Need to tap the infinite wisdom of S@W forum

RIDE-RED 350r · #1 10-21-2011, 08:17 AM

Hello. I saw something at my LGS the other day that caught my eye. It was I believe a 329 with a Leopold 2x scope. Price was $850. Im a little unsure of the model because I cant recall now if it was a glossy finish, or the matte black of the current production 329. It has the full underlug so my guess it would be designated a "classic". Think its a descent buy for $850? Looks to be in excellent shape. Im going to the LGS in a little while, and I might just grab it. But I cant bring it right home today as here in NY I must add it to my permit before I can take possession. Thanks!

gkitch · #2 10-21-2011, 08:35 AM

A 329 Airlite Scandium 44 Magnum with a scope? Putting a scope on a gun designed for downright emergencies makes no sense at all. Of course, that may be exactly what is for sale, as common sense is not always there in used guns.
You need to give us information on EXACTLY the model you are looking at for us to help. Leopold scopes are good quality and up the value... Figure, perhaps $150 or so over the value of the gun itself. Box, grips?
VERY important would be the original rear sight. These can be expensive to replace so if it is not with the gun that would be a major point of contention.
Let us know and we can advise you better.

Snowbandit · #3 10-21-2011, 08:42 AM

A scope on a 329? That doesn't make any sense to me at all.

Jitterbug · #4 10-21-2011, 09:09 AM

All that has the smell of a potentially good deal to me...maybe a one time fired 329 with a 2x Leupold? If it checked out, I'd be all over that.

RIDE-RED 350r · #5 10-21-2011, 10:51 AM

Thanks for the replies. I will be leaving for the LGS in a little while. Ill let you guys know exactly what it is....

RIDE-RED 350r · #6 10-21-2011, 01:54 PM

Ok, so I went to the LGS with my brother. The piece in question is a 29-6 Classic with the Leopold 2x scope. Has the case hardened hammer and trigger with the hammer mounted firing pin. Its in EXCELLENT condition. My brother ended up buying it to hunt with. He had a shoulder operation last week and can't shoulder a rifle. Pd $849 +tax.

On a side note, I ended up buying a 629-6 Classic in EXCELLENT condition, very little use for $729 +tax. I dont think we did too bad......I hope!

gkitch · #7 10-21-2011, 02:05 PM

You did great. These are some of the best 44 Magnums S&W ever made, in my opinion, and are underappreciated at this point in time. You will have two great shooting magums that will increase in value as you enjoy them.

RIDE-RED 350r · #8 10-21-2011, 02:15 PM

Thank you all very much for the feedback. I had a good feeling about the 29-6 Classic my brother got. I saw no lock, and the hammer and trigger and I told him I felt it was a very desirable piece. I had never even seen a 29 Classic before.

Me on the other hand, I know how alot of folks feel about the lock and MIM parts. But, my 686-6 I bought brand new a year ago has served me perfectly so its not a big issue with me. Can wait to get it on my permit and get it home. I have dreamed about having the big sis/little sis pair of the 6" 686 and 6.5" 629 Classic.

There was one other piece my brother was considering before he went for the 29 Classic.... A mint condition 586 for $519 plus tax. Its in beautiful shape and if I didnt already have my 686 I probably would have picked that one up.....