Hello S&W Forum,
I’m fairly new to the world of revolvers, mostly lurking and enjoying the discussions here. Despite my short time in the hobby, I’ve been actively collecting pre-lock Smith & Wesson models, finding it both addictive and nostalgic. While I’ve managed to acquire a few models, I’ve been on the lookout for a P&R and 3 T’s without much luck. Recently, I stumbled upon a pristine M66 2.5” barrel, thinking it would satisfy my cravings for a while. However, today at my local gun store, I came across a never-fired M29 Nickel, complete with wooden presentation box and papers, priced at $1750.00. I’m torn about whether to make the purchase, especially since I’ve been searching for the 6” version without success. Any insights or thoughts on this model would be greatly appreciated. Sharing a picture of the collection.

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4" 29's are nice to carry and, for most anyway, not so nice to shoot with full .44 magnums. The price you mention is attractive, especially with the wooden box, papers, etc. Like a "go grab it" before someone else does. Might make good swap material down the line, especially if you leave it unfired.

I have one,{4'Nickel 29-2 all the goodies unfired} You will love the 4''in I have carried mine a few times but never fired.....................................................M*

I’m assuming you’re talking about a 29-2? It makes a lot of difference since a Model 29 for that price, with original stocks, would be an outright bargain, in today’s world.

In the Model 29 world, I think most folks would be looking for a 6-1/2” gun, rather than 6”, but either one is more pleasant to shoot than the 4-inch. Nevertheless, the 4-inch is probably the most sought after of the bunch. You probably won’t regret purchasing a pristine example.

Good luck with your decision.

Thanks Minconrevo! If I did shoot it, probably go with 44spl. I shot a 629 6" with rubber grips, not too fun. It's been sitting there on consignment since April 2023. They did mention others had made offers and the owner won't budge. Well, gonna sleep on it. Will post up pictures If I decide to get it. Have a great evening!

M29since14,

Thank you for your response and correcting me on the 6.5"BBL. Unfortunately, I was unable to get the dash, I can confirm original stocks, P&R and Target hammer/trigger. The shop was busy and only did a quick inspection. From what I saw, the gun is immaculate, including the presentation case. I will definitely follow up on this, If I decide to purchase.

A 4" nickel 29-2 would be a real prize in the condition you describe. Here is mine. No museum piece but it looks much better in person. Kind of a BBQ gun that would be at home in a fancy leather rig.

You really need to press that shop about the engineering level (the dash number). That could make a world of difference.

Also, ALL S&W's have been fired, that is test fired at the factory. A close inspection of the gun should reveal the truth. Pic #2 illustrates what a nickel S&W looks like when test fired only. Notice the mild carbon ring at every other chamber Buyer beware, good luck.

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Maybe not a bargain, but a reasonable price in today's world. The model 29s are great shooters, don't wait too long to bring that one home!

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

I think that price is at the top end of the market. And it sounds like the guns condition plus having all the goodies could make fair deal. One thing for sure, I don't see prices coming down on high quality N-frames.

Sounds like one of two things. It's a -2 and pretty much ANIB and the owner hasn't been willing to budge on price. . . .or. . . .there's something others see that you haven't. Both might explain why it has been sitting there for a year. As others have said, you need to confirm the dash number and look it over carefully. If it's all that you think it is I'd get with the store owner with a stack of Benjamins and try to buy it for $1500 or so. I've seen longer barrel -2s with box/papers/etc. sell for that much locally in the past year or so though so you probably aren't overpaying much if you meet their price. Might keep in mind though we aren't bashful about spending other people's money. . . It's a rare shop that won't at least give you the price as an OTD price if you're showing up with cash especially after having an item in inventory for a year. Be sure and share pictures with us when you get it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Welcome to the Forum! That 4" nickel Model 29 (29-2?) would be a sweet acquisition for you, especially if you could get the price down a little. Maybe walk in with 16 or 17 crisp Benjamins and see if you can get a better OTD price. The mahogany presentation case with all the goodies definitely adds to the value. As 65Whelen says, the prices on quality N-frame revolvers is not going down, and $1750 is probably a fair price. And nickel revolvers usually bring a premium. I was fortunate to pick up a 6" nickel Model 29-2 (ca. 1980) for $950 a couple of years ago, followed shortly after by a minty 4" nickel Model 57 (.41 Magnum, ca. 1980) for $1200. Neither came with a presentation case but I always have a couple of spares! There's nothing wrong with a nice Model 66 snubby, but I think you'd really enjoy the .44 Magnum. Remember too, since the revolver is on consignment the owner is only getting about $1500, and the gun store makes about 15% ($250). Good luck!

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As others have said, if it is as represented, I'd buy it ASAP. In my world +/- $100 doesn't make much difference if you want it and are going to keep it.

Thank you all again for the feedback, it's much appreciated. I decided to go for it. M29-2 (N65793)curious of the date, if someone can help. Upon further inspection, I noticed the ejector rod was slightly bent, cylinder was not spinning freely. I'm sure Alan Tanaka can take care of that. All other functions seemed good, tight lock up and no timing issues noted . Other minor items noted, missing the sight screwdriver from the box and the manual is for a M57?. She also has some minor handling marks, but no deep scratches. With that said, I paid $1650. For her age, she's beautiful and needed to be taken home, though it will be 10 days here in Ca. Attaching a couple of PICs. Jim

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Considering what you got, I'd say that $1650 in today's market is a good price. Too bad it came with the wrong documents, missing the sight tool, bent ejector rod, and has handling marks as the three burn rings on the front of the cylinder says that this one was test fired at the factory and not fired since then.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Thanks Stansdds,

These issues were indeed deterrents for others. While I’m not overly concerned about the ejector rod, my GS has resolved more challenging issues for me before, and he’s quite reasonable. Although I almost decided against it, vintage revolvers are rare finds in California. I’m confident she’ll clean up nicely with minimal effort. Jim.

That's a purty revolver and almost NIB- shame it has a couple of issues. Very nice Goncalo Alves wood stocks, too. The only issue I'd worry about is getting the bent ejector rod straightened. The SAT (sight adjustment tool) can be fairly easily replaced (either here on the Forum or eBay). ".44 Magnums" were introduced in 1956, and became the "Model 29" the following year when S&W switched from names to model numbers. 29-2s were introduced in 1962. According to your listed s/n (N65793), you bought an early N-prefix revolver...probably 1970-71. When I zoomed in on your pic of the s/n, it almost looked like it was N465793 (1977-1978), but it could just be my old eyes! I think you did really well at $1650...enjoy!

Hawg Rider,

Your eyes are fine, I typed that in wrong. I did see the SAT on ebay, quite a few of them. Thanks for the date confirmation! Jim

Not bad. Not bad a'tall.

I passed on a nickel 29-2 not too long ago that was tagged at $1300, but it was a been fired, no-box or papers" gun and wasn't in California. I thought about it, even had it on "hold" for a day or two, but decided to save $400 or so and got a 29-10 in blue instead, but man that nickel one was pretty. I was really tempted.

I like the 4" barrel, but I don't shoot anything but 44 Specials in it. The six actual magnum rounds I fired definitely got my attention.

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John 3:16 .

If you put an ad in our WTB section, I'm sure you'll get one for less than ebay's prices. I bet more than a few members have an extra or two squirreled away from gunshows and whatnot.

This Forum link has lots of good info on the various sight adjustment tools through the years. It's always good to know which is the correct era tool for your set.
What Came In The S&W Box?

Good pickup, and welcome to the Forum!

Todd

Thank you Todd, appreciate it.

+1 on Alan. He will get it right.

I finally picked up the gun today and it appears I misdiagnosed the bent ejector rod. Gave it good cleaning and everything is functioning properly and handling marks taken care of as well, feeling pretty darn happy about that. The only thing I can't discern is, why it came with a M57 manual, mistake on S&W?, who knows. I'll head over to the WTB section and see if anyone can help. Have a great weekend everybody!

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