29-2 vs 629 as far as value is concerned

[drhenzler]

Anyone care to air their thoughts regarding the value of the 29-2 with it's pinned barrel, recessed cylinder vs the model 629.

The 629 lacks pinning, and recessed cyl, but is nonetheless a great shooter. Most accurate 44 mag I have. Can shoot X rings consistently with it.

I'm reluctant to let it go unless I can get a reasonable price. But it seems it may never reach the values of the 29-2.

What a delemma !

 

[Notime2]

Your missing the 629-0 to compare it to the 29-2.

Both Pinned & Recessed.

Notime2

 

[JT]

Don't know what dash 629 you have or the barrel length of your 29-2. But I can assure you that you will regret getting rid of either. What would compel you to sell a such a desired gun anyway?

I would save the 29-2 as a trophy gun (light use) and shoot the bejeez out of the 629.

 

[TDC]

Drhenzler,

As "No time 2" and "JT" have stated, much depends on what dash the 629 has. A relatively short run of 629s were made just as S&W was eliminating pinned barrels and recessed cylinders...

They are among the most sought after modern S&W revolvers by collectors today. The dash one and later 629s don't commonly generate the interest the first stainless steel "N" frame 629-0s have. If you have one you have some mighty fine trading material for just about any S&W.

The legendary Model 29-2's are also in a class all there own. Dirty Harry is still seen frequently on TV and for decades has created an image few other handguns have matched. They are beautiful to look at and among the smoothest 44 Mags to shoot.

You appear to have two very collectible handguns. So much depends on the condition of each that it's difficult to make any kind of appraisal without seeing pictures... Post some pictures here and I'm sure you'll receive some opinions from others....

 

[fyimo]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 629 that isn't pinned and recessed especially if it shoots the way way you say yours does. Don't sell it because yiou got a great shooter.

 

[drhenzler]

Thanks guys, that's great to hear! I was unsure about it's value. I was also unaware of the 629-0 or just a 629. I bought this almost as soon as they were in the stores. Perhaps just unlucky enough to get a newer one...

BTW it just loves the Lyman 429215 gas check bullet. I loaded it with 18gr of 630P. Nice but not max... Now I'm going to have to use Blue Dot... can't find 630P any more.

Mine has the smooth trigger. Didn't like that much. But when I shot it... I got over it right away.

I have 3 other S&W 29-2's Two pristine blue, and one unfired presentation cased nickel.

I also have a couple of the 25-5's one my original purchase, and one just purchased recently.. both of the same vintage...

And a model 58 unfired... which I wanted for over 35 years. Too bad I waited so long to pick one up... the price was high!

Thanks again... I'll keep my eyes out for a 629 P&R now... maybe luck will bring me one.

Regards

David

 

[drhenzler]

See what you think of these...

It's all original... probably fired less than 500 rounds of hard cast lead. No jacketed.

D

 

[borntoraisehogs]

Value?

The dollar value questions are confusing. The gun's highest value is to be used as a shooter. I have been sorry ever time I have ever sold a gun. I thought that "good investment" "holds it value" stuff was just something people tell their wives.
This 629 is not junk.

Look no P, no R, even had the dredded round butt, now cured
by Kurac.

 

[drhenzler]

Holding it's value

I look at it this way... if a gun increases in value to the same extent as Gold, it's holding it's value. Gold always has the same value... It's the dollar or other currency that fluctuates. So if your S&W or SAKO goes up as the price of gold, then you're ok.

As well there is the availability (supply & demand) thing, and popularity... that's why you can buy some S&W's for a lot less than others.. they're all made from the same materials (more or less) so value differences are brought on by features or quality differences from other pieces.

I've had guns that didn't do anything for years, and in fact declined in value... then two more years go by and they jump to new highs. Seemed the model 25-5 was in that category for a few years, now they are keeping up with the other N frames.

I've grown a new appreciation for the older S&W's from the craftsmanship standpoint. They have light trigger pulls, and are fine shooters. Unfortunately many were holstered because in the day they were sold, people bought holsters, and kept their gun in it... (bad idea) Luckily my Elmer was one that didn't believe in that and warned me of the dangers of cheap leather. I have him to thank for many fine looking revolvers without muzzle wear or frame wear from a $10 holster.

By the way I think S&W made a huge mistake by introducing the "Classic" series guns. These wannabe's are never going to be worth what their older counterparts bring, and the quality is just lacking. There are plenty of other good choices, that are not simply mutient clones of the past... If S&W wants to make a Classic, then bring out the same identical piece, with the same grips, and all the pinned and recessed stuff, and let the price be what is needed. Then you indeed have a "Classic".


One reporters opinion....

David

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I'm suprised that fyimo didn't post pics of his trifecta. He has all three barrel lengths. The 4" is hardest to come by, followed by the 8 3/8", and finally the 6".

There are also the transitional guns that are pinned, but not recessed, and recessed but not pinned. I know where there is both an 8 3/8", and a 6" recessed but not pinned gun sitting, both in the presentation case.

Here's my 6"-