pre-29? to buy or pass

[0311oldgrunt]

I ran across this model 44mag with serial number 167521. The owner says it is made 1956-1957, 5 screw with 4 inch barrel,with 70 percent bluing. The cylinder has been replaced, Good action and bore, (according to the owner) The revolver is local so I could go see it. I am new to revolvers. My experience is with rifles and semi-auto pistols. I am ordering this coming week a 629PC but am curious about this old revolver. He is asking 500.00. I am hoping some of the members on this forum can shed some light.

 

[crsides]

Most guns this early were 6 1/2", but I believe some 4" were being produced also, just not very many. I would be aware of the fact that it may have had the bbl cut. Even so, if it goes bang, it would be worth $500.

Charlie

 

[THE PILGRIM]

That serial number should have a S in front of it.
An original 4 inch would be a find.
Like crsides said, $500 for a pre-29 is good mechanical condition is a pretty Good deal!
We all would love to see a picture!

 

[0311oldgrunt]

Most guns this early were 6 1/2", but I believe some 4" were being produced also, just not very many. I would be aware of the fact that it may have had the bbl cut. Even so, if it goes bang, it would be worth $500.

Charlie

Thanks for the reply. So provided it goes bang, I could keep as is, or would it be worth it to have it refurbished? Not looking for any resale value but I believe it would bother me to have any gun it such poor condition.

 

[0311oldgrunt]

That serial number should have a S in front of it.
An original 4 inch would be a find.
Like crsides said, $500 for a pre-29 is good mechanical condition is a pretty Good deal!
We all would love to see a picture!

I have several pictures on my I phone but lack the technical skills to post. Just a reminder but I am an Old Grunt.

 

[Dennis]

I'm in California also. Buy it.
Even if the bbl. is cut.
Neat to have a pre-29.
You won't ever find another in this state for that price.

 

[steelslaver]

Buy it, I would buy and 27 57 or 29 that functions for $500 especially a premodel 5 screw. I might hesitate if it was a model 28, but that is because I already have 5 of them, but, then if it was an early 5 screw pre 28 I would get it.

Unless it was beat to ****, it will be smoother than your brand new and shoot every bit as good.

 

[weatherby]

If it has the original grips they alone are worth close to that.

 

[alaskavett]

What stocks are on it? They shoud be the "Coke" style, and even if there in same condition you descryibe the gun, there worth half of ask at least! Buy it and enjoy it! Kyle

 

[Jdavis]

Agree that original "coke" stocks would make the deal all the better. It would be difficult for me to pass on any decent pre-29 for $500. Love to see photos of that gun.

 

[Dave T]

I'm of the opinion most any 5-screw N-frame in good shooting condition is worth $500. I would take that gun over the 629 PC you're thinking about any day.

And not every old gun has to be restored. You put the money into getting it done right you will probably exceed the value of a re-blued gun nearly every time. Since the cylinder has been replaced it will never be original again and if the barrel has been cut down this goes double. I would keep it as is, shoot it and enjoy it.

YMMV,
Dave

 

[RubenZ]

Sent you PM on the pics.

 

[JSR III]

IMHO, any S&W N frame that is not a boat anchor is worth $500 all day long.

 

[0311oldgrunt]

I sent the owner an e-mail.

 

[RubenZ]

Here are pics of the gun BRAD sent me to upload. I think gun is in good shape for that price actually. Grips are probably not original to the gun considering the wear on frame vs Grips.

Screen Shot 2017-06-05 at 1.24.15 PM by Ruben Zamora, on Flickr

Screen Shot 2017-06-05 at 1.25.41 PM by Ruben Zamora, on Flickr

Screen Shot 2017-06-05 at 1.25.31 PM by Ruben Zamora, on Flickr

 

[JP@AK]

Grips are probably not original to the gun considering the wear on frame vs Grips.

They are not, but not just because of the amount of wear (or lack of it). Target stocks with no diamond at the screw location would not have been around yet when a five screw .44 Magnum was made. Those stocks date to 1967 or later.

 

[Laketime]

That gun would of had cokes on it.

 

[0311oldgrunt]

What a crock of......

I recieved an e-mail stating he is in South Carolina. I replied that the local ffl would not accept an out of state off roster handgun. His reply was he could have it shipped to my "preferred" location. all he needed was a full address I wanted it delivered to and he would do so. My reply was: My preferred location would be to a local ffl dealer and they would not allow me to take ownership of an out of state off roster handgun. I've a few other thoughts but better left unsaid.

 

[RubenZ]

I recieved an e-mail stating he is in South Carolina. I replied that the local ffl would not accept an out of state off roster handgun. His reply was he could have it shipped to my "preferred" location. all he needed was a full address I wanted it delivered to and he would do so. My reply was: My preferred location would be to a local ffl dealer and they would not allow me to take ownership of an out of state off roster handgun. I've a few other thoughts but better left unsaid.

RED FLAG. What he is planning to do is pretty much illegal and seems like he's trying to scam people out of money. I looked at your original screen shots you sent where he posted it in San Joaquin Valley buy, sell,trade. Why would he post there if he's from thousands of miles away ? Be cautious Never believe when someone says they can ship a firearm anywhere to your liking if nots an FFL dealers. Especially since you live in California.

 

[0311oldgrunt]

If anyone is interested in a legal purchase,I can provide an e-mail. To shady for me but perhaps one from a state that is not as restrictive would be ok.