Arrived at the Reno show today with low expectations; for the first time that I can remember I was able to get a room reserved at the Grand Sierra Resort (where the show is held) only a few weeks in advance (usually it's sold out well before that) -- realizing afterwards that it's Easter weekend - so I figured that attendance would be light.

I was wrong! The show was well attended, packed even, and there have been lots of interesting Smiths to admire...some even priced to sell!..ahem...I did see a $975 highway patrolman...

One that caught my eye on my first pass through the ballrooms was a nice 4-screw Model 29 (6.5") with what appeared to be "coke" palmswell target grips. After chatting with the dealer - and looking more closely at the grips to confirm they were the genuine article - I moved on, having seen a number of guns that I wanted to mull over whether to make an offer.

Circling back, I took a second more dispassionate look; the only thing unusual was the "bonanza" gold inlay on the rollmarks. I looked closely for signs of refinish and didn't see anything obvious. I asked the dealer if he'd remove the grips, and he did, and I confirmed no stamps indicating a factory refinish. The gun has no visible holster wear, just a few handling marks (a few dings and scratches on the grips too).

I asked about a box (there wasn't one); the gun had only been in the dealer's inventory about 12 hours. After a brief negotiation we swapped papers and $850 cash...so I am now the proud owner of a 4-screw 29 no-dash in EXC- condition with cokes in almost equal condition, serial S208xxx.

Pictures added below...

--Neill