Asking your thoughts on a four-screw Pre-29

[DCWilson]

I saw a four-screw pre-29 today, S172xxx, 6.5 inch barrel, about 95-97%. Cokes. Red ramp front and W/O rear. No box/case or tools. Asking price was $1399, but at this store $100-200 sometimes comes off a price in that range.

My gun advisory angel wasn't saying anything to me at the time, so I left it there. Now that I'm home, the angel is saying, "Should have looked at that one a little closer."

Did I miss the boat ? I don't have a Pre-29 yet and have sort of programmed myself to think in terms of a five-screw. But I have nothing against a four-screw gun.

Thoughts, please. The store is 150 miles away, but I can call and get them to put it aside for me until I can get back there.

 

[headwaters]

Wow, you're asking us? This is supposed to work the other way around. Is everyone else as intimidated at the prospect of this opportunity as I am?

I don't have a pre-29, I only buy shooters, and this one is too rich for my blood, so who cares what I think. But if you have questioned your decision to walk away, maybe you ought to take the cash with you, go fondle the gun, then fondle the cash; it'll work itself out. That always works for me.

Upon mature reflection, you have way too much cool stuff to buy something this incomplete. Stay home, have a drink, go look at all the cool stuff you already have.

You should probably ignore all of the above as well.

 

[Hondo44]

David,

I wouldn't pass on that one. (Easy for me to say, I like spending other people's money on guns for them.)

My son just let go of one almost identical, 97-98%; but it was a Mod 29 no dash, S198982 and with box and tools. It sold for $2000 just like that! Also here in CA, and that of course has something to do with it. But I just don't find them for $1400 and w/the potential for a $100 or so off of that.

 

[CptCurl]

David if you don't want it I do.

 

[4-Screw]

Dave, I would offer $1199. If they do not take it, meet them in the middle at $1299. At $1399, you will not get get hurt, but you are in the range of what this gun is worth in that condition...providing it was not sent back to the factory for anything in it's life.

For me, there is a big difference between 95% and 97%. It is definitely a gun you can shoot. If you decide to put a package together, a correct box with tools can set you back close to $500. Some can be had cheaper, so let's say $400. Are the Cokes near mint? If not, $100-$150 to restore them, and restored Cokes are not worth the premium as untouched examples.

Between the gun $1300, the box and tools $400, the gas, driving time, taxes/fees etc, you are close to $2K. So, as I said, you are in the neighborhood of what that gun is worth. If you really want it, buy it. If you pass on it, another one will pop up just like it.

I hope that helps.

 

[lowhog]

David ,I have a total of 1625.00 in this 29 no dash with box and tools. A 29 no dash sold a bit ago on gb for $2100.00 plus.If I remember correctly it had a few more handling marks than this one pictured.I say you should Go buy it!

 

[DCWilson]

Thanks all. I am completely comfortable making fast decisions about I-frames, K-frames, and some N-frames. But for some reason I have just never developed a comfort zone about .44 Magnums. I have been routinely surprised by the prices they bring, either above or below what I naively assumed was a proper value.

I'll call back today and see if I can make a deal.

 

[twaits]

Sounds like a decent deal to me. My Father has a friend that he has known for about 50 years or so that has one he bought in 1956. My Dad asked him if he wanted to sell it about a month too late
He said he promised some dealer he could have first refusal.

 

[srsmyth]

David, I have one in probably lesser condition that was fewer dollars than what you are describing and I have a very nice one with the case and tools that was a fair amount more. I think you should investigate your options to purchase.
Once you get one you can always be on the lookout for a nicer specimen. ( I think that is how this works).

Steve

 

[bettis1]

David,

I am like you in that I am a little out of my depth in assessing the value of the M29 and predecessor. The nearest I can come to your situation is a 4" Pre-29 (S170xxx) in about 98+%. It was a part of a two gun package I acquired in Dec. 2009 and I attributed it's portion of the price to be $1200. It was missing the box but I found the proper black box, absent the insert, at SWCA Orlando and Joe Cebell did a beautiful job on making the insert. I had the proper tools, so I am about at $1500-1600 in it now and I am very happy.

Bob

 

[DHENRY]

David,
IMHO that price-range is just about right.
You certainly won't get hurt, and remember...
The 44 Magnum is getting harder to find in nice condition.
Don

 

[Marshal Tom]

David, I would purchase it at that price. I think it is in the ballpark and you do not see 4 screws all that often. I have a 4 screw in 4" that I got for considerably less than that a couple of years ago at a local gun show but I lucked out at $650. I would say that the 4" guns would generally bring more money than the 6.5" but what do I know.

Tom

 

[Nightowl]

David: If I recall correctly, they were technically only made for about 9 months or so between the time the order was written to abandon the top screw, until the order to model stamp new guns. Implementing the 4 screw frame took several months, so I would think that the there are many fewer four screw pre 29's than one might imagine. Sounds like a deal to me.
Did you get it?

 

[DCWilson]

Richard, I agree with your assessment. Four-screw pre-anythings are relatively uncommon.

I'm in second position. There is a hold on it now, but if that falls through I can have it.