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

Bargain! Congratulations on a fine score.

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David Wilson

northslope,
Sounds like you got a great deal to me. Assuming the grips are genuine Cokes....they would be worth $350-450 by themselves. You are also very lucky, IMO. Around my neck of the woods, at a gunshow, you never have the opportunity to move on and circle back especially when it comes to old Smiths in fine condition. Congratulations again.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

And in Kali,no less. I just can't seem to run into a stupid dealer. Especially one with old Smiths in great condition.
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

northslope lives in CA, but the Reno show is in NV. Fortunately the .44 is more than 50 years old and can be brought into CA.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

DUH!
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

I agree - and in fact, a couple of guys came by with vey hopeful looks on their faces moments after I'd "closed the deal" while we were doing paperwork....

There's a reason I come here on Fridays!

--Neill

I too was there in Reno Friday and saw the M29 Northslope bought. It indeed has coke grips and everything is 98%+.
He did well and I'm so envious. Great deal of the year.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

Friday in Reno was the busiest Friday most of the old timers could remember.

Lot'sa guns changed hands Thursday as usual when all the table good deals are snapped up. Minty Pre model 18 5 screw old style fishook target hammer .22 Combat Mast. for $550 in the box. Model 43 22/32 airweight pre 1960 $300. 2nd model 44 spl 98% 6 1/2" $850.

Friday & Sat the spectators brought their heirlooms and "gave" them away while waiting in line or at the tables.

There's always been two types of sellers at Reno; those with primo collectibles for those with money to burn. And those sellers with guns and prices for all the rest of us.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I'll second that - I've never left the show empty-handed; there are bargains to be had here and there but it just requires a keen eye and a little patience.

The show was the best one I've been to in my few short years of attending.

--Neill

The Spring show is usually pretty good for buyers and sellers alike. At last Summers show, I scored on 7 nice S&W's. 2 M&Ps, one a 5" the other a 2", a M63, M617-0 6" N.I.B., a 1917 mfg. 4th change .38, a M19-0, and a 1959 vintage M48-0. Reno is a great show no matter when you go. In the past, I have scored some nice Winchester M52's as well. I must say, I like to gamble and this is the best of two worlds. Big Larry

bump for pictures - see original post!

--Neill

Brother, You stole that one! That's a deal that dreams are made of. Enjoy!

Very nice score. The first time i walked past that one the guy behind
me in line buys it. That took some nads. But it worked out for you.


chuck

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They hold no Quarter

Very nice 29. I have SN S218xxx and I paid a bit more than that but it had the box and goodies. However, they were not worth the difference you paid to what I paid. And I bought it from a reputable forum member for what was a good deal. In short.. you stole that beautiful piece! Congratulations

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

Great deal! I have a 4 screw in about the same condition and I can tell you I paid more than that two years ago!

Very nice! Can I have the grips?

You did good...nice gun