better value: 19-3 or 29-2?

[bottlerocket]

Found a 29-2 with incorrect grips (has the target grips, not cokes) with a presentation case but no papers for $650 in the 6" blued. Also found the 19-3 in 4" blued no box or docs and black grips for $400. Wife won't let me get both unfortunately. which would be the smarter buy? Its basically gonna be for fun at the range and potentially to carry hog hunting. I already have a junky little Taurus model 66 in 357 but I want to upgrade. I have always wanted to get into 44 mag though

 

[GMIL6184]

.44 Mag is a more useful caliber in my opinion. Can load it with soft recoiling .44 special for the range, or hard hitting .44 mag for shooting hogs. $600 sounds like a pretty good price for a model 29 in decent shape.

 

[H P Bushrod]

.44 Mag is a more useful caliber in my opinion. Can load it with soft recoiling .44 special for the range, or hard hitting .44 mag for shooting hogs. $600 sounds like a pretty good price for a model 29 in decent shape.

I agree. If that 29-2 is in good shape, I'd snatch that one up quickly. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

If the 29-2 is not a "S" prefix serial number gun the target grips are correct.Only the early model 29-2's came with "Cokes" And unless you reload expect to pay close to $1/rd for .44MAG ammo IF you can find it.

 

[Doug M.]

Other than your hog hunting use, I would have said the M19. For hog hunting, within your ability to tolerate recoil etc, I would go with a bigger caliber when there is a choice.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Both are fine guns, with the K frame getting the nod for range use with 38 Special ammo, while the 29-2 gets the nod for hogs.