.



Now I need some proper service grips, some speed loaders and a leather holster. I think this one is going to be a keeper!

Nice snag.

The proper stocks for that gun would be Goncalo Football Targets, probably checkered, but smooth would be correct too...

You waited 'em out and it paid off big-time - congrats!

Very nice grab

Regards

Bill

You, my friend, have answered the question that has plagued the gun buying universe from the time they were made, " What is it worth?" In this particular case, no one else at that point in time could answer that question except you! Congrats! Before buying a holster, take a look at the Bianchi 111 Cyclone. If you are interested, send me an e-mail at [email protected] and I will send you the url to the best deal, which has a video showing its features. The one that they show would be the size that you need. Just trying to be helpful!
DLB

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Be Kind! John 3:16,14:27

Is that a smooth faced trigger? That would be a "happy" feature to find on a 29-2.

(BTW, I kinda like the Hogues. They share the favorite spot with the smooth factory target stocks. But the factory jobs usual cost way more, when they turn up...)

Jaymoore,

Yes, it is a smooth face trigger....

Wow, you got a steal!

Nice gun. If it sat there for three years, I'd have to guess that their pricing strategy isn't working all that well.

Or Canoeguy is the only Smith fanatic in the area

That would have gotten snapped up around here long ago.

Every time I do that, I go back and it's GONE.

You, sir, have what is known as GOOD karma.

I have never found a gun at a pawn shop that was priced right or one I even wanted to buy. You have a great gun and a very good buy. Enjoy.

I have found roughly 75% of my "deals" at pawn shops.

You get lots of mismarked guns like Heavy Duty's priced as pre-model 10's, etc

I'm sure there are some registered magnum's sitting out there marked as model 19's or something

Yes, in my opinion I like the rubber Hogues if I'm going to shoot my gun, I have one just like it that is close to mint , and if I shoot 44mag the Hogues prolly better be on it. Billy

I think you did good buddy. I dont much care for the Hogue grips though. Put a nice set of Kurac stocks on there and call it finished!!!

Not just at pawn shops. I went to a local gun store last year and picked up a K22 Outdoorsman that was marked (and priced) as a Model 17.

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Ash

You, sir, are an optimist.

I have looked at every pawnshop in town (Tucson) in the last few weeks and the closest thing I could find to a bargain around here is a 3953 for $399.

I've bought five or six S&W revolvers at a pawn shop this year. It's helpful if they get to know you, though. The "price" isn't neccessarily "the" price that you have to pay...And trades get easier too. Throw in the occasional free repair for them, and you can do better than OK.

ETA: Photo of another 29-2 4" pawn shop purchase from early in the year:


Why it came with the super wide trigger is a bit of a mystery, but otherwise no complaints.

I don't think you overpaid at all at $465...I'd say nice deal on what should be a great shooter. Those Hogues may be ugly but DANG they are comfortable!