I just got back from the local gun show and saw a couple of S&W 44 magnums that I was interested in. This is the same local gun show where I found a 686 no dash in excellent condition a couple of months ago and brought it home for $605 and what started me looking at revolvers.

The first one I am looking at is a 629-1 5". Seems in really good condition except for the combat grips; gripshas a few scratches and a little offset matching left to right grip panels. The seller said I could get "out the door" for $800. Comparing it to the 686 no dash I bought a couple of months ago, the price seems a little high comparing the condition of both guns. Note, I've been told I got one heck of a deal on the 686 so that might be skewing things a bit. What do you folks think is a fair price for a 629-1 in decent but not excellent condition?

The second revolver I looked at was a new model 29 4". The seller (not the same as above) said I could get OTD for $965 ($875 plus tax plus 3% CC fee). I just checked an online auction site and the $965 seems a little high but the auctions are still active and I'm not sure what the final selling prices will be. What do you folks think is a fair price on a new model 29?

Depending on the input I get here, I plan on returning to the gun show tomorrow to buy one or both revolvers.

629-1 with a five inch barrel. I paid 875 last year at My LGS. Perfect barrel length. Snap it up, You won't be sorry.

I agree with Dave, you can refinish the grips.

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Take my advice Im not using it

A 5-inch M629-1 is something you don't see very often. I don't have a single one in my s/n collection (and I've got dozens of 3, 4, 6, and 8 3/8-inch guns). $800 OTD is fair. Based on the barrel length alone, I don't think you'd have any problem getting your money back. Scarcity increases desirability.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

I do not believe a 5" 629-1 was a cataloged item. If they made any, it was very few. The 5" 629 did not show up until the full lugged classic was introduced. If it a 5" 629-1, it has been cut from a longer barrel, or is a very special gun indeed. Either way, it is one I would pay that much for just to find out which it is. I like the 5" and have thought about getting a 629 just to cut to 5", but the ones I see are already in the $800 range without any custom work. I'm not sure, but I seem to recall Bill Cross having a 5" 629.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Vincent--I would get both.

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Possum—The other white meat!

Bought a new 29-10 Classic, 6.5" last November for $1,055 + shipping + FFL transfer. Total out the door was $1,110. Included the wood presentation case.

First off, I want to thank everyone for their input.

I did return to the gun show today and bought the 629-1, $800 OTD. I was a little disappointed though. Even though the seller said it was a 5" revolver it was actually a 6". I'm feeling I probably did pay a little too much but I asked the seller to keep my info and call me if he came across prelock 629 4", 29 4", or 586 4". He said he would give me the "frequent buyer" discount on any or all of those.

Also, I was set on buying the new 29 Classic but in thoroughly checking the revolver out I noticed that the front sight was tilted to the right (barrel wasn't canted but the sight looked bent). I couldn't see spending $964 for a new gun that needed work from the "get go".

With the Combat stocks, I think you did fine at $800. You never what this might lead to with the seller also . Enjoy!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Pictures would be greatly appreciated. You know it didn't happen till we seen 'em!

800 sounds pretty reasonable for a decent 629..

I just picked up this 629-1 4" at a local gunshow last week for $650 with the factory target grips.I must have really lucked out,for once.And yes,I know about the grips.The factory targets just don't work for me and these were the only spare grips I have.They are starting to grow on me,though.
Pimptastic!

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At $800, I'd be on a 5" 629-1 like a duck on a June bug. A little high for a 6", but someday you'll forget the price, it's a great gun.

$800 for a pre-lock N-frame isn't too bad. Just enjoy it.

I have a 5" Classic and love it. I'd go for it. You'll love the length, weight, accuracy and shootability.

Rachel

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Rachel
Grande Torina

You did good.

I bought some Combat stocks for my 29-5 Classic Hunter. Paid close to $ 300 for them, very hard item to find.

The 629-1 "M" I recently found at the local gun show and a 686, no dash, no "M" I found at the local gun show a couple of months ago.

If someone could help me out with the mfg date on the 629, it would be greatly appreciated. SN AVT82XX.

The incomplete list of alpha-numeric serial number prefixes in the Standard Catalog of S&W does not in AVT but it show AVB was used in 1987.

The stocks on both your revolvers are called Targets. When members here write about high value Combat stocks they are talking about the smooth wood stocks with finger grooves that CLASSIC12 posted a picture of. I find Targets uncomfortable firing standard 240 grain .44 magnum cartridges. An inexpensive set of rubber Hogue Mono-Grips make magnum cartridges enjoyable.

They look like a nice set of revolvers.

That's a neat pair Vincent! You know we believed you.