Model 29-2 4" in Nickel - Have a question.

[dutcher987]

I want a 4" model 29, but they are hard to find in blue. However, I found one in nickel - appears to be in great shape maybe 98% or better. In looking at S&W's Standard Catalog, it states that there is a slight premium for nickel. Is that true over a blued gun? What would be a good value for a model 29-2 4" with a nickel finish? This would be my first nickel plated gun. Does the finish hold up good? Do you have to treat the gun a little different?

Thanks.

 

[dutcher987]

I want a 4" model 29, but they are hard to find in blue. However, I found one in nickel - appears to be in great shape maybe 98% or better. In looking at S&W's Standard Catalog, it states that there is a slight premium for nickel. Is that true over a blued gun? What would be a good value for a model 29-2 4" with a nickel finish? This would be my first nickel plated gun. Does the finish hold up good? Do you have to treat the gun a little different?

Thanks.

 

[gunnut44]

Around me a 4" 44 in the shape you describe would go for $700-$800, does it have the pres. box and papers? If so it would be near the $800 range, there is a slight premium for nickel but in my experience it is not enough to talk about, 4" N frames are the most desirable out of all the barrel lengths, I see alot more 6"&8 3/8" so if your looking for a 4"er don't wait too long as someone will snatch it up quickly. Good luck!

 

[max]

Almost all of my Smiths are nickel and it holds up just fine. I would not hesitate if it is something that you want.

 

[tbury]

Nickel is the pre-Stainless rust proof finish. As long as the surface in intact it is superior to blue. If you keep your blue guns rust free, a nickel gun should last you forever. However, if the finish is scratched down to the steel rust will cause a flaking problem.

 

[fyimo]

I'd never owned a nickel finished gun until a few months ago and I now have several and I will say a nickel gun in excellent shape is a beautiful sight to behold. When they are clean and have a wax polish on them they are just stunning.
People either love them or hate them
Nickel 27-2 with 6 inch barrel unfired

 

[buckeyeshooter]

My preference has always been nickel. It wears much better than blue, is more difficult to scratch and looks great. I would pay an extra $100. for the finish on a 4 inch 29. They are very rarely seen for sale.

 

[GF]

I agree with the other posters on nickel durability.
And I know what you mean on "hard to find". I've been on the hunt for a 4in nickel Mod 29 for three years! I found one with another two Mod 29-2's in a span of three weeks.

So if you got one treed - you'd better bark.

 

[tomhenry]

Isn't nickel somewhat prone to discoloration and/or flaking?

And, isn't there a warning on Hoppes #9 that you're not supposed to use that product on a nickel finish?

If the above is true, then I assume you need to look closely at the finish before you buy.

And don't leave Hoppes on it after you clean it.

 

[pharmer]

Any cleaner with ammonia is bad juju for nickel. Joe

 

[dutcher987]

Originally posted by pharmer:
Any cleaner with ammonia is bad juju for nickel. Joe

Good to know. However, what about frequency of use? Will one application of a cleaner with ammonia be bad? What about several applications? Or maybe a dozen applications? Is there a difference?

 

[phils]

Earlier the prices for M29s were the same for nickle or blue.
I owned a nickle M29 4" for a few years and liked it. It did show some scratches however.
Don't leave Hoppes #9 on it for long and wipe any blood off of it fast.
Funny story on mine:
I am left handed and the guy I sold it to called me up complaining of getting hit with powder residue on his face.
He is right handed and it seems the forcing cone was not beveled on the left side so it blew past my left ear.

 

[Landpimp]

over at my Land Cruiser forum a guy is selling a 29-3 4" nickle for $750
http://forum.ih8mud.com/mud-ba...w-29-3-4-44-mag.html

 

[Hoot]

Originally posted by dutcher987:

Originally posted by pharmer:
Any cleaner with ammonia is bad juju for nickel. Joe

Good to know. However, what about frequency of use? Will one application of a cleaner with ammonia be bad? What about several applications? Or maybe a dozen applications? Is there a difference?

I'm not sure how much Hoppes #9 (or any ammonia based cleaner) it takes to hurt the finish. It depends on a number of factors. I won't use it at all on a nickel gun, although I have in the past, before I knew. Never hurt my guns, but I never soaked them in Hoppes. As long as you dry it off completely, there shouldn't be a problem. Getting the stuff out of some of the little nicks and crannies might be problematical though.

There are better cleaners available. I use EEZOX, wipe it all off before it dries, and then Renaissance Wax.

Works fine lasts a long time.

 

[check123]

I have had a few nickle guns. Currently my only Smith nickle is a 29-2. I used to hear from guys that know more than me that Hoppes #9 is a no-no for nickle.

S&W nickle is very good stuff. If I remember correctly, there are three coats of plating. Copper, chrome, I think, and the final coat is nickle.

My gun was left in the presentation case by the previous owner and was unfired. The blue fuzz in the box slightly effected one of the grips, but hardly noticeable. I put Ahrends on it anyway, and the rest of the gun was perfect.

The best part? I grabbed the seller as he was going into the gun show and he only wanted $300. That was about 1995. Its is one of the sweetest shooting guns I own. Congratulatons!