Found a 29-3 6" at a LGS. It has pachmayr grips, what would be the correct grips ? price around $1k, reasonable ?
29-3 questions/opinions
- Thread starter pabicyclist
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Seems a bit high in today's market, IMO.
Hard to find a nice N frame without IL for less than $1k, even one that isn't P&R. Maybe negotiate a little explaining that the correct grips are going to cost $100+. Good luck.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
The original grips were Goncalo Alves target grips, with speed loader cutaway and no diamond around the screw holes.
Yeah, they'll be kinda pricey.
Why would you want them?
Everybody back then ditched those grips, often before the first trip to the range. They're blocky feeling and the machined checkering with the routed out border is not very attractive.
In a way, one could argue that rubber Pachmayr grips were the "de facto" period correct grip from the standpoint of actual usage.
S&W did offer an uncheckered presentation grip as an option at that time. They look much better and tend to have at least a modicum of contours to make them more comfortable feeling.
If you're gonna buy a factory grip, that might be a better choice?
Yeah, they'll be kinda pricey.
Why would you want them?
Everybody back then ditched those grips, often before the first trip to the range. They're blocky feeling and the machined checkering with the routed out border is not very attractive.
In a way, one could argue that rubber Pachmayr grips were the "de facto" period correct grip from the standpoint of actual usage.
S&W did offer an uncheckered presentation grip as an option at that time. They look much better and tend to have at least a modicum of contours to make them more comfortable feeling.
If you're gonna buy a factory grip, that might be a better choice?
Last edited:
OP
what's IL ? shop usually doesn't negotiate, they'll hold until it sells. i'll probably wait for a better deal to come along. Light bulb in my head just went off - IL internal lock
Last edited:
Internal Lock
This thread is a little light on -3 pictures, here's the only one I have.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
https://flic.kr/p/2qgTh9T https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
I'd have to agree, it's sounds a little high. Not pinned&recessed not original grips. Unless it's ANIB in excellent condition. Maybe.
Is it something you really really want? How often to you see one in the wild? And, prices are not going down.
Is it something you really really want? How often to you see one in the wild? And, prices are not going down.
DWalt
Member
The early -3s had wood football target grips. Later ones had the full cutout. I have seen many -3s with Pachs and Hogues. I assume they are later replacements by owners. I have an unusual Nickled 29. It is stamped 29-2 but the 2 is overstamped with a 3. It is not P&R.
Last edited:
Engine49guy
Member
Have a like new 6" Model 29-3 that shipped in January 1988, has a large right side Tm and came to me wearing football relieved target stocks, also has a purple like tint to the barrel and cylinder not the frame which I have heard was from using old blueing salts.
The 29-3 was the first revision that deleted the barrel set pin and recessed cylinder, it is also pre endurance package and pre lifetime warranty.
The 29-3 revision appears about the same time as the 586/686 but unlike the L frame 357 there are P&R previous revisions that are more desirable and post examples that are more desirable, durable with better warranty.
Imo the 29-2 is more collectable and the 29-5 , 29-6 are more durable.
Now that SW is producing a 629 Mountain gun sans iL with lifetime warranty for around $1100.00. I'd be looking at one of those instead of a 29-3 .
The 29-3 was the first revision that deleted the barrel set pin and recessed cylinder, it is also pre endurance package and pre lifetime warranty.
The 29-3 revision appears about the same time as the 586/686 but unlike the L frame 357 there are P&R previous revisions that are more desirable and post examples that are more desirable, durable with better warranty.
Imo the 29-2 is more collectable and the 29-5 , 29-6 are more durable.
Now that SW is producing a 629 Mountain gun sans iL with lifetime warranty for around $1100.00. I'd be looking at one of those instead of a 29-3 .
Early 29-3's had Goncalo Alves football cut target stocks, later production 29-3's had speed loader cut target stocks. Either of these style of stocks will cost you $100-$200 today, so this particular 29-3 should be valued accordingly. If this Model 29-3 has the factory nickel finish, then $1000 is reasonable, but if blued, it's about $100 over valued.
Regarding the "-3" N-frames, it's easy to get carried away with criticism.
Keep in mind that this is the same timeframe when S&W made the 24-3 .44 Special limited run (7,500 total pcs in 6.5" & 4") and the Lew Horton 24-3 3" .44 Special. These are very desirable, some may even say collectible.
We also got the 29-3 Silhouette with 10" barrel, the 624, and the introduction of the 586/686 L-frame.
There's plenty of really great guns that were made during this period. And, in regard to finishes, S&W was still offering a very nice nickel finish.
Keep in mind that this is the same timeframe when S&W made the 24-3 .44 Special limited run (7,500 total pcs in 6.5" & 4") and the Lew Horton 24-3 3" .44 Special. These are very desirable, some may even say collectible.
We also got the 29-3 Silhouette with 10" barrel, the 624, and the introduction of the 586/686 L-frame.
There's plenty of really great guns that were made during this period. And, in regard to finishes, S&W was still offering a very nice nickel finish.
Although I'm primarily a P&R guy (Model 29-2 and previous), the Model 29-3 is a very nice revolver with great fit and finish that was introduced in 1982. There may be a slight premium if it has an N-prefix s/n (changed to triple-alpha s/n's in 1983), but I agree with other Forum members that the revolver you're looking at, without original GA stocks, is probably priced a little high...more like $900. Condition is very important, and the "SCSW 5th Ed." quotes $750 for VG condition and $1100 in Exc. condition. If the lgs won't haggle, walk away. There are plenty of 29-3s available. Good luck!
- Joined
- May 6, 2009
- Messages
- 2,914
- Reaction score
- 4,164
I had a 27-3 4" that was a great shooting gun and had a trigger just as good as all the 27-2s I had (in all the various barrel lengths). But that price does seem a bit high. I just bought a 4" 29-2 nickel with presentation case and tools for $1,200.
My 29-3 (Classic Hunter), came with these grips. I believe are Hogue, and are factory correct.
cherrypointmarine
Member
Here's my -3 Silhouette . I don't reload , so I shoot factory loads . Have to agree , those grips aren't pain free when shooting hot loads . I paid more than the op is talking about , but then mine was nib and it's a Silhouette .
That's what I get for posting late at night . All I saw was a long barrel and thought it was my 29-3 Silhouette .
That's what I get for posting late at night . All I saw was a long barrel and thought it was my 29-3 Silhouette .
Attachments
Last edited:
The one in the picture does not have the silhouette adjustable front sights and it has a pinned barrel. It looks like an 8-3/8". If it's a dash 3, does it have a N serial number prefix?
Ummmm... and chambered in 38 S&W Special? That's a nice looking Model 14 you posted.
lppd4
Member
Alton
Member
Two different guns, second picture is the 10 5/8"
Similar threads
- Locked
Sold/Withdrawn
For Sale: S&W Complete Tool Kits 44 cal. for 3" snubs...
