Model 29-2 front sight question

[nmcollektor]

Hi - I'm looking at buying my first 29-2 (8 3/8", blued) from a local gentleman who is the original owner. He has shot the gun in target competition and replaced the ramp front sight with a Patridge.

Two questions for the experts, please...

1. How much does this affect the value (we're still circling around the deal)?
2. How easy is it to find/ swap in the original version?

Thanks very much in advance for your help.

[Laketime]

I would not want one like that unless it was a steal.Then I would have it put back to normal configuration.

[arjay]

Id leave it as is and use it as a range gun.Might check that everything is still tight on it though.

[murphydog]

If the blade swap was done neatly/professionally, to me it would not affect the value significantly, especially if you prefer the setup, and it would be easy to change back to the red ramp style. A good bargaining point if you want to use it though . Good luck in your decision.

[nmcollektor]

Thanks - I saw a large variation of sights for sale by MidwayUSA.

Can anyone tell me what the original Model 29 front sight height was? I'm thinking .278...

[Bobbysixkiller]

I believe you are correct.278. I don't think the newer style on MidwayUSA will work though

[M29since14]

Without seeing the gun it's hard to comment about value and how easily it might be restored, but I can say I always found the red ramp a bit of a nuisance on the 8-inch gun. The angle of the front sight is very shallow. This presented the red insert in a "flattened" perspective from the shooter's position and it always made it hard for me to get much good from it. I might prefer the Patridge blade on an 8-incher if given the chance to try it. I have also seen a lot of 8-inch .44s that shot high over the years I tinkered with them. Maybe the front sight replacement was intended to cure two problems that the original owner had with that particular gun?

If the gun is mechanically sound and the sight change was done professionally, I wouldn't necessarily hold that against it - but look closely before you buy.

[Pisgah]

Just personal preference, but...

If I had an 8 3/8" 29-2 with a Patridge front sight, I'd be happy as a clam!

[nmcollektor]

Thanks for all the feedback. I've decided to keep it. I like the Patridge!