Looking at a 29-3 its in very very nice shape and a private sale niether the seller or I is a gun expert, what should I look at besides apperance? Thanks

We could tell you a number of things to look for, but if you are not revolver cognizant, you may not understand. What I would recommend is that you take someone with you who does know what they are looking at. Good luck in your quest.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

Not that much of a newbie, I have a 586, and several others, I have always bought thru a dealer and got a report from them on what ever I was buying, that said I will get to shoot this before I purchase it, it so nice I doubt its "shot out" but then again I not a gun smith , so what should I look for?

Welcome! If you are "prospecting" a revolver this will take some digging .

Chances are a cosmetically nice revolver will also check out mechanically. If you know your 586 well there is not much difference between it and an N frame. Here is a good link to a video with the usual checks. Also good if you like Boxers .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Definitely shoot it before you buy it, if you can.

In that case, here's something you might find helpful...

revolver_checkout.pdf - Google Drive

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

I disagree a little bit with both tutorials in regards to modern Smith revolvers.

A little bit of end shake and a little bit of rotational play at full lockup is normal and fine and will be seen on even NIB revolvers or new old stock models made in the last 25 years.

Thanks for the tips! going to the range a box 44 mag and a box of 357 going to compare 29-3 lock up to 586 and shoot the ammo up , if it operates flawless its mine , I'm sure judging on looks alone there is nothing worn on this piece.

44mag ammo prices WOW wally world 44 dollars per fifty, close to a dollar a shot, I'm loosing the dream wha.

Proof is in the pudding. As you stated shoot this gun and it will tell you a lot. Personally, I don't mind a little honest
wear on my revolvers.
Steve

She's mine , took it to the range fired up a box, operated as it should, felt good, looks great so I bought it , and now my elbow hurts , 44 has a kick

The .44 Magnum is what started me into the wonderful world of reloading about 40 years ago. Even back in the 70's .44 Magnum was expensive. Reloading allowed me to shoot more and save money.

Cowcatcher;

Others will be chiming in I'm sure, but one of the "hidden" rules on this forum is: No pics.....it simply didn't happen!!!

Honestly....we love pics of all things Smith & Wesson and those Dirty Harry thumpers (OK...OK...so its a 29-3, 1982 & not 1968 we won't quibble)... are special to a lot of us.

So if you would kindly (after getting your wrist out of the cast, and hand swelling going down a little) just point and click some gunshots for us to drool over.

Need any help posting just let us know and by the way...Welcome from Virginia

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

I like pics too but with the recent photobucket changes I gotta lern a new way to post , or maybe I should pay PB , still checking that out, but for now sorry no pics Wha .

My new to me 29-3 is a cool piece of my mini collection it also came with a loading die and shell holder, as others have mentioned I think this 44 mag will be the firearm that actully gets me into reloading.

You may wish to get into the hand loading world. You could work up some nice .44 Special loads that would be less painful, still much fun! CONGRATULATIONS! Bob

Just thought I would add a picture to the narrative. Not quite the same but my 29-2 nickie.